AI/Automation Engineer

Cohen & Co; Arkansas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cohen & Co is seeking an AI/Automation Engineer to support our Transaction Services team, focusing on due diligence engagements. You will blend data analytics, automation, and agentic AI to build Excel tools, Power Automate workflows, and AI-enabled solutions, collaborating with the DIS team and reporting into Transaction Services.

The ideal candidate combines finance acumen with data and automation skills, delivering repeatable tools and templates while supporting fast-paced deal work and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field
• 3-5 years of experience in data analytics, financial analysis, transaction support, automation development, AI-enabled solution development, or a similar analytical role
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex formulas, data manipulation, workbook design, and hands-on VBA
• Strong experience with Power Query, data cleansing, reconciliation, and transforming large datasets from multiple source files or systems
• Experience building practical automation solutions using low-code tools, reporting tools, workflow technologies, or AI-assisted development environments
• Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude and Claude Code, or comparable LLM-based development environments
• Working knowledge of Azure architecture concepts, including application integration, data storage, identity/security considerations, and deployment patterns
• Ability to design practical agentic workflows that include clear task structure, human-in-the-loop review, documentation, and quality control
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quality control skills with the ability to work accurately under tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with engagement teams, explain analyses to non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Analyze large, messy, and multi-source datasets to support buy-side and sell-side due diligence engagements
• Build advanced Excel models, reusable templates, VBA-enabled tools, and AI-assisted workflows to improve speed and quality
• Use Power Query, Power Pivot, and data transformation techniques to cleanse, structure, and reconcile client data
• Develop low-code and agentic AI-enabled solutions that reduce manual effort across diligence procedures and reviews
• Standardize and automate data intake, validation, mapping, and exception reporting across client systems
• Perform detailed testing and tie-out procedures to ensure analytical outputs are accurate
• Partner with DIS resources on advanced data, automation, Azure architecture, or agentic AI development needs

Job description

We are seeking a skilled AI/Automation Engineer to support our Transaction Services team, with a primary focus on buy-side and sell-side due diligence engagements. In this role, you will combine data analytics, workflow automation, and agentic AI development to help engagement teams analyze large, complex datasets quickly and accurately. You will build practical Excel-based tools, Power Automate workflows, and AI-enabled solutions using tools such as Claude, Claude Code, Claude Cowork, and Azure-based architectures, while collaborating closely with our Data Intelligence Services (DIS) team and reporting directly into Transaction Services.

This opportunity is ideal for a highly analytical builder who enjoys working at the intersection of finance, data, automation, and AI-enabled process improvement. The right person will be comfortable supporting fast-paced deal work while also developing repeatable tools, templates, low-code solutions, and agentic AI workflows that improve efficiency across due diligence engagements.

Analyze large, messy, and multi-source datasets to support buy-side and sell-side due diligence engagements

Build advanced Excel models, reusable templates, VBA-enabled tools, and AI-assisted workflows to improve the speed, consistency, and quality of engagement delivery

Use Power Query, Power Pivot, and other data transformation techniques to cleanse, structure, and reconcile client data for analysis

Develop low-code and agentic AI-enabled solutions that reduce manual effort across diligence procedures, recurring analyses, data intake, and review workflows

Standardize and automate data intake, validation, mapping, and exception reporting across multiple client systems and file formats

Perform detailed testing and tie-out procedures to help ensure analytical outputs are accurate, complete, and engagement-ready

Partner with DIS resources on more advanced data, automation, application, Azure architecture, or agentic AI development needs as engagement requirements evolve

Agentic AI, Automation & Solution Development

Design and develop practical AI and automation solutions using Claude, Claude Code, Claude Cowork, Power Automate, Azure services, and other approved tools

Build proof-of-concepts and repeatable accelerators that combine structured workflows, prompts, connectors, data transformation, and human review steps

Support Azure-based solution design, including data flows, integrations, security-aware deployment patterns, and scalable architecture decisions

Use AI-assisted development tools to prototype scripts, automations, and lightweight applications that solve real engagement and operational pain points

Document solution logic, assumptions, controls, and support requirements so tools can be maintained, reused, and responsibly adopted by engagement teams

Engagement Support & Process Improvement

Work closely with Transaction Services professionals to understand engagement objectives, key diligence issues, and required outputs

Translate raw client data into usable analyses, schedules, and insights that support quality of earnings, working capital, and other diligence procedures

Identify opportunities to streamline recurring work through automation, standardized workbooks, Power Automate workflows, and targeted AI-enabled process enhancements

Assist with data organization, documentation, and repeatable workflows that improve consistency across engagements and team members

Balance multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining strong attention to detail and responsiveness to engagement teams

Reporting, Insights & Decision Support

Prepare clear, accurate analyses and supporting schedules for use in due diligence reporting and client deliverables

Develop dashboards, summaries, and visual outputs in Excel, Power BI, or similar tools to help teams identify trends, anomalies, and key business drivers

Support engagement teams and leadership with insights that improve decision-making during active transactions

Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate daily with Transaction Services professionals and maintain close alignment with the DIS team on analytical approaches, tool development opportunities, and AI/automation solution design

Communicate findings, data issues, and process recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on practical problem-solving, responsible AI usage, continuous improvement, and high-quality client service

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree inComputer Science,Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field

3-5 years of experience in data analytics, financial analysis, transaction support, automation development, AI-enabled solution development, or a similar analytical role

Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex formulas, data manipulation, workbook design, and hands-on experience using VBA or similar scripting approaches to automate processes

Strong experience with Power Query, data cleansing, reconciliation, and transforming large datasets from multiple source files or systems

Experience building practical automation solutions using low-code tools, reporting tools, workflow technologies, or AI-assisted development environments

Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude and Claude Code, or comparable LLM-based development environments

Working knowledge of Azure architecture concepts, including application integration, data storage, identity/security considerations, and deployment patterns

Ability to design practical agentic workflows that include clear task structure, human-in-the-loop review, documentation, and quality control

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quality control skills with the ability to work accurately under tight deadlines

Effective communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with engagement teams, explain analyses to non-technical stakeholders, and translate business needs into practical automation or AI-enabled solutions

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting buy-side or sell-side due diligence, transaction advisory, quality of earnings, or related financial analysis engagements

Familiarity with Power Automate, Alteryx, SQL, Python, Azure services, or similar automation, integration, and data preparation tools

Experience with Claude Code, Claude Cowork, agentic AI workflows, prompt engineering, or LLM-based automation design

Experience building lightweight applications, APIs, connectors, or workflow integrations using Azure, Power Platform, GitHub, Python, SQL, or similar tools

Familiarity with responsible AI practices, including validation, documentation, user review, and appropriate controls around AI-generated outputs

Experience working with ERP exports, general ledger detail, trial balances, or other financial datasets commonly used in diligence engagements

Exposure to professional services, accounting, advisory, finance, automation, or AI-enabled delivery environments

CPA, CFA, or other relevant credentials or progress toward certification is a plus

Sure, we like numbers. (But we'll never treat you like one.)

Culture & Values

At Cohen & Co our foundational principles offer insight into how we achieve an inclusive, growth-oriented culture that fuels the success of our firm, our clients and our people. In particular, we honor our foundational principle of "great people first" by:

• Championing the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion by embracing the unique stories, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that come from our people; and
• Offering a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package, which allows each employee to use the benefits that best suits their needs. Our offerings go beyond standard options, including time off outside of your standard PTO to give back to the community, annual discretionary merit increases and bonuses, talent development resources to tap into growth opportunities, and so much more!

*Base compensation offered to candidates are determined based on factors such as candidate's relevant skillset, experience, licensure, and certifications, as well as job responsibilities, geography, market considerations, and organizational needs. At Cohen & Co, we don't stop at setting ourselves apart by offering competitive base compensation. As part of our "great people first" foundational principle, our firm offers a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that allows each employee to design a package that best suits their needs and goes beyond standard options, including time off outside of your standard PTO to recharge and give back to the community, annual discretionary merit increases and bonuses, talent development resources to tap into growth opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity of thought and background to build an inclusive and energized culture and better meet the needs of our clients.

Cohen & Co is a leading tax and accounting firm serving diverse clients, including enterprises and funds, with over 800 professionals across the U.S. and beyond.

Accounting Professional Services

Company size 501-1,000 employees

Company type Privately held

Total funding 0