Audit Data & Innovation Lead

Sumer is a fast-growing professional services firm dedicated to championing small and medium businesses and helping communities prosper across the UK and Ireland. Our AuditCo business is building the UK & Ireland’s foremost provider of high-quality audit for SMEs. With a rapidly evolving technology stack and increasing standardisation across our audit platforms, we are entering a new phase where data, automation and AI will fundamentally shape how audit is delivered. We are looking for an Audit Data & Innovation Lead to play a central role in transforming the way audit is performed across Sumer. This is a strategy and hands-on role focused on: Building and evolving our audit technology and data ecosystem Unlocking and delivering value from standardised audit data Driving effective and efficient automation and AI innovation Embedding scalable, data-led audit approaches across the firm You will work closely with the Head of Audit Quality and Strategy Implementation, as well as IT, audit leadership and operational teams to develop practical solutions that improve audit quality, consistency and efficiency. This role offers high visibility and genuine opportunity to shape the future of audit within a growing organisation. Key Responsibilities In this role, you will combine strategy, innovation and practical delivery. Your responsibilities will include: Audit Data & Innovation Strategy Lead the development and implementation of Sumer’s firmwide audit data, and innovation strategy. Identify how standardised audit data can be leveraged to improve audit quality, insight and operational performance. Support integrated, automated monitoring of KPIs through the design of the integration of existing dashboards and reporting solutions (e.g. audit quality indicators and adoption metrics) to monitor adoption. Work with the wider audit quality team to ensure training relevant to automation meets the evolving needs of our auditors. Automation & AI Innovation Identify and develop tools and solutions that deliver real value, maintaining and prioritising a back-log in a way that maximises benefits. Drive continuous improvement through automation, helping teams reduce manual effort, increase consistency and focus on areas of professional judgement. Lead pilots and rollout of AI and automation solutions, including low-code tools and workflow automation platforms. Help drive a culture of innovation within Sumer, delivering initiatives that bring our auditors on the transformation journey. Technology Integration & Data Connectivity Work closely with IT and audit teams to design and implement integrations across audit systems and tooling that support automation. Build and harness API-driven solutions to improve data extraction, transformation and analysis. Set up and test new data connections and workflows, taking innovative solutions through review and implementation. Governance & Delivery Support the development of governance frameworks for AI and automation within audit, ensuring alignment with policy, regulation and best practice. Exercise judgement to ensure solutions put in place manage risk and traceability depending on the output. Translate innovation concepts into scalable solutions embedded into day-to-day audit workflows. Engage and influence stakeholders across audit, IT and leadership to drive adoption and successful delivery. Continuously assess emerging technologies and identify opportunities to enhance audit quality and efficiency. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise We’re looking for someone who is both technically capable and practically minded - someone who enjoys solving problems, experimenting with new technology and turning ideas into practical outcomes. A curious, innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement ACA (or equivalent) qualification, or relevant experience in audit, data or transformation roles Experience in audit data analytics, audit technology or business transformation Proven experience working with APIs and data integration Strong understanding of accounting and audit data structures Experience using data and analytics tools such as Power BI, SQL, Python or audit analytics platforms Experience with AI tools and a practical understanding of AI applications within audit Conceptual understanding of prompt engineering and how LLMs work Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills Ability to translate strategy into practical, scalable delivery Belong @ Sumer At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know. Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day: We Shine Together We Do the Right Thing We Make It Count We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, and differences are valued and celebrated.