John Heffer

I lead our rapidly growing national Audit Data Analytics team and have been with BDO for 32 years, first training and qualifying as a financial auditor before moving into IT Consultancy in 2000 then IT Risk in 2005. I have extensive experience of both IT Audit and Audit Data Analytics, specialising purely in Data Analytics from 2015. I have worked with several high-profile and complex audit engagements across all sectors including Blockchain.com, Specsavers International Healthcare, Halfords, Mitie & the RNLI.

I have a reputation for innovation, designing and building BDO Advantage in 2015, then leading its growth, increased functionality and promoting its concepts both within the UK and Internationally. I have also been responsible for identifying and rolling out solutions into the auditor’s toolkit including DataSnipper, DocuSign & Rainbow. I sit on both the BDO International Audit Innovation Board and the Data Analytics Centre of Excellence and am heavily involved in Audit Labs and the Digital Audit Community as well as several audit quality initiatives.

Prior to specialising in Audit Data Analytics, I have provided risk advisory consultancy services on project or data risks to the Honda Motor Company, easyJet, the Metropolitan Police, BPP Professional Education, The General Council of the Bar, General Optical Council, The Cabinet Office, Teacher Training Agency, National Car Parks and various other smaller organisations.