Principal Data Analyst

The Principal Data Analyst performs accurate data analysis in non-complex Enforcement matters in accordance with well-established methodology. The Principal Data Analyst is responsible for the strategic design and implementation of non-complex analytical and/or advanced data abstraction models for various securities products, fact patterns, new rules, high risk activities as well as performing ad hoc market analysis in support of the Enforcement Department. This role will be responsible for working with large volumes of data to identify securities law and rule violations, as well as detecting and understanding trends in the marketplace.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Perform accurate data analysis in non-complex enforcement matters
   
   • Conduct advanced analyses and establishes and maintains consistent methodology
   • Serve as the quantitative research analyst in building sophisticated models, determining proper empirical methodology, organizing data collection, writing unique programs, preparing written reports, and summarizing the results of analytic studies in formal and informal presentations
   • Identify and resolve questions about the best approach to data analysis to ensure consistency in matters across FINRA
   • Support senior team members in more complex analytics projects for investigation
   • Identify new investigative or analytics techniques as needed and assess the model for consistency with accepted approaches
   • Design of quantitative reviews for detecting securities law and rule violations leveraging large volumes of equity, options and fixed income data
   • Provide efficient quantitative support for market studies and investigations
   • Effectively describe data analysis and findings, noting exceptions or assumptions embedded in analysis
   • Identify interpretive or novel issues, and participate in discussions with other departments regarding interpretive issues
   • Communicate with other investigative units across FINRA to problem-solve and resolve conflicts in investigative approaches or inconsistent findings and leveraging senior analytics team as needed
2. Efficiently complete data analysis in all types of enforcement Investigations and reviews to achieve timely results
   
   • Establish timelines and achieve them in a timely fashion
   • Identify and escalate matters or issues that require re-prioritization, and recommend next steps or alternative approaches
   • Prioritize risks and needs appropriately
   • Provide work product that requires minimal change or re-direction
   • Perform peer review for analytics projects produced by the team to ensure consistent methodology and accurate output
3. Collaborate with investigative team, including attorneys, to produce a sound factual record supported by a clear legal framework in all types of matters
   
   • Partner with legal staff to plan investigation and fully develop the record in all matters, with respect to data analytics
   • Accurately and succinctly discuss case or issues in meetings with supervisor and other stakeholders
   • Provide clear and accurate factual analysis findings to legal staff, and provide insight from industry experience and/or subject matter expertise to help objectively assess the sufficiency of evidence
   • Proactively identify and discuss relevant and accurate factual findings with legal staff including areas of weakness or factual ambiguity
   • Provide effective testimony in litigation
4. Demonstrate ability to perform analysis in non-complex investigations
   
   • Identify opportunities to work with staff in other departments or leverage other matters for more efficient results
   • Support management and others to inform internal and external constituents on overall program vision, strategy, operations, processes, and implementation status
   • Counsel other staff on efficient ways to leverage collective knowledge and work across the organization
   • Ensure that team members’ contributions result in a consistent and coherent record and analysis
   • Work with team members to achieve more efficient results. Keep managers informed and incorporate feedback into planning and execution
   • Provide feedback and/or deliver training to other team members

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics/Data Science/Analytics, or Economics/Finance/Accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree highly desirable.
• Minimum of six (6) years of related experience, with two (2) years of experience and knowledge in the field of quantitative analysis as it relates to the securities industry.
• Must have strong financial and risk analytical skills; experience in operations and risk modeling fields; and demonstrated ability to analyze large amounts of data in an efficient manner.
• Experience in advanced statistical methods, pattern recognition, outlier detection algorithms, and/or building predictive models preferred.
• Experience in one or more tools: SQL, Python/R, Strata, Power BI, Spark, Dataiku.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid or remote environment. At times, may work outside of normal business hours and overnight travel may be required.

Salary Information:

For work that is performed in CA, CO, HI, MN, VT, IL, Jersey City, NJ, NY, NY, MD, Washington DC, and WA the chart below outlines the proposed salary range for the corresponding location. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and internal peer compensation comparisons.

• CA: Minimum Salary $106,400, Maximum Salary $200,200
• CO/HI/MN/VT: Minimum Salary $92,500, Maximum Salary $166,800
• IL: Minimum Salary $101,800, Maximum Salary $183,900
• Jersey City, NJ/NY, NY: Minimum Salary $111,000, Maximum Salary $200,200
• MD/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $106,400, Maximum Salary $191,800
• WA: Minimum Salary $92,500, Maximum Salary $191,800

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

FINRA is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws as appropriate, or upon the protected status of the person’s relatives, friends or associates.