Job Description for a Data Integrity Analyst

The primary responsibility of a data integrity analyst is to manage a company's computer data by way of monitoring its security. To ensure data is being handled properly by authorized parties, the data integrity analyst tracks records indicating who is accessing what information held by company computer systems at specific times. The data integrity analyst reviews and analyzes this information to protect company data reserves. To preserve sensitive information held by companies, the data integrity analyst ensures the firewall and security systems are up to date to safeguard from the ever-changing methods of data miners and other individuals who might make attempts to access files remotely or internally.

A data integrity analyst is responsible for making backups to company files in a safe manner that protects all versions of data on all storage devices. By monitoring company computer systems, the data integrity analyst makes sure company employees use internal information sources appropriately. As a data integrity analyst is in command of large amounts of possibly sensitive information, the employee must hold conduct to high standards of confidentiality and adhere to the restrictions a company deems appropriate on the use and storage of data. The data integrity analyst must be personally responsible for access and exposure to the information that is being protected and regulate the security clearances of all employees within a firm.

To keep abreast of all potential threats of data security breaches, the data integrity analyst may be required to attend relevant conferences and other educational events, including conferences sponsored by security product vendors. The data integrity analyst may also attend trade shows to learn about data security products that may be purchased by the company to maintain vigilant management over security protocols.

The average salary for a data integrity analyst is $52,000, with a majority of positions available on the lower end of the pay scale at $40,000 and fewer positions available at the higher end of $80,000. Senior positions in this role are likely to pay more. Positions are available across the United States in cities such as Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, and St. Louis.

A data integrity analyst is expected to have worked in this position or one with related duties and functions for one to five years within the industry for which the hiring company is involved. Hiring managers within the financial services industry are likely to prefer data integrity analysts who have previous work experience in financial services, as an understanding of concepts of industry is likely to be integral to the successful completion of job duties.

A company hiring a data integrity analyst may seek a candidate who has a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, health information technology or a related field. Some hiring firms may accept sufficient experience in the field when a candidate does not hold a degree or holds an unrelated degree.

Different companies may have their own requirements for certifications that show competency in computer science. Employers in the health field may require candidates to hold a Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) certificate. If the candidate is seeking a position in the health field, familiarity with commonly used health platforms for information technology is likely to be required. Likewise, each industry is likely to have its own systems that are commonly used.

A data integrity analyst should have the ability to conduct data mapping activities that track data storage and the access of data held within specific security tiers by employees or divisions within the company. To promote the successful access of data by those parties who need to use it, the data integrity analyst should have the ability to create and disseminate transparent databases. Information that is integral to the key functions of employees in other departments should be accessible through the structure of data reserves.

High communication skills are a must for a candidate looking to fill this position. Depending on the needs of the hiring firm, a data integrity analyst may be asked to standardize company data or draw analytical information from available data. The data integrity analyst should be comfortable with all formats of data and the conversion of data from one format to another to enable standardization and employee access.

A data integrity analyst may be expected to work for extended periods of time without supervision from a manager. Likewise, a potential data integrity analyst should be comfortable interpreting and executing the directions of a company without excessive additional clarification from management. Previous exposure to the field of data security and computer science should enable the data integrity analyst to distinguish between malicious and benign behaviors in computer systems, and know which security protocols should be taken to enhance current security measures, as well as implement new firewalls and antivirus software. A data integrity analyst must have sufficient understanding of the different methods of preventing breaches and available software to make sound judgment calls on new software to be implemented into current systems.

A candidate must have the ability to work for extended periods of time independently or in a team setting depending on the needs of the hiring firm. An individual who accepts this position may lead or be part of a company's data team and should be comfortable forming working relationships with fellow team members.

This is a growing field, and as more and more companies need to protect sensitive data and create databases that allow for easy access of company records and files for employees, there is a higher demand and necessity for the data integrity analyst position. Large- and medium-sized companies may outsource their data needs to third parties, but as computer information becomes an increasingly private matter, companies are increasing efforts to hire their own data integrity analysts. Likewise, as this position becomes more integral to the basic business functions of different companies, it is likely the position's average salary may increase as larger companies pay more competitive salaries to the most competent individuals to protect company data.