Data Analyst, Principal

Dayforce; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dayforce, a global HCM leader, seeks a Principal Data Analyst to turn data into strategic insights. You will drive decision intelligence initiatives, build advanced Power BI dashboards, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align analytics with growth and financial goals.

This role offers exposure to senior leaders and opportunities to implement AI‑driven analytics across the enterprise. Ideal candidates have 10+ years in data analytics/BI with expertise in Power BI, SQL, data modeling,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Business Analytics, or a related analytical field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in data analytics, business intelligence, data science, decision science, econometrics, or similar analytical roles, preferably within an enterprise SaaS, technology, consulting, or complex business environment.
• Deep expertise in Power BI and SQL, including scalable semantic models, executive dashboards, reporting, and self‑service analytics.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, KPI design, data quality, and governance practices.
• Demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous business questions into structured analytical approaches, identify root causes, quantify business impact, and recommend practical actions.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders to define success metrics, interpret performance trends, and connect analytics to financial, operational, customer, and growth outcomes.
• Proven experience leading complex analytics initiatives from concept through implementation with minimal oversight.
• Working knowledge of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics concepts including regression, clustering, classification, forecasting, segmentation, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling.
• Ability to identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and advanced analytics to improve reporting efficiency, forecasting, and business decision support.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to present complex data to executive and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to prioritize analytical initiatives based on business value.
• High degree of curiosity, ownership, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Experience in the Human Capital Management (HCM) industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate business questions into analytical solutions that go beyond stated needs by proactively surfacing insights that guide executive strategy and operational excellence.
• Design, build, and maintain advanced Power BI dashboards that visualize performance metrics, automate reporting, and democratize access to insights across teams.
• Partner with business leaders across designated departments to define key metrics, interpret performance results, and connect analytics to financial and growth objectives.
• Collaborate with the Data Science team to build and maintain predictive and prescriptive models, including regression, clustering, decision trees, customer segmentation, and revenue optimization.
• Champion data quality and governance by identifying data gaps, implementing cleansing and validation best practices, and partnering with Engineering teams to strengthen data integrity.
• Continuously evaluate AI tools, techniques, and platforms that enhance automation, forecasting, and insight generation across business functions.
• Present complex analyses as clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Stay current on emerging analytics technologies, visualization trends, and AI innovations that can drive competitive advantage.

Skills

Power BI

SQL

Data modeling

Executive storytelling

Stakeholder management

AI/ML awareness

Data governance

Analytical leadership

Problem solving

Business analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Statistics/Mathematics/Data Science/CS/Economics/Business Analytics

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Job description

Dayforce is a global human capital management (HCM) company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, with operations across North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region. Our award‑winning Cloud HCM platform offers a unified solution database and continuous calculation engine, driving efficiency, productivity and compliance for the global workforce. Our brand promise - Makes Work Life Better - Reflects our commitment to employees, customers, partners and communities globally.

About The Opportunity

As a Principal Data Analyst, you are a highly analytical, forward‑thinking, and proactive problem solver who thrives on turning data into strategic insight. You will play a pivotal role within the Decision Intelligence team, helping to drive data‑informed strategies, optimize key business processes, and identify opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into analytical workflows. This role offers significant visibility across the organization, engaging with senior leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders. Your work will directly influence strategic decisions and help foster a stronger data‑driven and AI‑enabled culture across the enterprise.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Translate business questions into analytical solutions that go beyond stated needs by proactively surfacing insights that guide executive strategy and operational excellence.
• Design, build, and maintain advanced Power BI dashboards that visualize performance metrics, automate reporting, and democratize access to insights across teams.
• Partner with business leaders across designated departments to define key metrics, interpret performance results, and connect analytics to financial and growth objectives.
• Collaborate with the Data Science team to build and maintain predictive and prescriptive models, including regression, clustering, decision trees, customer segmentation, and revenue optimization.
• Champion data quality and governance by identifying data gaps, implementing cleansing and validation best practices, and partnering with Engineering teams to strengthen data integrity.
• Continuously evaluate AI tools, techniques, and platforms that enhance automation, forecasting, and insight generation across business functions.
• Present complex analyses as clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Stay current on emerging analytics technologies, visualization trends, and AI innovations that can drive competitive advantage.

Skills and Experience We Value

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Business Analytics, or a related analytical field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in data analytics, business intelligence, data science, decision science, econometrics, or similar analytical roles, preferably within an enterprise SaaS, technology, consulting, or complex business environment.
• Deep expertise in Power BI and SQL, including scalable semantic models, executive dashboards, reporting, and self‑service analytics.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, KPI design, data quality, and governance practices.
• Demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous business questions into structured analytical approaches, identify root causes, quantify business impact, and recommend practical actions.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders to define success metrics, interpret performance trends, and connect analytics to financial, operational, customer, and growth outcomes.
• Proven experience leading complex analytics initiatives from concept through implementation with minimal oversight.
• Working knowledge of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics concepts including regression, clustering, classification, forecasting, segmentation, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling.
• Ability to identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and advanced analytics to improve reporting efficiency, forecasting, and business decision support.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to present complex data to executive and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to prioritize analytical initiatives based on business value.
• High degree of curiosity, ownership, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Experience in the Human Capital Management (HCM) industry is preferred.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Experience driving enterprise‑wide analytics strategies and executive decision support.
• Expertise applying AI and automation to business intelligence and reporting.
• Experience building scalable self‑service analytics environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership through data‑driven insights.
• Experience within Human Capital Management or enterprise software environments.

What’s In It For You

Dayforce is fueled by the diversity of our talented employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider and embrace all individuals and what makes them unique. We believe our employees should be happy and healthy, with peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment.

Dayforce employees and their families are eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Dayforce employees are also eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan (plus match) and a Global Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Employees also receive unlimited Time Away From Work (in lieu of accrued vacation time), 10 paid US holidays, up to 80 hours of paid sick time and 17 weeks of paid parental leave, subject to the terms of the applicable policy or program.

With a commitment to community impact, including volunteer days and our charity, Dayforce Cares we provide opportunities for you to thrive both in your career and personal life. Our focus is not just on your job but on supporting you to be the best version of yourself.

About The Salary Ranges

Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job description should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience, skills, budget and location. Our company is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Fraudulent Recruiting

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Dayforce actively monitors all job applications to ensure authenticity. Submissions determined to be fraudulent or misleading will be declined from the recruitment process.