Senior Data Analyst - Internal Audit

SUMMARY

The Senior Data Analyst will serve as a tactical leader within the Data Analytics function of the Internal Audit Department and will be responsible for designing, developing, and advancing data analytics that enhance audit execution, risk assessment, and overall organizational insight. This role requires a technically skilled and creative professional with deep expertise in SQL, SSRS, and Power BI, capable of driving innovation, data-driven solutions that improve audit effectiveness and efficiency.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking problem solver with strong business acumen, a passion for uncovering insights, and the ability to guide less experienced analysts. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams—including IT, ERM, Compliance, and other business units—to automate data extraction, transform complex datasets, and enable analytics  to evaluate the organizations processes and controls. In addition to hands-on development, the Senior Analyst will play a key role in shaping the future of audit analytics through mentorship, leadership, training and continuous improvement of analytic methodologies and practices.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

Data Collection and Analysis

• Lead the design, development, and execution of complex analytics that support the full annual Internal Audit Plan, including audits, action validations, and SOX/FDICIA testing.
• Independently extract, cleanse, and integrate data from a wide range of sources—including enterprise data warehouses, Snowflake databases, third-party applications, Excel files, and other structured or unstructured data repositories. This includes transforming non-relational or semi-structured data into relational formats to enable effective testing and alignment with business processes and control objectives.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance data analytic performed within audits through new testing approaches, automation, and refined data strategies.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for audit teams and executive stakeholders using advanced visualizations and storytelling techniques in Power BI.
• Serve as a thought partner to audit leadership, contributing analytical insights that drive risk-based decision-making and data analytics audit strategy refinement.

Report Development

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve advanced reporting solutions using SQL, SSRS, and Power BI to support both routine and ad hoc Internal Audit reporting needs.
• Lead the automation of data flows and report generation using ETL tools such as Alteryx, Python, and SSIS to improve audit efficiency, effectiveness, and consistency.
• Ensure reports and dashboards are accurate, scalable, and tailored to stakeholder needs—incorporating visuals and advanced calculations to strengthen audit conclusions.
• Establish and enforce standards for data quality, documentation, and version control within Internal Audit’s analytics environment.
• Oversee the development of templated and repeatable reporting solutions that reduce re-work and ensure consistency across audits.

Risk Assessment, Data Integrity, and Collaboration

• Lead the analytical support for audit risk assessments, leveraging data to highlight risk trends, emerging issues, and audit priorities.
• Collaborate with business units, IT, Compliance, ERM, and other stakeholders to identify authoritative data sources and validate audit data pipelines.
• Ensure the security, integrity, and auditability of data used in testing by implementing quality checks and process controls.
• Support continuous improvement by evaluating prior audit analytics for enhancement opportunities in methodology, scope, and tools.
• Own the analytics component of Internal Audit’s control testing framework, ensuring outputs are defensible to meet external and regulatory expectations.

Leadership, Knowledge Sharing, and Team Development

• Serve as a mentor and coach to the Internal Audit analytics team, including full-time analysts, part-time associates, and audit staff.
• Proactively share knowledge, train teammates, and develop reference materials to build analytic capabilities across Internal Audit leadership and staff.
• Lead by example in the adoption of new tools, techniques, and audit technologies—promoting a culture of curiosity, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the Internal Audit Manager – Data Analytics and Senior Internal Audit Manager to shape the future direction of data analytics in Internal Audit, aligning with business and departmental goals.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Internal Audit Manager – Data Analytics with department-wide improvement process initiatives, including automation efforts, tool adoption, and audit efficiency enhancements.
• Maintain an extensive understanding of data analytical tools, techniques, and platforms, with the ability to apply them to support fraud detection, continuous auditing, and continuous monitoring, along with a general understanding of accounting principles and audit standards.
• Complete all required compliance training and stay informed on regulatory changes affecting banking, financial services, and internal audit practices.
• Contribute to the documentation and evolution of Internal Audit’s data analytics standards, best practices, and methodologies.
• Adherence to all First United Policies and Procedures.
• Occasional travel to business locations in Oklahoma and Texas, generally no more than a few times per month, with rare overnight stays (approximately 5–10% travel).

EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Data Analytics, Accounting, Finance, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Note: 8+ years of relevant data analytics experience may substitute for formal education under certain circumstances.
• Preferred certification in data analytics or audit-related fields (e.g., CIA, CISA, Microsoft Data Analyst Associate, PCEP (Python), or a similar credential); certification in progress may also be considered.
• 4+ years of experience writing and optimizing SQL queries.
• Over 2 years of hands-on experience developing either reports or applications using tools such as Power BI, SSRS, Python, Snowflake, VBA, Alteryx, Azure, or other relevant platforms.
• 2-5 years of critical thinking and problem solving in data analytics

Technical/Functional Competencies

• Good understanding of the Standards and Guidance established by the Institute of Internal Auditors and ability to apply in performing audit duties.
• Strong ability to understand business processes and assess internal controls.
• Working knowledge of various programming languages and software (SQL, M, DAX, SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio, Alteryx, Python, VS Code)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to interact with all levels of management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft products including Power Platform (Power Bi, Power Automate, Power Apps).
• Effective leadership skills, self-motivated, and project management skills. 
• Knowledge of organizational governance frameworks (COSO, COBIT, NIST, ISO) and development strategies (Agile)   

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by manager to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email us at HR@firstunitedbank.com for assistance.