Associate - Python Developer (Finance Platform Strategies)

About this role

We are seeking a technologically adept Data Automation Specialist with a robust Python background and financial acumen to join the FPS Automation CoE team within Finance Platform Strategies (FPS). Our team champions the transformative integration of automation, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to streamline and accelerate financial processes, ensuring peak efficiency and workflow optimization.

The Finance Platform Strategies (FPS) group, within BlackRock’s global Finance & Strategy organization, is responsible for long-term management of Finance platform and technology initiatives, spanning controllers, financial planning, expense management, treasury, tax, and a range of other proprietary and third-party platform capabilities. The group drives the strategic vision for and implementation of initiatives to enhance our platform capabilities and delivers day-to-day oversight and management of the platform, with a global footprint.

Collaboration is key. You’ll work closely with partners across the Finance organization, BlackRock’s Aladdin Engineering team, and BlackRock Process Automation CoE (PACoE) to achieve our goals. Join us in shaping the future of finance through innovation and excellence.

Core Responsibilities:

• Developing and orchestrating technical solutions with a primary focus on Python frameworks, while also leveraging other technologies such as ETL tools and scripting languages to support the automation of financial processes and workflows, data transformations, and system integrations.

• Driving projects to completion by understanding requirements and utilizing a wide range of financial applications and automation tools.

• Ensuring the quality, performance, and reliability of software applications through rigorous testing, debugging, and code reviews.

• Partnering with functions across the global Finance organization to understand and solution business use cases for automation.

• Setting up and maintaining servers to support the Python infrastructure.

• Staying current with the latest developments in Python technologies, as well as industry trends in finance automation.

• Documenting development work requirements, including technical specifications, user stories, and acceptance criteria, to ensure clear communication and alignment with stakeholders.

• Mentoring and guiding junior developers to help them grow their skills and knowledge.

• Working closely with the Aladdin Engineering team and PACoE to align technology solutions with business needs.

• Contributing as a Finance Technology Subject Matter Expert (SME), developing solutions around the inventory of technical tools available within BlackRock.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Advanced proficiency in Python technologies, including a deep understanding of frameworks such as Pandas, NumPy and PySpark, to architect and implement robust data transformation solutions.

• Extensive experience with data modeling, both relational and non-relational, and schema design (e.g., SQL Server, star and snowflake).

• Proven expertise in API integration, including RESTful and GraphQL, for data enrichment and processing.

• Proficiency in data cleaning, normalization, and validation for maintaining high data quality.

• Strong experience in data science and machine learning, with proficiency in libraries such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

• Exposure to Azure Cognitive Services, offering a competitive edge in leveraging AI and machine learning capabilities.

• Practical experience with cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure, and a solid grasp of cloud services and infrastructure.

• Proficient in DevOps practices, with experience using tools like Azure DevOps for continuous integration and delivery.

• Comfortable working in a Linux environment, demonstrating versatility across operating systems.

• Knowledge of cloud deployment technologies, such as Docker, to facilitate efficient deployment and scaling of applications.

• Familiarity with real-time data streaming platforms such as Apache Kafka.

• Understanding of containerization and orchestration technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

• Strong command of data governance and security practices.

• Exposure with data visualization tools like Matplotlib, Power BI, or Tableau.

Good to have:

• Experience working with Azure Document Intelligence (ADI) for data processing.

• Experience with GPT APIs, such as Chat Completion.

• Familiarity with other programming languages such as C# or Java, adding a valuable dimension to the candidate’s technical toolkit.

• Validated experience in software development and the ability to autonomously understand an existing codebase.

• Curiosity about the functional aspects of the product, with a base knowledge of the finance industry being highly appreciated.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.

Qualifications:

• For candidates in India: B.E., B.TECH., MCA, or any other relevant engineering degree from a reputed university.

• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in the field.

Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.