Data Analytics & Reporting Lead

Ascend Technologies; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement options

Flexible time off

Professional development

Job summary

Ascend Technologies is seeking a Data Analytics & Reporting Lead to own data and analytics, connecting raw data to strategic decisions via dashboards, models, and predictive tools. You’ll collaborate across teams and source systems to deliver trusted data for leadership and clients.

The role emphasizes cloud-based BI, security, governance, and scalability, working with PostgreSQL, Azure, Python, Claude, and Power BI to enable data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in BI, data analytics, or similar, with dashboards/reports experience.
• Strong SQL writing, optimization, and troubleshooting across relational DBs.
• Hands-on experience with at least one major BI platform (Power BI, Tableau, etc).
• Ability to work with multi-source data and produce clean analytical outputs.
• Self-directed, able to manage workload independently and iterate toward high-quality results.

Responsibilities

• Extract, normalize, and shape data from source systems via SQL and APIs.
• Design and build executive dashboards and reports in Power BI and Claude-based dashboards.
• Partner on predictive models and forecasting tools; monitor Claude/AI usage with governance.
• Translate business requirements into scalable data models and dashboard specs.
• Own the business data dictionary and metrics; participate in Data Governance.
• Automate reporting to enable self-service analytics and explore new tools and ideas.
• Other duties as assigned by management

Skills

SQL

BI Visualization

Data Normalization

Self-Direction

Tools

PostgreSQL

dbt

Prefect

GitHub

Power BI

Claude / Claude Code

Salesforce

ServiceNow

Sage Intacct

Paylocity

Job description

Data Analytics & Reporting Lead

Remote | Must be located in the United States - CST working hours

Purpose

The Data Analytics & Reporting Lead is Ascend Technologies’ central owner of data and analytics. This person does not just build reports. They establish how data is understood, trusted, and acted upon across the organization, starting with a deep understanding of how Ascend operates and delivers. Working across all teams and source systems, they connect raw operational data to strategic outcomes through dashboards, models, and predictive tools that drive real decisions. Over time, the role grows into a thought-leadership function: a cross-functional partner who gives every team the data clarity it needs to operate at its best.

Data Analytics & Reporting Lead

Remote | Must be located in the United States - CST working hours

Purpose

The Data Analytics & Reporting Lead is Ascend Technologies’ central owner of data and analytics. This person does not just build reports. They establish how data is understood, trusted, and acted upon across the organization, starting with a deep understanding of how Ascend operates and delivers. Working across all teams and source systems, they connect raw operational data to strategic outcomes through dashboards, models, and predictive tools that drive real decisions. Over time, the role grows into a thought-leadership function: a cross-functional partner who gives every team the data clarity it needs to operate at its best.

The Environment

Ascend uses a modern, cloud-based data and analytics environment incorporating technologies such as PostgreSQL, Azure, and Python to support business intelligence, data integration, automation, and AI-enabled solutions. The environment emphasizes security, governance, and scalability. You will work alongside our Data & AI Architect and our engineering partners, and you will be a key voice in what gets built.

Tools you’ll use: PostgreSQL, dbt, Prefect, GitHub, Power BI (DAX, Power Query), Claude / Claude Code, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Sage Intacct, Paylocity.

Responsibilities

• Work with source systems (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Paylocity, Sage Intacct) via SQL and APIs to extract, normalize, and shape data, defining what lives in the central infrastructure and maintaining a trusted foundation: consistent definitions, documented transformation logic, and proactive resolution of data quality issues.
• Design and build executive-ready dashboards and reports in Power BI and custom Claude-built dashboards, for internal leadership and select client-facing use, translating complex data into clear visual narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Partner with the Data & AI Architect on predictive models and forecasting tools that surface actionable insights, and report on Claude and AI usage to help teams use Claude with governed data.
• Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to surface reporting needs, define metrics, and turn business requirements into scalable data models and dashboard specs, mapping workflows to find where analytics can drive better outcomes.
• Own the business-facing data dictionary and certified metrics, participate in the Data Governance Committee, and serve as the primary analytical requirements input to the central data infrastructure.
• Eliminate manual, redundant reporting by building toward automation and self-service analytics, and act as a thought leader who brings new tools and ideas as the analytics function matures.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by management

Minimum Skills, Education And Experience

• Experience: At least 3-5+ years in a business intelligence, data analyst, data architect, or similar role with a proven track record of building and delivering dashboards and reports.
• SQL Proficiency: Strong ability to write, optimize, and troubleshoot complex SQL queries across relational databases.
• BI Visualization: Hands-on experience with at least one major BI platform (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).
• Data Normalization: Demonstrated ability to work with messy, multi-source data and produce clean, consistent analytical outputs.
• Self-Direction: Able to manage workload independently, prioritize competing requests, and iterate toward high-quality outputs without close oversight.

Preferred Skills Or Experience

• Source Systems: Familiarity with Salesforce, ServiceNow, Paylocity, or Sage Intacct data models.
• Analytics Engineering, AI & Predictive: Experience with dbt, Python, Claude or other AI tools, or forecasting and machine learning concepts.
• MSP / IT Services: Background in managed services; PL-300 or equivalent BI credential.

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

CORE VALUES

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.

Physical Demands

Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).

Salary Expectations: $90,000 - $110,000

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.

Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities.

• health
• dental
• vision insurance
• retirement savings options
• flexible time off (FTO)
• professional development opportunities

We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.