Data Technologist

Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Financial Intelligence Centre seeks a data analytics professional to map and source data for forensic investigations. You will design models to detect anomalies, engage with business teams, and create tools to support data gathering and reporting.

The role requires strong quantitative skills, experience in data mining or coding, and familiarity with financial flows related to illicit activity. Travel is involved.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, business information systems/analysis, finance, or law enforcement support.
• SAS and/or SQL Server certifications.
• At least 3 years of experience in data mining, modeling, or coding.
• Exceptional quantitative skills with training in statistics and data mining.
• Knowledge of financial flows and illicit finance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Data Engagement and Requirements Analysis with business teams.
• Identify and source data providers for forensic analyses.
• Create management tools to aid information gathering and reporting.
• Design models to detect anomalies in data per project specs.
• Prepare reports containing inferences for planning purposes.
• Provide analytical support and translate results for end users.

Skills

Data analysis

Quantitative skills

Statistical modeling

Communication

Education

Degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, BIS/analysis, finance or law enforcement support

SAS and/or SQL Server certifications

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

Financial Intelligence Centre -> State Forensic Capability

Job Type

Permanent

Education

skilled and academically qualified

Location

Travel

0 - 10%

Desired Race

African, Coloured

Desired Gender

Male

Closing Date

8/9/2026

The FIC is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our employment targets and our commitment to diversifying our workforce. As part of our recruitment and selection process, persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All appointments are subject to satisfactory reference checks and security clearance.

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

Source, gather, scope and map of statistical and visual/spatial information to respond to the operational data needs of the organisation.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Data Engagement and Requirements Analysis
• Engage with business teams to understand project requirements, ensuring alignment with forensic investigation needs and the goals of supporting law enforcement agencies.
• Identify and develop new information sources by establishing relationships with potential data providers, enhancing the depth and breadth of data available for forensic analysis.
• Create custom management tools to facilitate the information gathering process, ensuring efficiency and comprehensiveness.

Database Programming and Development

• Perform database programming for new and existing projects, writing scripts, stored procedures, and functions to support complex analytical procedures related to financial data use to solve financial crimes.
• Assist in planning and implementing data integration and data migration activities to support forensic investigations, ensuring seamless and secure data handling.
• Provide valid input in database architectural discussions, contributing to the design and optimisation of robust and scalable database systems.

Data Quality Assurance and Problem Resolution

• Conduct quality assurance tests to ensure data integrity and quality, maintaining the reliability of forensic evidence used in investigations.
• Resolve database problems, queries, and error reports promptly and accurately, minimising downtime and ensuring data availability for ongoing investigations.
• Assist in identifying process improvements for database performance, reliability, and stability, enhancing the overall effectiveness of database management within the FIC.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Design models to detect anomalies in data based on project specifications, contributing to the identification of suspicious financial activities and potential financial crimes.
• Apply diagnostic skills to identify multiple relationships and causal links, formulating hypotheses to support forensic investigations.
• Prepare reports containing inferences and conclusions for medium‑term planning purposes, providing actionable insights to law enforcement agencies.

Data Management and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and complete database programming documentation, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in forensic data processes.
• Contribute to the development document templates that reflect data checks, providing guidance on data inclusion and exclusion during analyses, and supporting auditability and compliance.
• Conduct data audits by scrutinising and monitoring the quality of raw data, driving data integrity and ensuring the accuracy of forensic evidence.

Big Data Evaluation and Analytical Support

• Conduct big data evaluations within the unit by searching and analysing large datasets to extract critical information related to specific queries and investigations.
• Provide analytical support by retrieving raw data and conducting preliminary statistical analyses, assisting in the data analysis process and supporting forensic investigations.
• Compile user‑friendly reports by translating technical results into understandable information, enabling informed decision‑making by end‑users and law enforcement agencies.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Provide briefings and presentations with internal and external FIC stakeholders and clients, effectively communicating data findings, methodologies, and implications for ongoing investigations.
• Disseminate approved information as per agreed timelines and specifications, ensuring that data is shared responsibly and in a timely manner to support law enforcement activities.

Planning and Execution

• Plan personal work execution to achieve milestones of agreed deliverables, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks related to forensic data management and analysis.
• Perform any other data analysis as required by management, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to evolving investigative needs.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, business information systems/analysis, finance, or law enforcement support.
• SAS and/or SQL Server certifications.
• At least 3 years of experience in the aforementioned fields or in data mining, modeling, or coding.
• Exceptional quantitative skills, demonstrated through formal training in statistics, data mining, and coding to develop models, with relevant experience applying these skills in research or operational environments.
• Expertise in financial and banking transactional analysis and developing mathematical or statistical models through coding and data mining.
• Knowledge of financial flows, particularly illicit financial flows, with an understanding of the illicit economy and criminal activities that generate illicit finances is advantageous.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction at all organisational levels and with clients.
• Confidence and credibility to engage persuasively at all levels within the organisation and with clients.
• Demonstrated presentation skills.
• Proficiency in PowerBI and other business intelligence and visualisation software.
• Strong programming skills.