Data & AI Associate Director

Salary: £31,000 - 71,000 per year

Requirements:

• ACA qualification, equivalent internal audit (IIA/CMIIA), or IT or AI audit qualification such as CISA/AAIA
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a Financial Services environment
• 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
• Significant experience working within or advising Financial Services organisations, including banking, insurance, asset management, or capital markets
• Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements, including FCA/PRA expectations on data and AI
• Experience 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
• Experience implementing and refining data and AI analytics tools to automate internal audit processes
• Experience of scoping, delivering, and reporting on internal audits, and presenting conclusions to relevant stakeholders
• Deep expertise in data governance frameworks such as DAMA DMBOK and DCAM, and AI governance, model risk management, and AI model testing and validation methodologies
• Familiarity with emerging regulatory and industry standards such as the EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, PRA SS1/23, and SR 11-7
• Experience building extensive and active networks across geographical regions and client organisations

Responsibilities:

• Own and lead complex client engagements across data governance, AI governance, AI model testing, and analytics internal audit and 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 our 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 work is performed in accordance with our methodologies with sufficient testing and evidence
• 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
• 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 our practice remains at the forefront of client demand, regulatory developments, industry standards, and technological change
• Mentor and develop junior team members
• Champion the automation of internal audit processes and drive efficiencies through the use of AI and analytics

Technologies:

• AI
• Alteryx
• Copilot
• Databricks
• Fabric
• Informatica
• Power BI
• Python
• SQL
• Snowflake
• Tableau
• Support
• Spark

More:

At Grant Thornton, we do things differently, driving ambitious growth and positive change through audit, tax and advisory services. We empower our clients through strategic insight, curiosity and genuine partnership, and we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work-life balance. Our Business Risk Services team supports organisations in managing risk, improving operational processes and achieving strategic objectives, with a focus on FTSE 100 and international large and complex corporates, particularly in Financial Services. This Associate Director role is based in London with hybrid working, and we are open to flexible working, reduced hours and job shares. We offer an open, accessible culture where your individuality is valued, and where you can contribute to meaningful work that gives back to society.

last updated 34 week of 2026