Data Analyst

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst Information Technology is seeking a Data Analyst in Amherst to develop financial reporting tools and dashboards for IT operations and investment performance. The role emphasizes collaboration with data professionals and leadership to transform data into actionable insights.

You will validate data, monitor quality, and present KPIs and trends to inform operational decisions. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement and supports strategic IT initiatives with reliable analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting; minimum 2 years' experience as a business/financial analyst.
• Experience with data visualization tools; enhance and optimize Power BI dashboards for budgeting and financial reporting.
• Technical expertise in data models, database design, data mining, and segmentation techniques.
• Advanced skills in designing interactive dashboards and reports that clearly communicate insights to stakeholders.
• Build and refine inventory tracking dashboards to improve project rollout efficiency.
• Support data-driven purchasing decisions by increasing visibility into inventory and usage metrics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, maintain, and enhance interactive dashboards and data visualizations communicating key metrics and insights.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends and opportunities and translate findings into actionable insights.
• Acquire, integrate, and prepare data from multiple sources for analysis and reporting.
• Perform data validation and quality assurance to ensure accuracy and consistency of data.
• Develop KPI calculations, business rules, and reporting methodologies for consistent reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline data preparation and reporting processes to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and develop analytical solutions.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses and prepare reports and presentations for managers and leadership.
• Maintain documentation of data sources, calculations, and reporting processes.
• Test and validate new data sources and reporting solutions for accuracy and alignment.

Skills

SQL

Excel skills

Python or R

Analytical thinking

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Power BI

Data modeling tools

Job description

Title: Data Analyst

Executive Area: Information Technologies

College/School/MBU: Information Technology

Department: IT Administration

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Financial Officer & Head of Facilities, the Data Analyst is responsible for the development and analysis of financial reporting tools and inventory asset management dashboards. That supports operational and strategic decision-making across Information Technology that delivers valuable insights into IT operations and investment performance and areas for improvement.

The Data Analyst will collaborate with data and analytics professionals across IT, product stakeholders and leadership transforming data into effective analytic solutions. The position will monitor data quality and performance, identify gaps, and enhance tools that support strategic planning as well as validate data for accuracy and consistency.

The position is also responsible for presentations that effectively communicate key performance indicators (KPIs), trends, and actionable insights to stakeholders and leadership.

Essential Functions

• Design, develop, maintain, and enhance interactive dashboards and data visualizations that effectively communicate key metrics, trends, and insights.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, anomalies, and opportunities, and translate findings into meaningful and actionable insights.
• Acquire, integrate, and prepare data from multiple sources for analysis and reporting.
• Perform data validation and quality assurance to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data; investigate discrepancies and collaborate with IT and other technical partners to resolve data issues.
• Develop and maintain KPI calculations, business rules, and reporting methodologies to ensure consistent and accurate reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate data preparation, validation, and recurring reporting processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across Administration & Finance to understand business requirements and develop appropriate analytical solutions.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses and prepare reports, presentations, and analytical summaries that clearly communicate findings to managers and leadership.
• Maintain documentation of data sources, calculations, business rules, reporting processes, and identified data issues and resolutions.
• Perform testing and validation of new data sources, data models, system enhancements, and reporting solutions to ensure accuracy and alignment with business requirements.

Other Functions

• Perform other related duties and support special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting with a minimum of two (2) years' experience as a business or financial analyst.
• Experience with data visualization tools, enhance and optimize Power BI dashboards for budgeting and financial reporting.
• Technical expertise regarding data models, database design development, data mining, and segmentation techniques.
• Advanced skills in designing interactive and visually compelling dashboards and reports that communicate data insights and findings clearly to business stakeholders.
• Build and refine inventory tracking dashboards to improve project rollout efficiency.
• Support data-driven purchasing decisions by increasing visibility into inventory and usage metrics.
• Strong proficiency in SQL, Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Power Query), Python, or R.
• Knowledge of data governance, compliance, and reporting best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Adept at queries, report writing, and presenting findings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business analytics or related field.

Additional Details

• Schedule flexibility may be required to support implementations, campus events, and project deadlines.
• This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 27