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- Tasks: Design cutting-edge data architecture and lead AI integration for finance transformation.
- Company: Join Unity Advisory, a modern CFO advisory firm backed by Warburg Pincus.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape AI-driven advisory services.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI in finance and make a real impact on businesses.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in data architecture with expertise in cloud platforms and finance systems.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-scaling environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About Unity Advisory
Unity Advisory is a next-generation CFO advisory firm, launched in 2025 with the backing of Warburg Pincus and up to $300 million in committed funding. We are building a modern alternative to the Big Firms — agile, partner-led and technology-powered. We work with private equity-backed and upper mid-market businesses (typically £150m–£1.5bn revenue) across the full CFO agenda — finance operations, tax, deals, digital transformation and deal readiness. We do not provide audit services, allowing us to remain independent and fully outcome-focused. AI and data are embedded into how we operate and deliver. We are AI-born, not AI-retrofitted.
The Role
We are seeking a senior, commercially astute Data Architect to play a foundational role in designing Unity Advisory’s AI-native data architecture — first internally, then externally with clients. This role will evolve in two deliberate phases:
- Phase 1 – Internal Architecture & Platform Design
- You will help design and establish Unity’s internal data and AI architecture — defining standards, governance and scalable design patterns that underpin our advisory model.
- Phase 2 – Client-Facing Data & AI Advisory
- Once foundations are established, you will transition into a client-facing role, helping CFOs architect modern, AI-ready data environments that enable finance transformation, automation and deal value creation.
This is a rare opportunity to design a modern advisory data architecture from first principles — and then take it to market.
Phase 1 - Internal Data & AI Architecture (Foundational Build)
In the initial phase, your focus will be internal — shaping the architectural backbone that supports Unity’s product, AI and advisory ambitions.
What You’ll Do Internally
- Define Unity’s Enterprise Data Architecture
- Design our target-state, AI-ready data architecture.
- Establish architectural principles across:
- Structured and unstructured data
- Snowflake-centric analytical environments
- Vector and retrieval layers
- AI interaction patterns
- Define scalable, secure integration patterns across systems.
- Design semantic models and governed data layers that support:
- LLM-powered extraction and reasoning
- Internal knowledge systems
- AI copilots and workflow automation
- Establish enterprise data governance frameworks.
- Embed quality, lineage and auditability into architecture.
- Define privacy-aware, compliance-aligned design standards appropriate for sensitive advisory environments.
- Ensure AI systems are grounded in trusted data.
- Develop reference architectures and patterns that can be reused in client engagements.
- Codify best practice across finance data integration and AI enablement.
- Help shape Unity’s long-term product roadmap from an architectural perspective.
This phase is about building credibility, clarity and architectural maturity internally before taking it to market.
Phase 2: Client-Facing Data Architecture & Advisory Leadership
As Unity scales and our internal platform matures, you will increasingly operate externally with clients.
What You’ll Do with Clients
- Architect Modern CFO Data Environments
- Design target-state data architectures for finance transformation.
- Support ERP, FP&A, BI and consolidation integration programmes.
- Develop scalable models supporting:
- CFO dashboards
- Performance analytics
- Cash and working capital insight
- Tax and compliance reporting
- Design AI-ready data platforms that support:
- Text2SQL and automated reporting
- Intelligent document extraction
- AI-assisted forecasting
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) use cases
- Architect data environments for:
- Financial due diligence
- Carve-outs and integrations
- Post-deal reporting and synergy tracking
- Engage directly with CFOs, CIOs and PE stakeholders.
- Translate architectural decisions into commercial outcomes.
- Support proposals and shape data strategy components of engagements.
- Strengthen Unity’s external credibility in AI-enabled CFO advisory.
What You Bring
- Data Architecture Expertise
- 8+ years’ experience in enterprise data architecture or modern cloud data platforms.
- Proven experience designing cloud-native data environments (e.g. Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery or equivalent).
- Deep expertise in:
- Data modelling and semantic layers
- Governance and operating models
- Data integration patterns
- Structured and unstructured data environments
- Experience designing AI-ready architectures that support LLM or RAG-based systems.
- Strong familiarity with finance systems and processes (ERP, FP&A, reporting, tax or deal environments).
- Ability to connect architecture decisions to CFO-level commercial priorities.
- Comfortable operating in advisory or transformation contexts.
- Strong commercial judgement — understands trade-offs between speed, cost and scalability.
- Practical understanding of how LLMs interact with enterprise data.
- Familiarity with embeddings, semantic search and hybrid retrieval concepts.
- Appreciation of AI risks, grounding strategies and evaluation considerations.
- Ability to balance experimentation with governance.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-scaling, high-accountability environment.
- Clear communicator able to translate complex architecture into business language.
- Collaborative and aligned with Unity’s values: Straightforward, Commercial, Open, Experimental, Team-First.
Why This Role Matters
Unity’s long-term strategy is to progressively shift value creation from linear advisory effort to repeatable, technology-enabled delivery. This role sits at the centre of that ambition. By first building Unity’s internal architectural foundations, then taking those capabilities to clients, you will help us:
- Embed AI into how CFO advisory is delivered
- Create scalable, governed data environments
- Improve consistency and quality across engagements
- Support recurring and product-led revenue
- Establish Unity as the leading independent, technology-enabled CFO advisory firm in our segment
This is not a maintenance role. It is a build-and-scale role with visible strategic impact.
Working at Unity Advisory
A truly hybrid and flexible working environment. We offer the opportunity to be at the forefront of AI-driven advisory services. You’ll be part of a high-impact finance function, empowered to shape how we scale our systems and processes. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing business and accelerate your finance career.
Additional Information
At Unity Advisory, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we will accommodate any suitable candidate requiring assistance to attend or conduct an interview. If you need any adjustments or support, please let us know when either scheduling your interview or in your application cover letter. We are dedicated to ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and are here to support you throughout the process.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept unsolicited CVs from third-party agencies.
Data Architect in London employer: Unity Advisory
Contact Detail:
Unity Advisory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and tech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your data architecture projects. Use platforms like GitHub to share your work. This gives employers a taste of what you can do before they even meet you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Unity Advisory and its approach to AI and data. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Unity Advisory’s exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Architect role. Highlight your experience with cloud-native data environments and AI-ready architectures. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about Unity Advisory and how your background in data architecture can help us build our AI-native data systems. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, don’t hold back! Share examples that demonstrate your expertise in data modelling, governance, and AI integration. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unity Advisory
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of data architecture, especially around AI-ready environments. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud-native platforms like Snowflake and Databricks, as well as governance frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for Unity Advisory.
✨Connect with the CFO Agenda
Understand the financial systems and processes relevant to the role, such as ERP and FP&A. Be prepared to discuss how your architectural decisions can drive commercial outcomes for CFOs. This will demonstrate your ability to align technical solutions with business needs, which is crucial for this position.
✨Showcase Your AI Awareness
Familiarise yourself with how LLMs interact with enterprise data and be ready to discuss AI risks and grounding strategies. Highlight any experience you have with AI integration in data environments. This will help you stand out as someone who can embed AI into advisory services effectively.
✨Be Ready for Collaborative Discussions
Unity values a team-first approach, so prepare to discuss how you’ve worked collaboratively in past roles. Think of examples where you’ve engaged with stakeholders or led teams to achieve architectural goals. This will illustrate your leadership skills and cultural alignment with Unity’s values.