Senior Manager - Data, AI & Analytics

Grant Thornton LLP; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm is seeking a Senior Manager with expertise in data, AI, and analytics to oversee audit engagements. This role focuses on managing client relationships and ensuring compliance with data standards while supporting business development efforts. The firm offers hybrid working options and values an inclusive culture that allows employees to pursue their passions. Candidates should have a relevant professional qualification and experience with data analytics tools.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a professional designation such as CISA or ACA.
• Experience scoping and delivering internal audits.
• Familiarity with AI and data governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead client engagements in data, AI, and analytics.
• Oversee audit planning and fieldwork.
• Manage financial relationships with clients.

Skills

Data management

AI Assurance

Data analytics

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Education

Professional qualification (CISA, ACA, ACCA, etc.)

Tools

Alteryx

Power BI

SQL

Python

Tableau

Job description

Overview

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. 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.

Role and Location

Job Description:

• Business Risk Services, Senior Manager, Data, AI & Analytics Services
• London, Sheffield, Birmingham or Manchester + hybrid working

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.

Responsibilities

• 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 BRS team provides clients with support on their internal audit and technology risk (second line) functions, through tailored, flexible and cost-effective solutions, 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.
• The Data, AI & Analytics Internal Audit Lead 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 providing specialized services in data management, AI Assurance and data analytics audits, and acts as an SME on a wide range of client engagements including designing, assuring, and auditing compliance, AI and data standards across organisations. You will also support the automation of internal audit processes, provide expert approaches, and drive efficiencies within the data audit function through use of AI and analytics.
• The role demands a proactive, self-motivated individual with strong communication skills and the ability to forge and maintain strong relationships. The successful candidate will be instrumental in growing the function and significantly contributing to business revenue and sales.
• We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares; we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

Role Outline

A look into the role

• Lead client engagements on data, AI and analytics internal audit / risk / governance, and manage a portfolio and relationships with clients.
• Lead on planning conversations with clients, and in the preparation of draft terms of reference/audit planning documents.
• Provide subject matter expert input into engagements and oversee fieldwork performed by more junior team members, ensuring all work is performed in accordance with Grant Thornton methodologies, testing is sufficient and appropriate, and evidence to support key decisions has been obtained.
• Present 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.
• Support business development activities such as presenting at events, webinars, networking, winning new clients and upselling services to existing clients.
• Support the creation of new services and propositions, ensuring the practice remains aligned with client and colleagues’ demand, industry standards, legal developments and technological developments.

Knowledge and Experience

• Joining as a Senior Manager (with a focus on data, AI and analytics), the minimum criteria you'll need is a professional qualification (CISA, AAIA, ACA, CA, ACCA, IIA etc.) with post-qualification experience, and to be confident managing large and complex engagements.
• Experience with using data platforms, programming languages and AI tools (e.g., Alteryx, Knime, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Tableau, Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Informatica, Microsoft Copilot, Python and SQL) to deliver practical and impactful analytics assurances and solutions.
• Familiar with accounting systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics etc.
• 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 presenting conclusions to relevant stakeholders.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Data Governance and AI Risk Management industry frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience of building extensive and active networks across geographical regions and client organisations.

Knowing you’re right for us

• 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. We are building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues to help our people perform at their best 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. 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. We’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles to help balance work and life.
• The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job, including secondments, fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world. It’s driven by 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—doing what’s right for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.