Data & Automation Specialist

Momentum; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Momentum seeks a Data & Automation Specialist to enhance finance automation and BI assets. You will translate business needs into automated SQL-based solutions, optimize processes, and support data foundations for reporting.

Stakeholder engagement and proactive problem-solving are essential. Ideal candidates have a relevant degree and hands-on experience with SQL, Power BI, and automation tools, with exposure to data warehousing and modern data platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree or higher in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, information systems or finance.
• Experience with SQL-based data manipulation and automation development.
• Familiarity with BI tools and data warehousing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Identify automation opportunities and document requirements with stakeholders.
• Design and build automation using UiPath, Power Automate, and related tools.
• Develop and maintain SQL-enabled data processes for finance and operations.
• Support data models and datasets used for reporting and decision-making.
• Document solutions, perform testing, and handover to business partners.

Skills

SQL

Power BI

Python

VBA

Data modelling

Education

BCom or BSc in CS/Data Science/IS/Finance

Tools

UiPath

Power Automate

SSIS

SSRS

SSAS

Job description

Through our client-facing brands and our other specialist brands, Momentum Group enables business and people from all walks of life to achieve their financial goals and life aspirations. We help people grow their savings, protect what matters to them and invest for the future. We help companies and organisations care for and reward their employees and members. Through our own network of advisers or via independent brokers and utilising new platforms Momentum Group provides practical financial solutions for people, communities and businesses.

Disclaimer As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

Role Purpose

The Data & Automation Specialist supports the Finance Automation, Data and BI team by improving finance and operational processes through practical automation, data preparation, SQL-based solutions and controlled business tools. The role focuses on reducing manual effort, improving reliability, strengthening controls and supporting the data foundations needed for reporting and operational decision-making. The specialist will work closely with stakeholders to identify automation opportunities, translate business requirements into technical solutions and provide ongoing support for automated processes, applications and business intelligence assets. This role supports the broader Business Intelligence function through the delivery of scalable automation and data solutions rather than traditional reporting and dashboard development.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• BCom or BSc. degree or other relevant qualification in computer science, data science, Information Systems, Finance, or related field.

Advantageous

• Post graduate degree in relevant field would be beneficial.
• Microsoft BI stack exposure, including Power BI, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS tabular models or related reporting technologies.
• Python, VBA, Power Apps or other approved scripting and low-code tools.
• Data warehousing, dimensional modelling or modern data platforms such as Azure, AWS, Databricks, Snowflake or Microsoft Fabric.
• Exposure to finance, asset management, investment administration or stockbroking environments.
• Relevant Microsoft, automation, data, analytics or Agile certifications.
• Practical use of approved AI tools to improve productivity, analysis, documentation or solution delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities

Process Automation & Optimisation

• Identify, assess and document opportunities for automation and process improvement.
• Design, build and maintain practical automation solutions using approved tools such as UiPath, Power Automate or similar technologies.
• Analyse existing business processes and redesign them to improve efficiency, control and scalability.
• Develop automated solutions to reduce manual effort, improve turnaround times and lower operational risk.
• Monitor existing automations, investigate failures and perform root-cause analysis where issues occur.
• Recommend improvements to make automations more stable, supportable and less dependent on key individuals.

Data & SQL Development

• Develop and support SQL-based solutions used in finance, operational and reporting processes.
• Optimise SQL queries, stored procedures and data processing routines.
• Design and maintain data structures required for automation and reporting solutions.
• Build data validation, reconciliation and exception-reporting controls to improve data quality and confidence in outputs.
• Support data integration across approved internal and external systems where required.

Business Requirements & Solution Design

• Engage with stakeholders to understand business requirements and operational challenges.
• Translate business requirements into clear solution designs, technical specifications and practical delivery plans.
• Challenge inefficient processes constructively and help stakeholders simplify before automating.
• Document process flows, logic, dependencies, test results, support procedures and handover notes.
• Conduct solution testing and support user acceptance testing before implementation.
• Work with relevant technology, data and business teams to ensure solutions are sustainable and aligned to approved standards.

Application Development & Support

• Develop and support practical business tools using approved low-code, automation and scripting technologies.
• Provide user support and troubleshooting for automation, data and business tools that fall within the team’s support scope.
• Maintain clear documentation, support procedures and knowledge-sharing material to reduce operational dependency.
• Ensure solutions include appropriate controls, error handling, access considerations and exception management.

Business Intelligence Support

• Support existing Power BI and reporting solutions where required, particularly where they depend on finance data, automation outputs or operational datasets.
• Assist with data modelling and preparation of datasets for reporting purposes.
• Contribute to improvements in the Finance BI environment by helping to make data sources more reliable, controlled and easier to support.

Competencies

• Practical analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex or manual processes into clear, workable steps.
• Ability to influence, motivate and challenge stakeholders through clear and articulate communication.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle a varied workload.
• Strong SQL and data analysis capability, with attention to data quality, reconciliations and exception handling.
• Ability to present and communicate information in simple business language, including technical concepts and solution options.
• Practical project and delivery management skills, including planning, tracking, testing and follow-through.
• Strong planning and organising skills, with the discipline to document process notes, solution logic, test evidence, support guides and handover material.
• Delivery-focused and quality-minded, with a commitment to reliable outputs that meet business needs and control requirements.
• Ability to follow agreed standards, procedures and controls while using judgement to improve inefficient ways of working.
• Ability to work independently on defined deliverables while collaborating effectively with finance, BI, data, technology and business teams.