Data & AI Associate Director

Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we're on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description:

Job Overview 

• BRS Associate Director, Data, AI & Analytics Services  

• London + hybrid working 

Job Description: 

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.   

• Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.  

• Our Business Risk Services (BRS) practice focuses on helping organisations manage risk, improve operational processes and realise strategic objectives. Our team brings together a range of skills and experience across sector specialisms. Our BRS team, provide clients with support on their internal audit and technology risk (second line) functions, through the provision of tailored, flexible and cost-effective solutions, that provide access to industry best practice methodology, value add insights and subject matter experts. Our BRS team focuses on clients in the FTSE 100 and international large and complex corporates, with a particular focus on Financial Services - including banking, insurance, and asset management. 

• The Data, AI & Analytics Associate Director is a pivotal role within BRS. Our team provides audit, assurance and advisory services to Grant Thornton clients in the UK and internationally. We help clients across a range of sectors to meet their data & AI obligations and drive efficiencies using data analytics and AI by providing practical, proportionate, business-relevant advice, assurance and audit services.  

• This role is responsible for leading and delivering specialist services in data governance, AI governance, AI model testing, and data analytics audits across Financial Services clients. As an Associate Director, you will act as a recognised subject matter expert across client engagements, including designing, assuring, and auditing compliance with AI and data standards. You will drive the development of the firm's data and AI assurance proposition, lead complex client relationships, and mentor and develop junior team members. You will also champion the automation of internal audit processes, providing expert approaches and driving efficiencies through use of AI and analytics.  

• The role demands a senior, commercially minded individual with outstanding communication skills, the gravitas to engage at board and C-suite level, and the ability to build and sustain influential relationships. The successful candidate will play a leading role in growing the Data, AI & Analytics practice, driving revenue, shaping go-to-market strategy, and representing Grant Thornton externally in the Financial Services market.  

• We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.  

A look into the role   

As an Associate Director within BRS, you will:  

• Own and lead complex client engagements across data governance, AI governance, AI model testing, and analytics internal audit / risk within Financial Services, managing a significant portfolio of client relationships at senior stakeholder level. 

• Lead strategic planning conversations with senior client stakeholders and audit committees, and oversee the preparation of terms of reference, audit plans, and engagement frameworks. 

• Act as the firm's subject matter expert in data governance, AI governance, AI model testing, and data analytics- providing authoritative input into engagements, overseeing fieldwork performed by junior and mid-level team members, and ensuring all work is performed in accordance with Grant Thornton methodologies, with sufficient and appropriate testing and evidence to support key decisions. 

• Presenting reports and findings to client stakeholders. 

• Assist with the financial management of client relationships, including monitoring WIP, raising invoices, ensuring an adequate margin is achieved on engagements, and preparing budgets. 

• Lead business development activities across the Financial Services market- including presenting at industry events and conferences, building networks with senior FS stakeholders, developing propositions, and winning new clients and expanding existing relationships. 

• Lead the creation and commercialisation of new services and propositions in data governance, AI governance, and AI model testing, ensuring the practice remains at the forefront of client demand, regulatory developments (including FCA/PRA expectations), industry standards, and technological change. 

Knowing you’re right for us   

• Joining us as an Associate Director (with a focus on data, AI and analytics), the minimum criteria you’ll need is an ACA qualification, equivalent internal audit (IIA/CMIIA), or IT or AI audit qualification (such as CISA/AAIA), with substantial post-qualification experience in a Financial Services environment, and a proven track record of leading large and complex engagements at senior level. Deep expertise in data governance, data analytics and AI, AI governance, and AI model testing is essential. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way. 

• Significant experience working within or advising Financial Services organisations (banking, insurance, asset management, or capital markets), with an understanding of relevant regulatory requirements including FCA/PRA expectations on data and AI. 

• Experience with using data platforms, programming languages and AI tools, such as Alteryx, Knime, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Tableau, Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Informatica, Claude, Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, Python and SQL among others, to deliver practical and impactful analytics assurances and solutions.   

• Experience of implementing and refining data and AI analytics tools to automate internal audit processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.  

• Experience of scoping, delivering, and reporting on internal audits, and in presenting conclusions to relevant stakeholders. 

• Deep expertise in data governance frameworks (e.g. DAMA DMBOK, DCAM) and AI governance, model risk management, and AI model testing and validation methodologies, including familiarity with emerging regulatory and industry standards (e.g. EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, PRA SS1/23, SR 11-7). 

• Experience of building extensive and active networks across geographical regions and client organisations. 

Knowing we’re right for you  

• Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone.  Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.  

•  Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.  

Beyond the job    

• Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.  

• The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.  

• We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.  

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