Data & AI Associate Director

Join Grant Thornton as a Data & AI Associate Director, where you will lead and deliver specialist services in data governance, AI governance, AI model testing, and data analytics audits across Financial Services clients. You will act as a subject matter expert, drive the development of the firm's data and AI assurance proposition, and mentor junior team members. This role requires a senior, commercially minded individual with outstanding communication skills and the ability to build and sustain influential relationships.

• Lead and deliver specialist services in data governance, AI governance, AI model testing, and data analytics audits across Financial Services clients.
• Act as a recognised subject matter expert across client engagements, including designing, assuring, and auditing compliance with AI and data standards.
• Drive the development of the firm's data and AI assurance proposition, lead complex client relationships, and mentor and develop junior team members.
• 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
• 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
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• Deep expertise in data governance frameworks (e
• 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
• Deep expertise in data governance, data analytics and AI, AI governance, and AI model testing is essential
• Experience of implementing and refining data and AI analytics tools to automate internal audit processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy
• 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
• Experience of scoping, delivering, and reporting on internal audits, and in presenting conclusions to relevant stakeholders
• 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
• 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