Insight & Reporting Analyst
Location: Birmingham (office-based 5 days per week for the first 3–6 months)
We’re supporting a long-established UK business that is enhancing its data and reporting capability.
They’re looking for a hands-on Insight & Reporting Analyst to take ownership of reporting tools, improve automation, and help the business make faster, data-driven decisions.
The role suits someone who enjoys variety, independence, and problem-solving a technically confident Excel user who can investigate data issues, refine reporting processes, and build simple, effective tools that make life easier for others.
The Role
You’ll work as part of a small data and insight function, responsible for:
- Building, maintaining, and improving Excel-based reporting tools with embedded VBA and macros.
- Connecting data sources into Excel via Power Query / Get Data to automate updates and reduce manual effort.
- Using Excel to structure, analyse, and present information creating pivot tables, charts, and summary dashboards that are both accurate and intuitive.
- Investigating anomalies and inconsistencies in datasets to improve data quality and reliability.
- Translating requests from non-technical stakeholders into clear, actionable reports or models.
- Continuously looking for ways to streamline, document, and improve existing reporting processes.
About You
- Confident using Excel to an intermediate or advanced level, including pivot tables, charts, formulas, and formatting.
- Practical experience writing or maintaining VBA scripts you can read, understand, and debug macros.
- Familiar with Power Query (Get Data) or similar tools for connecting and transforming data.
- Methodical, analytical, and naturally curious able to work with a loose brief and deliver tangible results.
- Strong communicator, comfortable explaining what the data means to colleagues at all levels.
- Experience with Power BI or SQL would be beneficial but not essential.
Why Apply?
- Join a stable, well-respected organisation where your analysis directly supports operational and performance improvement.
- Opportunity to modernise and automate legacy reporting processes.
- A genuinely autonomous role, ideal for someone who enjoys ownership and can make an immediate impact.
Senior Data Analyst in Watford employer: SF Technology Solutions
Join a dynamic data and digital innovation company near Birmingham, where as a SQL Database Administrator, you will enjoy a culture that fosters autonomy and collaboration with senior stakeholders. With a strong focus on career development, you will benefit from a clear progression pathway, regular remuneration reviews, and a personal development scheme, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Analyst in Watford
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like SF Technology Solutions!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at SF Technology Solutions, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Technology Solutions
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with SF Technology Solutions’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
