Junior Data Scientist in SOUTH AFRICA

About Makosi

Makosi is a global workforce provider on a mission to transform how accounting and advisory firms discover, integrate, and manage talent through people, process, and technology. Our dynamic, tech-enabled approach positions us as the market leader in disrupting the accounting industry. If you're passionate about making a difference, driving innovation, being accountable, and making a commitment to positive global impact, Makosi is the place for you.

At Makosi, we are proud to be an impact-driven company on a mission to change the lives of children through education, providing all employees the opportunity to not just change an industry for the better, but the world.

About the role

Do you have a passion for data, an eye for detail, and the ability to transform raw information into compelling insights? As a Junior Data Scientist, you'll work within our Solutions Design team, owning the analysis and preparation of data while ensuring its accuracy and completeness. You'll also create impactful visualizations through Power BI dashboards that support strategic recommendations during our customer workshops. This role offers a unique blend of technical, analytical, and storytelling opportunities—ideal for someone who is highly curious, technically skilled, and passionate about crafting narratives through data.

In your first week, expect to:

• Immerse yourself in Makosi's service offerings, client relationships, value proposition, and target market
• Meet with key stakeholders across the organization to understand business objectives
• Begin exploring our current data infrastructure, datasets, workflows and dashboards to understand needs and challenges

In your first month, expect to:

• Gain a deep understanding of the formulas and metrics that power our dashboards
• Begin managing data quality issues and help resolve priority requests
• Start developing repeatable processes for data preparation and visualization
• Take initiative in optimizing data models, DAX measures, dashboards, and reports for key business initiatives

In your first three months, expect to:

• Continue refining and enhancing Power BI dashboards and reports to drive impact for Makosi’s customers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives
• Optimize data pipelines, implement best practices for data visualization, and enhance reporting automation
• Document processes, track issues and capture feedback

In your first year, expect to:

• Proactively anticipate business needs and strategically prioritize workload, estimate delivery timelines
• Establish yourself as a trusted Data Scientist and Power BI expert by delivering high-quality analytics solutions, and continuously drive improvements in data preparation, analysis, and visualization processes
• Stay up to date with the latest data analysis tools, Power BI enhancements, and AI-driven innovations to continually improve how insights are delivered, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry practices.
• Have made a material impact on Makosi's growth and success by evolving our data analytics capabilities
• Have made the best decision of your career

Requirements & Skills

This position requires strong analytical thinking, technical proficiency with Power BI, and passion for impactful data visualization applied to business contexts. Success criteria include technical command of Power BI, data agility, stakeholder satisfaction, and business acumen. You will bring a curious, detail-oriented, service-minded approach, with demonstrated experience in Power BI development and a drive to grow your applied skills in data analytics.

• 1-3 years of experience in data analytics, data science, or business intelligence, with demonstrated expertise in Power BI
• Strong command of Power BI including dashboard development, data modelling, and DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)
• Experience working with large and complex business datasets and proficiency in data preparation, cleaning, and analysis
• Ability to translate business requirements into actionable insights through compelling visualizations, and solve data challenges in business contexts
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines
• Knowledge of SQL, Python or other programming languages is a plus
• Curiosity for emerging technologies, familiarity with AI-powered and automation tools is a bonus

Our Values

Positivity: At Makosi, we bring energy, positivity and enthusiasm to every interaction because we genuinely care about our people and our business. We know how to have fun, and we care about mental health.

Innovation: We are passionately curious, willing to learn, and driven to make things better. We try new things, and we take initiative.

Accountability: We take ownership. No buck-passing, no excuses. We put our hands up for the positive and the negative and we welcome responsibility because it gives room to grow.

Commitment: In all we do, we show grit: passion and perseverance for long-term goals. This is because we believe in and identify with Makosi’s vision. We serve those around us, to make them better. We do whatever it takes. And we’re serious about giving back.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Living in these ‘interesting’ times, the need to adapt has never been greater. Makosi understands this and offers 100% remote working opportunities, plus the personal coaching and development it takes to accelerate your career faster giving you endless opportunities to grow and experience from Day 1! But the good news doesn’t stop here…

Why work with Makosi?

You deserve a future without limitations. With Makosi, you can access the personal and professional growth and development that ensures this, including:

• Freedom to work from wherever you are
• Flexible working hours
• Internet allowance and digital support
• Remote IT & office equipment set-up support
• A community of rockstar colleagues to support you
• Guidance and opportunities to help grow your career
• Supportive and pragmatic leave policies
• A confidential, free, on-demand and comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for staff and direct family members, including mental health, physical health, financial wellbeing and legal support