Senior Data and Analytics Specialist

Senior Data and Analytics Specialist at Reserve Bank of Australia. This role supports the Finance team by delivering high-quality analysis, system maintenance, and prototype development using IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) and other financial systems.

• Financial Analysis & Problem Solving: Perform detailed financial analysis to support strategic decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking. Investigate and resolve data anomalies, variances, and inconsistencies across financial reports and systems. Apply critical thinking to identify root causes and recommend actionable solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to interpret financial data and translate insights into meaningful business narratives.
• System Navigation & Planning Analytics: Navigate the General Ledger and IBM Planning Analytics to extract, validate, and manipulate financial data. Support the design and enhancement of financial models and reporting structures within Planning Analytics. Partner with IT and finance system administrators to ensure data integrity and system reliability. Assist in automating manual processes and developing prototypes. Build robust Excel-based financial models to support improvements across planning, forecasting and reporting. Ensure models are well-structured and documented. Collaborate with stakeholders to test and refine prototypes.
• System Maintenance & Support: Conduct monthly audits of financial systems to identify and resolve discrepancies. Coordinate software updates, patches, and system enhancements; monitor system performance and optimize configurations with IT. Maintain user-focused workflows and oversee system changes. Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports with key metrics and variance analysis against budget and forecast. Respond to ad hoc reporting requests from senior stakeholders with timely, accurate insights. Support month-end and year-end close activities, including journal preparation, posting, and reconciliation. Ensure journal entries are properly documented and aligned with GL data. Help improve close processes and reporting workflows.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to automate processes and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline financial workflows and reduce manual tasks.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies. Identify and mitigate financial risks through effective risk management strategies.
• Technology and Process Improvement: Leverage financial software and tools to streamline accounting processes. Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.

• Significant experience applying accounting principles with expertise in financial modelling and analytical reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with charge-back/cost-recovery/show-back models.
• Extensive experience in preparing, monitoring, and reporting annual and project budgets.
• Experience with IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) or similar planning and reporting systems is highly desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting and planning tools and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with budgeting and management reporting processes, including internal management reports.
• Advanced knowledge of management accounting methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work independently and in a team; strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting.
• Qualified member of a professional accounting body in Australia (or international equivalent).

Working for an organisation that truly makes a difference to the people of Australia, we offer development and career opportunities in a collaborative environment that supports growth and wellbeing. Be more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.

The Reserve Bank of Australia contributes to national economic policy objectives and operates essential financial infrastructure. Our culture emphasizes openness, dynamism, integrity and excellence. We value diverse perspectives and collaboration to deliver quality outcomes for Australia.