Data Scientist

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Data Scientist for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Regulatory clients in the DMV or NY/NJ area.
The Business Analyst conducts moderate-to-high complexity analysis of automated surveillance systems that detect potential violations of regulatory rules. This role is responsible for understanding, validating, enhancing, and supporting surveillance patterns across multiple asset classes and regulatory domains.
Responsibilities :
The analyst serves as the bridge between regulatory requirements and the technical implementation of surveillance logic, ensuring that patterns produce accurate, complete, and defensible results. In this role, you will:

• Translate highly technical concepts into clear, layman's terms for non-technical stakeholders.
• Prototype solutions to complex business problems iteratively.
• Manage the implementation of prototyped solutions into production.
• Serve as the domain expert who ensures the regulatory accuracy and completeness of all outputs.

Required Skills :

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 2+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in data mining, mathematics, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in SQL for large-scale data analysis on distributed platforms.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting/programming language (e.g., Python) for data analysis, automation, and tool development.
• Experience leveraging ML algorithms to mine large datasets and solve business problems.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to independently investigate data discrepancies and validate system outputs.
• Experience reading and interpreting complex data processing pipelines and business logic in source code.
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet tools for business and operational analysis.
• Excellent documentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical implementations into clear business-facing knowledge documents and Business Requirement Documents (BRDs).
• Experience visualizing data to present findings.
• Strong communication skills.

Preferred Skills :

• Major in Business Administration, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge of SEC/FINRA regulatory rules and reporting requirements, or a strong interest in learning about US financial market structure and the evolving regulatory landscape.
• Experience leveraging generative AI (LLMs, AI coding assistants) and validating AI-generated output to accelerate data analysis, prototyping, code comprehension, and documentation.
• Experience with distributed query engines and big data platforms.

By applying for a job with SGA, you agree to allow SGA to process your application for this and future opportunities in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Also, to ensure timely processing, you agree to be contacted by our AI recruiter via email, text, or phone. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply, but you can reply STOP to any SMS message to opt-out of texts and may contact SGA at to opt-out of AI communications. The choice not to engage with AI will not adversely impact your consideration for placement. AI is not used to make any hiring determinations.
SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .
SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.
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