Data Architect and Engineering Lead

Finexio is simplifying the way businesses make and receive business payments by integrating electronic payments and cash flow improvement solutions directly into customers' business process software. Our vision is a world in which finance leaders only have to decide "what" to pay - Finexio's software seamlessly handles the "how" and the "when".

Finexio is experiencing rapid growth, and we are seeking a Data Architect & Engineering Lead to spearhead the design, development and delivery of our data architecture and facilities, driving scalability and innovation. We're looking for someone with a proven track record in delivering scalable data solutions, business-driven data models, real-time data processing, and integrated data bases that support all other software layers utilized within our payments processing and administrative operations software. If you have proven expertise in building and managing high-performing, data-driven architectureswe want to hear from you!

This individual will be an integral part of our next phase of growth; responsible for shaping strategic direction and establishing best practices that will define our data management solutions as we continue to scale as an organization. In this role, you will be responsible for crafting and implementing a strategy, designing the requisite data models and solution architecture, and interfacing into the engineering delivery team. Ideal candidates will have a serious passion for data architecture, data modeling, multiple types of data repositories (Operational and Transactional databases, relational and document, BI/AI, data warehouses, etc.), and data-driven decision making. This will be a high-profile role within the Finexio Technology teamone that offers potential opportunities for growth and advancement for individuals that can deliver (and out-perform) on expectations. A background in payments or fintech is a big plus!

Key Responsibilities and Data Technology Focus:

Business-Driven Conceptual and Logical Data Modeling

• Work with executive management and key department heads to define the requirements and establish the data models (conceptual, logical and physical) for Finexio's Operational Data Store (ODS), the overall business Master Data Management (MDM) which supports both Salesforce and bespoke Payments software integration, the business-decisioning BI/AI warehouse, and other ancillary but payments-critical non-relational / document databases used throughout the enterprise.
• Interface between executive management, department heads, and IT engineering to define the business priorities and develop the joint IT design and sprint plans to gradually introduce the end-state data architecture roadmap / solution in phases, each delivering maximum business benefit (market expansion, product development, and customer engagement) along the journey.
• In close association with the preceding focus, more directly oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of data-related projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and able to meet quality standards, using agile methodologies to manage projects and adapt to changing needs.
• Regularly communicate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, to report on data initiatives, progress, and impacts, translating complex data-related models and strategies into clear business terms.
• Actively participate in product strategy sessions, providing insights on how data can enhance product offerings, personalize customer experiences, and create competitive advantages.

Detailed Data Design (Physical Modeling), Delivery, and Support

• Design data structures and models that facilitate complex analytical queries and integrate real-time data streams (ODS / MDM), enhancing customer and transaction analytics (BI/AI) without impacting performance.
• Conduct periodic, detailed analyses of database operations, identifying and implementing query optimizations to enhance performance and efficiency, ensuring fast data access and optimal resource use.
• Optimize data storage across relational (PostgreSQL) and non-relational (AWS DocumentDB) platforms to support both operational transaction systems (ODS/MDM) and analytical data warehouses (BI/AI) while balancing cost, performance, and compliance.
• Design, test, and validate fail-over solutions to ensure maximum system up-time, data accessibility, data backup and recovery consistent with enterprise business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Accurately document as-is data flows (reverse data engineering) and the future to-be solution data architecture. Focus here is on proper level of continuously-maintained documentation to support ongoing system maintenance and future solution development.

Continuous Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of new fintech tools and database solutions that enhance transaction efficiency and security, with heavy focus on payment processing and related operations (back-office and IT) support.
• Implement automation in data ingestion, processing, and cleansing using ETL tools and workflow technologies like Apache Airflow and others to increase efficiency and reduce errors, with a special concentration on internal and external APIs, Salesforce, and bespoke payments processing core software.
• Schedule and conduct regular security audits and risk assessments, utilizing findings to reinforce the security framework and mitigate threats to data integrity and privacy.
• Implement advanced encryption and data masking techniques to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or data breaches.
• Develop ongoing, semi-formal and self-service education programs for all employees on data handling, compliance, and data/information security best practices.
• Stay updated on changes in financial regulations (e.g. OFAC) and security (e.g. PCI-DSS) standards, adapting data security strategies promptly to ensure ongoing compliance.

Requirements

Required / Desired Qualifications

Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or related field

Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a fintech environment.

Expertise in SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL database systems (AWS DocumentDB / MongoDB)

Proficient in C# and TypeScript

Experience in the following preferred areas:

o Payments-related APIs (Banking, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, etc.)

o Tools used for Data Analysis (PowerBI, Google Sheets, BigQuery (GoogleSQL), etc.)

o Data Integration tools (Fivtran, Hightouch, etc.)

o CRM BI tools (Salesforce, etc.)

o Emerging AI solutions, particularly in operations support and business analytics

Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering scalable data architectures, pipelines, and integrations

Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using data visualization tools like PowerBI

Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to interface comfortably and effectively with executive management, department heads, and multiple IT engineering delivery teams

Must be a self-starter who excels at multitasking and thrives in a fast-paced, early-stage business environment

Scrappy, hustle oriented, roll-up-the-sleeves, "whatever it takes" attitude.

Candidate must currently reside in Orlando, FL or Charlotte, NCor be willing to relocate to the Orlando, FL or Charlotte, NC area upon receiving a job offer

Remote Work Competencies :

Proficient in asynchronous communication and project management tools such as Slack, ClickUp, and other forms of remote collaboration

Exhibits clear, concise, and proactive communication across all channels (email, messaging, video calls), and shows adeptness in both verbal and non-verbal cues

Experienced in working remotely and managing time effectively with minimal supervision

Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex data insights clearly and effectively

Able to maintain personal administrative duties and task manage in an ambiguous and remote environment Quickly adapts to new technologies and changes in workflow, and remains flexible in scheduling to accommodate different time zones.

Benefits

Benefits

Startup / early-stage environment within a stable, industry-leading company

Culture that emphasizes the following key differentiators:

Clients first

Humble

Collaborative

Data based decision making

An organization that is built for speed

Dynamic, rapidly expanding market for our products and services.

What We Offer

The chance to work in a fast-paced environment with payment industry leaders

Remote work environment ? work from anywhere!

Competitive salary and stock options

75% paid medical, dental and vision starting on your first day

Flexible vacation policy ? work with your manager to schedule time off

Weekly company all hands? opportunity to interact with the Leadership Team to grow and learn.

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree