Data Analyst - AVP

Absa is seeking a dedicated Data Analyst, with the designation of Assistant Vice President (AVP), to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg. This role is pivotal in bolstering the organisation's credit risk management capabilities, ensuring that data and reporting solutions are not only delivered efficiently but also serve as a foundation for informed strategic decision-making across the bank. With a legacy spanning over a century, Absa is committed to shaping Africa's tomorrow and invites individuals who are passionate about contributing to this exciting growth trajectory to apply.

About the Role

The core of this position revolves around the comprehensive management, implementation, and support of credit risk data and reporting solutions. The successful incumbent will be instrumental in guaranteeing the accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery of credit risk information, reporting processes, and associated projects. Beyond day-to-day operations, there's a strong emphasis on proactive improvement, identifying opportunities to refine data structures, enhance existing processes, strengthen controls, and boost overall operational efficiency. The Data Analyst will act as a critical bridge between complex data and business stakeholders, translating raw information into reliable insights that empower effective decision-making at all organisational levels. A key responsibility includes ensuring all data, analytics, and visualisation outputs strictly adhere to established data governance frameworks, organisational policies, industry standards, and regulatory mandates. Ultimately, this role leverages data analysis and risk intelligence to transform raw data into meaningful, actionable insights that support sound business decisions, elevate risk management practices, and contribute significantly to achieving overarching organisational goals.

This role involves a multifaceted approach to data analysis and stakeholder engagement within the credit risk domain. Key responsibilities include:

• **Data Management and Delivery:**
• Spearheading strategic data projects in alignment with established data standards and principles. This encompasses the full data delivery lifecycle, from identifying data sources and interpreting complex datasets to development (coding and scripting), rigorous testing, deployment, and comprehensive documentation of project deliverables.
• Designing, implementing, and maintaining robust credit risk data and reporting solutions.
• Ensuring the consistent delivery of accurate, complete, and timely credit risk reports and analytics.
• Providing essential data-driven insights to support credit risk projects and broader business initiatives.
• Continuously seeking and implementing improvements in data processes, controls, governance, and operational effectiveness.
• Upholding compliance with all data governance policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Developing and maintaining insightful dashboards, visualisations, and management information reports.
• Conducting in-depth analysis of large datasets to identify emerging trends, potential risks, and valuable business opportunities.
• Collaborating closely with business stakeholders to thoroughly understand their reporting requirements and unique business needs.
• Translating intricate data findings into clear, easily digestible, and actionable insights for key decision-makers.
• Actively supporting data quality initiatives to guarantee the integrity and consistency of credit risk data.

• **Stakeholder Management and Support:**
• Coordinating platform changes to ensure ongoing system stability, contributing to business and project requirements as needed.
• Implementing remedial actions to maintain seamless customer service delivery.
• Providing support to ensure data services consistently meet agreed-upon service level agreements (SLAs).
• Escalating any non-adherence to SLAs through the appropriate channels in a timely manner.
• Cultivating and maintaining professional relationships with stakeholders through continuous communication and proactive expectation management.
• Engaging with internal and external auditors, providing necessary data support.

• **Data Governance and Compliance:**
• Ensuring the robust implementation of data governance principles in all deliverables, conducting risk and control assessments from end-to-end for allocated business areas.
• Implementing and overseeing controls within applications to safeguard data integrity, including conducting data integrity gap analyses.
• Monitoring and tracking data quality issues, identifying gaps, and implementing remediation action plans.
• Managing user and group permissions and authorisations based on formal requests.

• **Continuous Professional Development:**
• Actively sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.
• Focusing on evolving data analysis skills and staying relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
• Proactively enhancing technical proficiency through dedicated research and learning.
• Staying informed about legislative changes and industry trends that may impact the role by engaging with relevant publications and attending industry sessions.

What They're Looking For

To be considered for this role, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Statistics. A minimum of four years of relevant experience in data management, business intelligence, or data quality management is essential. While not mandatory, proficiency in coding languages like Python or R, as well as experience with visualisation tools such as Power BI or ClickView, would be highly advantageous. Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to achieving equitable demographic representation and fostering diversity within its workforce, in compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998.

In South Africa, a Data Analyst role at this level (AVP) typically commands a competitive salary, reflecting the critical nature of data insights to financial institutions. Employers often include major banks, insurance companies, and large financial services groups. Career progression can lead to specialised data science roles, team leadership, or management positions within analytics and risk departments.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems.  Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Statistics.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in Data Management, Business Intelligence, Data quality management
• Coding skills (Python, R) would be of benefit
• Visualization skillsets Power BI or ClickView would be of benefit

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised