Data Officer ( Hybrid ) at Merit Financial Advisors

Job Description: Data Officer Position Summary The Data Officer is responsible for leading and managing the firm’s data strategy, ensuring the integrity, quality, and security of all data assets. This role will own the end-to-end data ingestion process, establish and enforce data governance policies, develop and optimize data-related processes, and drive the use of data for financial reporting and strategic decision-making. The Data Officer will collaborate across departments to ensure data is leveraged as a strategic asset, supporting business growth, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities Own and oversee all data ingestion processes from internal and external sources (custodians, portfolio management systems, CRM, accounting, etc.). Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data across platforms. Develop and implement data validation, cleansing, and reconciliation procedures to maintain high data quality. Monitor and resolve data inconsistencies, errors, and integration issues. Design, implement, and maintain data governance frameworks, policies, and standards. Ensure compliance with data privacy laws, regulatory requirements (SEC, FINRA, GDPR, etc.), and industry best practices. Define and enforce data ownership, stewardship, and access controls. Develop, document, and continuously improve processes for data ingestion, transformation, storage, and usage. Collaborate with IT, finance, compliance, and business units to streamline workflows and automate data-related tasks. Develop and execute a comprehensive data strategy aligned with the firm’s business objectives. Evaluate and implement modern data platforms, tools, and technologies (cloud, data lakes, data warehouses, etc.). Oversee the integration of data into financial reporting systems and dashboards. Ensure the accuracy and consistency of financial data used for regulatory filings, management reporting, and client communications. Partner with finance and accounting teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. Serve as the primary point of contact for data-related matters across the organization. Provide training and support to colleagues on data management, governance, and reporting. Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Finance, or related field. 5+ years of experience in data management, governance, or analytics within financial services, preferably at an RIA or wealth management firm. Strong knowledge of data governance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting standards. Proficiency with data platforms (e.g., SQL, cloud databases, ETL tools), data visualization, and analytics tools. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Strong communication and collaboration abilities; able to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders. Experience with process creation, documentation, and optimization. Preferred Skills Experience with portfolio management, CRM, and accounting systems (e.g., Orion, Salesforce, eMoney). Familiarity with AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics in financial services. Certification in data governance or data management (e.g., CDMP, DGSP) is a plus. Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 5 - 10 years Salary: $125,000 - $180,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: Yes