Manager, Product Owner (Audit technology) - global role in a virtual working environment

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading professional services networks with member firms in over 145 countries, 68,000 people and global revenues of $7.2bn. Member firms offer audit, tax, and advisory services to privately owned companies, publicly listed companies, public sector and not for profit organisations, both domestically and internationally.

Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) is the umbrella legal entity for the Grant Thornton global network of member firms. GTIL sets the strategic direction, convenes member firms, connects global communities, and protects the brand and reputation of the network. GTIL and the member firms will continually improve the sustainability of their operations and strive to make a positive impact on clients, people, markets, and the communities in which we operate, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Role purpose

In our Go Beyond network strategy 2025 our vision is to become ‘the most valued network in the profession’.

The Product Owner plays a crucial role in the Audit Technology Product team. The Product Owner responsibilities include the design, innovation, user story creation, development prioritization, testing, and knowledge management for the audit technology portfolio of products. Reporting directly to the Director – Product Manager, Audit Technology, this role provides operational expertise, orchestration and execution of Grant Thornton’s global audit technology product strategy and roadmap.

Main Responsibilities

• Owner and accountable for the product development of their assigned product areas
• Continuously identify innovative solutions to meet the network’s needs
• Identify third party software and guide the development of audit technology solutions for the Grant Thornton member firm network
• Regularly meet with Leap (audit technology) User Group, Working Groups and applicable stakeholders to understand the audit technology requirements of the network
• Contributes to the development of product roadmaps and regularly communicates and collaborates on the execution of those roadmaps
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis when necessary to identify opportunities and inform product development
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and inform future strategies
• Leverage customer feedback and data to drive product improvements and ensure customer satisfaction
• Collaborates across other audit technology workstreams
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including executive leadership, to ensure alignment and support for product initiatives
• Facilitate regular stakeholder meetings to provide updates and gather feedback
• Ensure that products comply with relevant regulations and standards
• Develop knowledge articles for users and internal teams to ensure effective adoption and utilization of the product
• Provide ongoing support and resources to enhance user proficiency
• Creates Epics, Features and Requirements for assigned product area
• Participates in the creation and maintenance of the Product Backlog
• Prioritizes and sequences the Backlog according to business value or ROI
• Represents the users, interfaces and engages with the customer
• Participates in the daily standups, Sprint Planning Meetings and Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives
• Communicates status externally;
• Performs high-level validation testing of features/requirements created
• Assists with user acceptance test scripts and testing (as appropriate)

Location

UK

Person Specification

• Effective communication (verbal and written) and project management skills to work with various levels and divisions within the organization
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to learn and adapt to a constantly changing technology and business requirements landscape
• Relationship building is a key requirement (this role scope of responsibility will on occasion extend to communicating with executive leadership and cross-functional teams)
• Provides expertise and solutions for complex initiatives and can make independent decisions
• Ability to be agile, respond positively to change and contribute with an innovative and global mindset
• Understanding of data analytics and the ability to leverage data to drive decision
• Ability to empathize with users and advocate for their needs

Experience - essential

• Experience in professional services, audit or compliance environment
• Self-starter with the ability and confidence to develop and implement their own projects and workload
• Strong verbal and written and communication skills
• Very good interpersonal skills and a good team player
• Good organization and time management skills and an ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong relationship skills and cultural awareness, the ability to work well with people from different disciplines and cultures
• Ability to be agile, respond positively to change and contribute with an innovative and global mindset
• Ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams

Experience - desirable

• Previous experience of working within a global professional services environment and with international stakeholders
• Public accounting experience, understanding of accounting/finance concepts and business processes
• Familiarity with modern software development practices and tools (e.g., CI/CD, DevOps, cloud platforms)
• Agile development

Benefits

There are many benefits of being part of Grant Thornton International, working with a global and diverse team in a virtual setting is just one of them. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture and believe it's one of our most valuable assets.

We also recognise the importance of time off at Grant Thornton International. Taking time away can lead to improved wellbeing and better productivity, which is why we don’t cap your leave. So if you need to take that extra Friday off (and Monday too), no problem.

We believe work is no longer a location, it is what we do. This should help all of us deliver our best work, while achieving the right balance in our lives. We want to build a culture of virtual inclusivity. One where all our people have the ability to choose what works best for them but also provides our people the best shared working experience utilising the digital tools we have available. GTIL will provide individuals with the necessary support and equipment to work effectively from home. We also have a collaborative space to offer should you prefer working outside of your home.