Data Analyst - Senior Associate - Permanent - Newcastle

UKI Finance Job Description

Role Title:                        Data Analyst

Business Unit:                 UKI Finance

Reports to:                      UKI Head of Reporting & Data Analytics

Location:                          City Gate, Newcastle

JOB OVERVIEW

An opportunity has arisen within the UKI Finance team for a Data Analyst. The role will support UKI Finance reporting and analytics activity across Service Lines, working closely with Finance Managers, Operations teams and business leadership to provide accurate, timely and insightful management information.

The role will involve developing and maintaining reports, dashboards and analysis, gathering and challenging stakeholder requirements, and improving existing reporting assets so they are robust, scalable and fit for purpose. A key part of the role will be interpreting financial and operational data, explaining variances and supporting stakeholders to identify appropriate actions.

Candidates will need to demonstrate strong analytical capability, sound understanding of financial reporting, and a rigorous approach to data preparation, validation and quality assurance. They will need to build credibility with stakeholders, manage competing priorities and use problem-solving skills to resolve issues and improve reporting processes.

This role sits within a fast-changing environment, with ongoing changes to team processes, systems and reporting tools as the firm undertakes a Global Reporting Transformation Programme. The successful candidate will therefore need to be adaptable, comfortable working through change, and able to contribute to continuous improvement and more automated, controlled reporting solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce, maintain and improve regular and ad-hoc financial performance reports, dashboards and analytics using Power BI, Excel and other approved reporting tools.
• Analyse financial and operational data to identify trends, variances, risks, opportunities and actionable business insights.
• Present analysis, recommendations and key messages clearly to stakeholders, supporting Finance Managers, Operations teams and business leaders in decision-making.
• Work with stakeholders to understand, challenge and prioritise reporting requirements, translating these into robust, scalable reporting and analytical solutions.
• Integrate data from multiple business systems and sources, applying appropriate validation, quality checks and controls to maintain data integrity and consistency.
• Identify and deliver opportunities to automate, standardise and streamline reporting processes, reducing manual effort and duplication.
• Maintain documentation, support implementation and testing activity, resolve reporting issues, and contribute to business transformation and continuous improvement across UKI Finance.

REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years' experience as a Data Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Financial Analyst or similar role, working with financial, operational or management reporting data.
• Demonstrable experience delivering end-to-end Business Intelligence and reporting solutions, from requirements gathering and data modelling through to development, testing, deployment and support.
• Advanced SQL and T-SQL development skills, including complex query development, data transformation, stored procedures, optimisation and troubleshooting.
• Advanced Power BI development skills, including semantic model design, data modelling, DAX, Power Query (M Language), report development and performance optimisation.
• Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas, data modelling, Power Query, Pivot Tables and reporting automation.
• Practical experience using Python for data analysis, automation and reporting 
• Experience working with data from multiple systems and sources, including data integration, preparation, validation, quality checking and troubleshooting.
• Good understanding of finance reporting concepts, including performance reporting, key metrics, variance analysis and data quality controls.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear business insight and actionable recommendations.
• Ability to design effective visualisations and dashboards that communicate analytical findings clearly and support informed decision-making.
• Comprehensive understanding of relational databases, data structures, data governance and reporting best practices.
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to gather, challenge and translate business requirements into scalable analytical solutions.
• Demonstrable ability to present complex analysis, recommendations and key messages clearly to business, finance and operational stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, governance, controlled delivery and the responsible handling of confidential business information.
• Proven experience identifying opportunities to automate, standardise and continuously improve reporting processes, controls and ways of working.

DESIRABLE

• Exposure to Databricks and modern cloud-based data platforms, with an understanding of data engineering, data processing and analytics concepts.
• Experience using Microsoft Fabric, Azure data and analytics services, or other enterprise reporting and analytics platforms.
• Experience building Power Apps solutions and creating Power Automate workflows to improve business processes and reporting efficiency.
• Previous experience working in a project, transformation or reporting modernisation environment.
• Proven ability to own and deliver reporting, analytics or process improvement initiatives end-to-end, from requirements definition through implementation and support.