Data Analytics Specialist

We are representing a global leader in the financial services and wellness sector, an organization renowned for its innovative products and mission-driven approach to enhancing and protecting people's lives. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced environment that invests in exceptional, self-driven individuals and empowers them to make a meaningful impact. You will be joining their Group Internal Audit function, a critical team responsible for providing assurance across the entire enterprise.

This is not a typical audit role. Our client is seeking a visionary leader to build and spearhead their data analytics capability within the Group Internal Audit (GIA) team. Your core mission will be to transform the audit process from a traditional, sample-based approach to a forward-looking, data-driven function. You will build the team, the strategy, and the technical frameworks required to provide deeper insights, identify emerging risks, and position GIA as a strategic partner to the business. This is a greenfield opportunity to create a lasting legacy and define what best-in-class audit analytics looks like for a global powerhouse.

Performance Objectives for Year One

Success in this role will be measured by your ability to achieve the following objectives within the first 12 months:

1. Re-engineer the Audit Analytics Process: Lead the transition from traditional auditing to a continuous, data-driven approach. You will develop and implement a risk-based audit plan that leverages data analytics tools (SQL, Alteryx) to automate testing, improve coverage, and provide more insightful reporting to business stakeholders.
2. Build and Lead the Data Analytics Team: Establish a center of excellence for audit analytics by mentoring, coaching, and managing a team of 4-5 specialists. You will be responsible for their development, performance management, and career pathing, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous learning.
3. Develop the Strategic Roadmap for GIA Data Analytics: In partnership with the Chief Audit Executive (CAE), create and implement the strategic vision for data analytics within the audit function. This includes defining key initiatives, positioning the team as a valued business partner, and regularly presenting findings and progress to Risk and Audit committees.
4. Architect a Scalable Analytics Framework: Design and deploy the foundational technical infrastructure for data auditing. You will oversee the development of robust solutions using SQL, SSIS, and SSRS to extract, transform, and visualize data from across the enterprise, ensuring the audit team has reliable and timely access to critical information.

Profile for Success

To achieve the objectives above, you will need a proven track record of accomplishment, not just a list of skills. The ideal candidate will have:

• Core Requirement: Demonstrated experience leading projects that have successfully integrated data analytics into a business function like audit, risk, or finance.

• Core Requirement: A history of managing and mentoring technical teams, with specific experience coaching data analysts or auditors.

• Hands-on expertise in architecting and building data solutions using tools such as

  SQL, Alteryx, SSIS, and SSRS.

• Experience in developing strategic plans and presenting complex data-driven findings to executive-level stakeholders.

• Minimum Requirement: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, or Auditing. An Honours/Masters degree is highly advantageous.

• Minimum Requirement: CISA, CIA, or an equivalent SQL/Data Analytics certification is strongly preferred.