Role Summary

• To implement, configure and test data connectors across ADS products, specifically relating to Alpha’s Client Book of Record solution. Related activities include:
• Source file investigation and analysis (e.g. to evaluate consistency or complexity) and validate they conform to required ADS input specifications
• Data connector configuration including file-level parameters, field definitions and advanced SQL mappings for special cases
• Integration and end-to-end testing of new data sources, including overseeing the Production release process for assigned sources
• Perform client-specific or ad-hoc data analysis and technical research to support feature development or address solution design considerations for new client implementations
• Review of Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), file specifications and end user requirements in order to validate third party complex data integrations
• Execution of database or report level reconciliation exercises to support data regression testing or investigate data quality issues flagged by clients or internal stakeholders
• Author technical product documentation relating to changes and enhancements to application business logic. Related activities include:
• Documentation of custom input or output file specifications to support client use cases and business processes
• Construction of user stories and acceptance criteria relating to complex data transformations and business calculations (e.g. aggregations)
• Establishment of realistic test data sets to support feature development or test automation initiatives within ADS development teams
• Take ownership of operational excellence initiatives aimed at task automation and process optimisation for live Asset Management clients using ADS solutions. Related activities include:
• Investigation of processes and controls with a focus on identifying opportunities for efficiencies and automation that tie back to improved client and ADS business outcomes
• Ownership and accountability for operational excellence initiatives aimed at reducing client servicing overhead and continuous improvement

Organisation & Reporting Lines

• Reporting to:
• Solution Owner, Alpha Data Solutions
• Implementation Leads – matrix reporting lines for assigned product implementations (as Data SME)
• Head of Professional Services – matrix reporting line for assigned live clients and ongoing service delivery (as Data SME)

Indicative Effort Allocation across responsibilities (average over 12 months)

Illustrative Experience & Qualifications

Business Analysis & Data Experience

• Experience defining functional and data requirements as well as business logic to extract, transform and load complex datasets
• Adept at data modelling, data mapping and conducting data analysis on new or adjacent datasets independently
• Understanding of data quality frameworks, issues and solutions that can help mitigate or monitor fidelity across applications and solutions
• Ability to lead effective technical and business workshops, synthesising complex data problems and technical concepts for senior or less experienced stakeholders
• Knowledge and experience working with business analysis and design methodologies (e.g. Business Process Modelling, BPM)
• Experience working with development teams that utilise lightweight agile delivery methodologies (e.g. SCRUM)
• Working understanding of Software and Data Deployment & Release Management processes and concepts, procedures and considerations
• Basic understanding of business and operational processes associated with Buy-side market participants, such as Investment Managers, Hedge Funds, Wealth Managers and Asset Owners (e.g. Client Onboarding, Trade Settlement and Regulatory Reporting)

Technical & Data Experience

• Advanced knowledge of SQL & SQL Server to validate business logic, answer queries and conduct database interrogations (e.g. analysing stored procedures for Root Cause Analysis)
• Ability to read .NET & ASP code (e.g. within MS Visual Studio) where applicable
• Developed understanding of ETL, data processing and data warehousing concepts, technical components and functionality
• Experience using business intelligence solutions (e.g. PowerBI or Tableau), data warehousing and analytics solutions (e.g. Snowflake, Alteryx) or data quality solutions (e.g. Talend)
• Experience using data modelling and documentation tooling such as data dictionaries and business glossaries
• Working knowledge of the below core support systems deployed by ADS to manage client delivery and ongoing operations:
• JIRA, Confluence, Asana, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Azure (or other cloud-based solutions), GIT
• Understanding of Sales, Client Relationship Management (CRM), Digital & Marketing business applications in intermediated industries, preferably Financial Services

Illustrative Qualifications (Desirable)

• BCS Business Analyst Diploma
• Certified SCRUM Master
• PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner Certification]
• CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in Investment Management (IMC)

Qualities & Behaviours

• Attention to detail and focus on total quality management
• Collegiate, collaborative & effective team member
• Clear communicator & explainer – written and verbal
• Grasps concepts, processes and technologies quickly
• Strong ability to build meaningful relationships with client stakeholders at all levels
• 'Gets’ the transformational impact of better data in enhancing business processes (e.g. sales enablement), reducing cost (e.g. automation) and managing regulatory risk

Appendices

About ADS

ADS is a division of Alpha Group (see information about Alpha below) which provides a market leading data solution to Asset & Wealth Management to address the challenge of 'messy data' that makes it hard for asset managers to get a clear view of the Client Book of Record –i.e. the economic data (flows, holdings, revenue & profit) about clients & fund investors.

In Q4 2019, Alpha acquired Obsidian Solutions, combining best practices and leading solutions to offer a broad and market leading proposition to Hedge Funds & Investment Managers. The combined management team builds on extensive experience from the investment management space and is focused on delivering high quality technology & data solutions to address the core business and operational challenges facing the Investment Management industry today.

About Alpha

Alpha provides perspective, strategy and technical expertise to the world’s top asset and wealth managers. As the company with the largest dedicated team of consultants to asset and wealth managers, we have unrivalled knowledge of the industry. With offices around the world in 8 major financial centres, our global expertise and ability to respond at a local level set us apart. Alpha counts over 130 leading asset and wealth management amongst its clients, which include 21 of the top 25 global asset managers