AI Engineer in Accounting (KTP Associate)

University of Essex - School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

KTP
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations.
Further information is available at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/.

THE PROJECT
The University of Essex, in partnership with Active Software Platform UK Ltd, offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to develop AI-integrated tools for the accountancy industry, accelerating and broadening the value traditional accountancy can represent to clients.

DUTIES OF THE POST
The duties of the post will include:

• Developing a Generative AI solution for accounting systems.
• Researching and developing an Agentic AI Management system for accounting software.
• Researching and developing a unique Explainable AI Decision System which will use the fused data to generate letters, forms, reports and create workflows to automate the accounting processes.
• Design, develop, and implement Explainable AI (XAI) systems, fuzzy logic models, and consensus‑based decision frameworks capable of processing large‑scale, heterogeneous financial data, while remaining transparent and auditable.
• Embed advanced AI models within existing organisational architectures, contributing to system redesign (where necessary) to ensure performance, security, scalability, and GDPR compliance.
• Work effectively within a dynamic SME environment, adapting to shifting priorities and making efficient use of available development resources.

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the job pack. The duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

• MSc in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related discipline.

Experience/Knowledge:

• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Java, or similar) and experience with open-source AI libraries
• Experience in Generative AI
• Experience in Agentic AI
• Experience in databases
• Experience in front and back end programming activities
• Deep knowledge and experience of computational intelligence, generative AI
• Explainable AI knowledge
• Experience in Information Fusion
• Experience in Natural Language Processing

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a range of audiences.
• Ability to manage expectations in a multi-partner project.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of GDPR.

BENEFITS
As a KTP Associate, the post will offer the following benefits:

• A personal development budget of £5000 (exclusive of salary).
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.
• World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.

LOCATION
Please note that this is largely a remote role (must be UK-based), but the appointed Associate may be expected to travel to the University of Essex Colchester Campus from time to time.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role.
Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.