Finance Transformation - AI Specialist

Job Description
Purpose of the role
To develop business capabilities for Finance through key stages of functional design, data, end-to-end-process and controls, delivery, and functional testing.
Accountabilities
Functional Design: leveraging best practice concepts, and in collaboration with Line SMEs, support options analysis and recommendations as part of decision making.
Data Analysis/Modelling/Governance: design conceptual data model underpinning all phases of the processes, and governance requirements in accordance with GDMS standards and principles.
End-to-End Process & Controls - development of target process and controls design/documentation and operational runbooks and aligning these components with organisational and role/service model design definitions. .
Delivery/Implementation Support: update design/functional requirements throughout the development cycle, and resolve RAIDS related to functional requirements and business processes. Project management for change programmes that have limited technology investment.
Functional Testing: develop scripts and data to test alignment to requirement definitions, ahead of user testing cycles.
Assistant Vice President Expectations
To advise and influence decision making, contribute to policy development and take responsibility for operational effectiveness. Collaborate closely with other functions/ business divisions.
Lead a team performing complex tasks, using well developed professional knowledge and skills to deliver on work that impacts the whole business function. Set objectives and coach employees in pursuit of those objectives, appraisal of performance relative to objectives and determination of reward outcomes
If the position has leadership responsibilities, People Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.
OR for an individual contributor, they will lead collaborative assignments and guide team members through structured assignments, identify the need for the inclusion of other areas of specialisation to complete assignments. They will identify new directions for assignments and/ or projects, identifying a combination of cross functional methodologies or practices to meet required outcomes.
Consult on complex issues; providing advice to People Leaders to support the resolution of escalated issues.
Identify ways to mitigate risk and developing new policies/procedures in support of the control and governance agenda.
Take ownership for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work done.
Perform work that is closely related to that of other areas, which requires understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation sub-function.
Collaborate with other areas of work, for business aligned support areas to keep up to speed with business activity and the business strategy.
Engage in complex analysis of data from multiple sources of information, internal and external sources such as procedures and practises (in other areas, teams, companies, etc).to solve problems creatively and effectively.
Communicate complex information. 'Complex' information could include sensitive information or information that is difficult to communicate because of its content or its audience.
Influence or convince stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.
As a AI in Finance Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Barclays Finance by leveraging cutting-edge AI and automation technologies. Operating at the intersection of Finance and Technology, this role is responsible for refining and executing the AI in Finance operating model, driving high-impact use cases that simplify processes, strengthen controls, and unlock commercial benefits. You will collaborate with Finance, Transformation, Technology, and governance teams to design and scale AI-driven solutions, support innovation through AI research labs, and AI champions awareness and learning initiatives across the organisation. This is an opportunity to influence strategy, accelerate decision-making, and empower Finance professionals to thrive in an AI-enabled enterprise.
To be successful as a AI in Finance Specialist, you should have the following experience:
Undergraduate or equivalent degree in a numerical or technical discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics)
Understanding of Finance workflows and ability to identify and deliver automation opportunities using AI technologies
Deep knowledge of Machine Learning and Generative AI principles, data mining techniques, and end-to-end model lifecycle processes
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes, with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and commitment to ethical AI adoption aligned with Barclays governance standards
Some other highly valued skills may include:
Ability to act as an influencer and negotiator, driving alignment between Finance and Technology teams and shaping investment decisions for AI initiatives
Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or R, and familiarity with ML frameworks/tools
Cloud technologies expertise, particularly AWS (including Bedrock for GenAI hosting), and familiarity with Generative AI implementation patterns
Experience with DevOps tools (e.g., Git, Bitbucket) and workflow automation platforms (e.g., Power Automate, Alteryx)
You may be assessed on the key critical skills relevant for success in role, such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen strategic thinking and digital and technology, as well as job-specific technical skills.
This role is based in our London office.