Lead Architect, West Midlands

Job Description

Lead Architect

Location:UK (any office)

Capability:Audit

Experience Level:Senior Manager

Type:Full Time

The Team

The KPMG Audit Technology team is dedicated to building cutting-edge solutions in close collaboration with the Audit function. We blend audit expertise with the latest technology skills, enabling us to understand the challenges auditors face daily and develop strategically important products that simplify their lives whilst enhancing Audit Quality.

As a crucial member of the team, you will collaborate with a talented mix of Architects, Data Scientists, Engineers, Experience Designers, Business Analysts, Testing specialists, and Product Owners. Together, we build, deliver, and manage a portfolio of truly exciting products.

In recent years, our products' size and scale have rapidly expanded, leading to significant growth in our technology capability. There's never been a better time to join us.

With our ambitious growth plans, your future here is something to get excited about. As a valued team member, you'll stay current within the latest trends in technology and audit delivery.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced architect to join the Audit technology team. The lead architect will be responsible for designing and implementing the overall audit architecture strategy to ensure alignment with business goals and objectives. This role involves analysing the current technology infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement, and developing plans to enhance efficiency, scalability, and security. You will need to understand our Audit technology strategy and collaborate with stakeholders, technology teams, and vendors, to develop comprehensive architectural solutions that support the Audit strategy. The individual will report to the Head of Technology & Solutions.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain the Audit architecture strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technology trends, collaborating with Enterprise-Wide Technology and global audit.
2. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with business and technology stakeholders to understand their requirements and translate them into architectural designs.
3. Conduct analysis of the existing technology infrastructure, identify gaps, and propose solutions to improve efficiency, reliability, and security.
4. Define and document the Audit architecture framework, including principles, standards, and guidelines for technology selection and implementation.
5. Collaborate with project teams to ensure that architectural guidelines and best practices are followed during the development and implementation of technology initiatives.
6. Create architectural blueprints, diagrams, and models to communicate the vision and guide the implementation of enterprise solutions.
7. Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and provide recommendations for their adoption.
8. Lead the evaluation, selection, and integration of third-party solutions and services, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and alignment with business needs.
9. Conduct regular reviews and audits of the architecture to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with standards.
10. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to other IT teams and stakeholders on architectural matters.
11. Foster effective collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams.
12. Understand implications and trade-offs of reliability, scalability, security, operation costs, and adoption path requirements.

Experience & Skills

1. Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks.
2. In-depth understanding of a broad spread of technology domains, including application architecture, data architecture, infrastructure architecture, and security architecture.
3. Experience in conducting technology assessments, gap analysis, and developing roadmaps for technology transformation.
4. Proficiency in creating architectural diagrams and models using industry-standard tools.
5. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into practical architectural designs.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
7. Knowledge of cloud computing platforms, microservices architecture, and modern development practices is desirable.
8. Relevant certifications, such as TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, are beneficial but not required.

People & Culture

1. Embrace and embed our culture ambition of high challenge, high support which is grounded in Our Values.
2. Operate with a curious and sceptical mindset ensuring that this is embedded in your everyday work.
3. Actively lead and embed a coaching culture to get the best out of others in an environment where everyone in the team feels empowered to speak up or challenge where appropriate.
4. Be inclusive and embrace the opportunity to work with other teams within Audit and across the firm in an integrated way. Have a sense of community, purpose, and fun.

#J-18808-Ljbffr