Graduate Data Analyst

About the role

iress is hiring a Graduate Data Analyst in Johannesburg to support the preparation, analysis and communication of data so that business decisions are based on reliable insights. The role suits people starting a career in financial services technology: you will work within defined boundaries using standard methods, build your capability through practical experience and feedback, and help improve analytical workflows while using approved AI tools responsibly. The role may occasionally involve after-hours work for critical deployments.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, clean and analyse data from approved sources to answer defined business questions.
• Apply standard analytical methods to identify trends, patterns and insights, and document assumptions, methods and outputs.
• Produce accurate reports, dashboards and visualisations to agreed quality standards, and tell clear stories for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Validate data integrity, investigate anomalies and document how routine and moderately complex data issues are resolved.
• Escalate specialist issues and collaborate with data engineering, business, product and analytics colleagues to clarify requirements and improve analysis.
• Identify improvements to workflows, reusable queries and reporting, and use approved AI tools to automate routine preparation while protecting confidential data.

Required profile

• A relevant degree in Data Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Economics, Finance or a related field.
• Exposure to spreadsheets, SQL, data visualisation or other analytical tools through study, projects, internships or personal learning.
• Interest in how data is prepared, governed, interpreted and communicated, and willingness to work within defined methods and seek feedback.
• Adaptable, committed to outstanding support, and able to learn and grow; the Graduate Program supports local talent and promotes diversity.

Required skills

• Data preparation and analysis using standard methods.
• Producing reports, dashboards and visualisations aligned to stakeholder needs.
• Applying data-quality, validation and handling practices under guidance.
• Maintaining simple data structures, reusable queries and documented outputs.
• Using approved AI tools responsibly, protecting data and escalating concerns.

The Graduate Program is open to South African citizens aged 18 to 25 with no prior work experience who belong to previously disadvantaged demographic groups; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The employer aims to offer permanent employment to successful graduates. Benefits mentioned include long weekends, flexible ways of working, generous parental leave and community initiatives.