Specialist: Data Analytics (x2) at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

About the Position

• If you are passionate and skilled in the use of data, data analytics and/or artificial intelligence capabilities, to derive insights and improve organisational outcomes, we need you. As a Data Analytics specialist, s/he should be skilled in the use of current and emerging trends relating to data processes, analysis, testing and/or reporting. She/he should be a good team player and passionate in the use of data techniques to enable SARS to achieve its strategic intent of Voluntary Compliance through the composite effect of expanded and increased use of data within the organisation.

Job Purpose

• To analyse and provide expert advice with regards to data analytics in order to achieve business objectives.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 8) AND 8-10 years' experience in Data Engineering / Business Data Intelligence / Data Science, of which 3-4 years is at an operational specialist level

OR

• Relevant Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 15 years in experience in Data Engineering / Business Data Intelligence / Data Science, of which 3-4 years is at an operational specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Experience in Data Engineering / Business Data Intelligence / Data Science
• Advanced (applied theory) technical expertise regarding data processes, data cleaning, analysis, reporting, data models, and database design and testing
• Knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (SQL or equivalent, etc), databases (SQL etc), programming (SQL, R, Python, etc.)
• Advanced (applied theory) knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analysing datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS, R etc.)
• Advanced (applied theory) Data warehouse knowledge
• Be advance in the application of:
• Basic Data Migration
• Basic Data Visualization  
• Business Intelligence Methodologies
• Database Knowledge
• Advanced (applied theory) Programming Skills – i.e., SQL, and/or Python, R, etc. 
• Microsoft skills (Advance in)– i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision-making and the identification of improvement opportunities.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects in order to solve emerging problems.
• Initiate process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements because of the change.
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives.
• Execute specialist input through investigation &opportunities within the product process including risk concern.
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimisation.
• Note potential problems and obstacles, accumulate supporting data and initiate actions to prevent or overcome predicted problems as may be identified.
• Undertake information gathering, research and analyse data within broad guidelines to produce accurate plans & or recommendations for business issues.
• Research and support workable recommendations/solutions that meet business needs through information analysis.
• Constantly monitor the integrity and quality of data and processes to identify deficiencies and facilitate improvement.
• Review the effectiveness of related approaches and methodologies by conducting research, and best practice benchmarking initiatives.
• Conduct assessments and use information to advise, make recommendations and facilitate improvement.
• To acquiring data from primary or secondary data sources and maintaining databases, applying the knowledge of data extraction, transformation and business modelling.
• To perform complex / advance business analysis using various techniques, e.g. statistical analysis, explanatory and predictive modelling, data mining.
• To design, develop and test complex / advance data analytics solutions like Reports, Dashboards, Analysis, Extracts, Models, etc.
• To identify, analyses and interpret trends and patterns in complex / advance data sets, based on data findings.
• Communicate the results of their analysis and findings by using basic complex / advance visualisation techniques with both internal and external customers.
• To ensure the availability of existing data analytics solutions (like reports, etc.) by maintaining them as well as improving them where shortcomings exist.
• To assist in the filtering and “cleaning” of imported data by reviewing computer reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct code problems.
• Conducts analysis, summarizes key findings and trends, and produces data sheets, graphics and presentations.
• Works with research analysts to plan, create and distribute surveys
• Research best practices; develops implementation plan of operational and cost improvement strategies; assists in seeking, evaluating and implementing new technology
• Provides research assistance for strategic planning and business development efforts
• Gathers data from multiple sources and assimilates into meaningful inputs for databases.
• Analyses data, creates summary reporting, and performs analysis to support the decision making of research, senior management, member companies and internal departments.
• Builds and manage/maintain database to house data collected from various sources.

Governance

• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity and ethics processes within area of specialization.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs.

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders that promote cross-functional process delivery solutions.

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Building Sustainability 
• Commitment to Continuous Learning 
• Conceptual Ability 
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Problem Solving and Analysis 
• Respect
• Trust

Technical competencies

• Business Knowledge
• Computer Literacy 
• Functional Policies and Procedures 
• Statistical and Mathematical Analysis Proficiency
• Data Management
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Capacity Management
• Data Analytics
• Data Governance
• Database Design and Management
• Reporting

Compliance Competency

• GOC Confidential