Data Operations - Associate Director (Public Finance) in London

Fitch Group is currently seeking a Data Operations – Associate Director (Public Finance) based out of our London office. As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets.

The Associate Director (Public Finance) role will oversee the collection of fundamental data needed across Fitch Group, and will work extensively with other Data Operations teams, Fitch Ratings analytical staff and Fitch Solutions Product Owners to assure the quality of the data collected and available to stakeholders. This role will be highly influential in helping to define the collection methodology, to ensure it meets the current and future needs of Fitch's credit ratings analysts and product workflows.

This is a great opportunity to join a growing team responsible for all of Fitch's fundamental data collection, supporting both Ratings and Solutions. Exposure to the latest technology, as processes are transformed to leverage AI/ML.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Have advanced knowledge relevant to the sector and stay updated with new developments that will impact stakeholders.
• Ensure highest levels of data quality for public entity financials, making sure data has been correctly processed by data input analysts, validated by internal data analysts, and providing constructive feedback as required.
• Understand Fitch's business priorities and resource constraints, translating strategic initiatives into practical projects, identifying necessary stakeholder inputs.
• Take the initiative to develop ideas, with an understanding of the broader business and act in its best interests.
• Delegate tasks while maintaining ownership and manage workloads effectively, whilst adapting to changes.
• Identify trends where similar fundamental data points may be treated differently across jurisdictions, working closely with analytical teams to build consensus for an agreed standardised approach.
• Document methodologies on how various fundamental data points are defined, can be identified in financial statements, and should be captured in Fitch standardised data templates.
• Take responsibility as a lead data steward for documentation of standardised terms in Collibra.
• Act as a mentor, develop less experienced staff, and provide guidance on projects.
• Provide training and ongoing support to outsource teams capturing fundamental data, and handle exceptions to support consistent high data quality.
• Draw out underlying business needs from stakeholders, to facilitate positive solutions and manage expectations whilst communicating clearly.
• Set standards for client service/stakeholder management, taking the lead to resolve disagreements, and handling challenging clients with professionalism.
• Take responsibility for the creation of key management reporting monthly, and present results to stakeholders on a quarterly basis.
• Lead the exploration, evaluation, and responsible adoption of AI/ML techniques to drive measurable business outcomes across data workflows and decisioning.

You May be a Good Fit if

• Experience of working with public entity financial data, in a publicly owned company, rating agency, accountancy, auditing publicly owned companies, with an understanding of IFRS, GAAP & wider accounting fundamental processes.
• Ability to work independently, whilst also being a strong leader with the ability to inspire others within a team environment.
• A CIMA, ACCA, ACA, CFA qualified would be preferred.
• To be a self-starter who can pick up new processes quickly and accurately.
• Have a can-do attitude to problems.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Attention to detail, with a highly organised and methodical approach to work.
• Prior experience working with offshore teams, and or leading/mentoring team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Desire for continued professional development.
• Knowledge of AI/ML tools and their practical applications.
• Openness to change.

Why Choose Fitch

• Hybrid Work Environment: 2 to 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location.
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity.
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals.
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing.
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively.
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe.
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community.

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch's credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest.