Data and AI Consultant at KPMG South Africa

Description of the role and purpose of the job:

• The business world is in constant evolution. Accelerating advances in technology and changes in business models are transforming the rules and risks of the game.
• We are seeking dynamic individuals with fresh perspectives to join our diverse team within KPMG's Technology and Innovation unit, helping us elevate our client-focused services to the next level.
• We collaborate with our clients to tackle their most complex strategic challenges and create tailored, practical solutions that enhance their operational efficiency.
• We also develop actionable plans to address business challenges inherent in their operating environments.
• This involves harnessing cutting-edge and emerging technologies/solutions, such as robotics, IoT, and advanced data analytics and Business Intelligence to unlock value.

Key responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will gain exposure to all aspects and phases of the project lifecycle, from strategy through to design and implementation. The candidate will collaborate with experienced consultants in teams to deliver client-facing engagements. This may involve:
• Supporting the execution of project deliverables by leveraging relevant and innovative software/technology tools to achieve client objectives.
• Collaborating with team members to generate practical and impactful solutions during brainstorming sessions.
• Identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements to enhance the client’s service delivery, organizational structures, workflows, technology usage, governance frameworks, data performance, and overall processes.
• Conducting research and gathering evidence to thoroughly assess and challenge the client's perspectives, identifying root causes of their challenges.
• Assisting in managing project controls, including initiation, progress tracking, status reporting, risk identification and mitigation, and budget management.
• Engaging with stakeholders across all levels of the client organization, including facilitating interviews, meetings, and interactive workshops.
• Delivering high-quality client outputs such as detailed data models, insightful reports, and compelling presentations to drive decision-making and project success.

Personal Attributes required for the role:

• Critical skills, attributes, and capabilities of potential candidates include:
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) in English, with the ability to communicate effectively with non-native English speakers and individuals at all levels of seniority, especially online or via phone.
• Strong relationship-building skills, regardless of the person's level.
• Interest in and understanding of innovation and emerging technologies.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, with an open-minded and  inquisitive nature.
• Ability to work remotely.
• Enthusiasm, confidence, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
• Strong analytical thinking.
• Proficiency in software tools and applications (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, PowerBI).
• Solution-oriented and focused.
• Adaptability to changing environments.
• Accountability and responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Strong time management skills and prioritization ability.

Minimum requirements to apply for the role (including qualifications and experience):

Qualifications Required (Undergraduate/Honours/Masters):

• Candidates should be in their final year of undergraduate/honours or pursuing a master's degree in fields with business and technical competencies, including:
• BBus Sci (Accounting/Finance/Economics/ISTN/ComSci, etc.)
• Engineering degrees (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, and Information)
• BCom (Mathematics/Accounting/Finance/Economics/ISTN/ComSci, etc.)
• BSc in Mathematical Sciences/Mathematics/Economics/Informatics/Statistics
• BSc/BEng in Mechanical Engineering (with IT/IS modules)
• Cloud experience e.g. Azure, AWS or Google
• Experience with using Python or Spark
• Experience with Azure Data and AI offerings will be considered advantageous
• Experience with low-code no code platforms such as the Power Platform will be considered advantageous

Requirements:

• Experience in the cloud space with at least one of the Hyper scalers such as Azure, AWS or Google
• Experience with data transformation and modelling utilising SQL, Python and or Spark based languages
• Microsoft AI Engineer or higher/ AWS Data Speciality or higher/ Microsoft Fabric Engineer or higher. Other certifications in the Microsoft Data and AI stack will also be considered.