Data Analyst IV

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

The position performs complex functions involving data analysis, data quality, data research, report development and data reconciliation. Work entails querying and compiling data, developing technical solutions such as creating databases, identify data gaps, errors, anomalies, inconsistencies, developing software applications using computer languages, as well as other data maintenance related functions such as performing data quality metrics. The position prepares financial and technical reports; identifies data trends, inconsistencies, anomalies and redundancies; and establishes data quality metrics and measures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Collects, queries, and analyzes data using standard statistical tools, applications, methods, and techniques. (40%)

• Performs data analysis using statistical tools such as Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and TOAD and applying industry standard methods and techniques.
• Ensures data is correct by running queries, pulling ad hoc data, writes reports, and presents findings.
• Ensures system combination are correct and maintains data fields within the chart of accounts, establishes/updates data fields in CAPPS Financials.
• Reviews and approves security request for CAPPS Financials, USAS, TOSS and related systems.
• Build SQL scripts to add, delete and update data on system databases.
• Writes, extracts, queries, and compiles data in the completion of audit requests, open records requests.
• Creates and maintains Microsoft Power APP applications.

Interprets data analysis results to identify significant differences and trends in data to inform decisions. (10%)

• Reviews data accuracy and interprets and identifies data trends, inconsistencies, anomalies, and redundancies.
• Establishes data quality metrics, measures against results, and recommends improvements to data quality.

Consults with internal and external customers to identify data analytics needs. (15%)

• Maintains electronic data interface (EDI) layout to ensure compliance with PeopleSoft and IRS regarding data formatting.

• Meets with project teams, auditors, and vendors.
• Responds orally and written communication regarding current reporting process.
• Reviews the financial data team mailbox and responds in an accurate and timely manner to any reporting or system related questions.
• Meets with managers and staff to collect and gather new data requirements.
• Writes scope documents and gathers project and report requirements.

Cleans and prunes data to discard irrelevant information. (15%)

• Reviews the recommendations and completes the data clean up as necessary and ensures files are not too large or corrupt.
• Completes daily report refresh and publishes them to SharePoint for financial analyst to utilize.
• Reviews data for accuracy and inconsistencies
• Reviews CAPPS Financials system codes tables and look up tables to ensure lookup data is up to date.

Participates in developing methods for mitigating data issues and deploying those methods to correct issues. (10%)

• Verifies data accuracy on reports created by Finance Data team.
• Develops and deploys methods and solutions to correct data inaccuracies in the reports.
• Develops and implements methods and solutions to prevent data issues in the future.
• Reviews and maintains database macros and formulas and ensures the accuracy.

Prepares concise, comprehensive technical reports to present and make and justify recommendations on data revisions. (5%)

• Gathers data to prepares comprehensive financial and technical reports such as the Monthly Financial Report (MFR), Legislative Annual Report (LAR), base reconciliation, Annual Financial Report (AFR)
• Recommends best practices for report preparation to increase efficiency and accuracy of those reports.
• Explores opportunities for process automation using SQL scripts, power automate or related tools.

Establishes and maintains standard work procedures governing the appropriate use of data. (5%)

• Documents and reviews standard work procedures to update data fields.
• Creates and reviews CAPPS valid combination tables and rule sets.
• Reviews incoming request for additional Chartfield and creates them on system.
• Reviews server tables for accuracy and schedules audit reports.
• Reviews and approves security roles for varies systems.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of statistics and analyzing data sets.

Knowledge of running queries, report writing, and presenting findings.

Knowledge of record keeping, including security procedures for handling, protecting, and distributing confidential data.

Knowledge of data models, database design development, data mining, and segmentation techniques.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, in conducting data searches, in evaluating and translating large amounts of data, and in critical thinking.

Skill in analyzing problems and devising effective solutions.

Ability to compile, review, and analyze data.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience writing and maintaining SQL scripts or queries required.

Experience creating Microsoft Power APP applications required.

Experience in data analysis, research, compilation, and/or reporting work.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in data science, business analytics, computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, accounting, finance, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field is generally preferred.

Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.