James Collier

Senior Data Scientist & Analytics Leader

Experienced data scientist and analytics professional with almost 20 years driving business value through advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and enterprise data architecture. Expert in Python, SQL, and modern visualization platforms with proven track record of delivering scalable solutions that reduce operational costs by 60%, increase revenue by millions, and optimize decision-making across organizations large and small. Specialized in risk analytics, financial modeling, and building comprehensive data warehouses that transform raw data into actionable business intelligence.

GitHub Projects

Visit my GitHub profile @jamesecollier81 to explore my data science projects, machine learning implementations, and analytical tools built with Python, SQL, and various visualization libraries.

Professional Experience

Associate, Enterprise Risk Data
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September 2022 - Present | Remote
  • Architected and maintained enterprise-scale reports, dashboards, and data products using SQL, Python, and Tableau, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of mission-critical risk analytics to senior leadership
  • Engineered a comprehensive master IP lookup system in Tableau leveraging Amazon Redshift that consolidates data from 6 disparate IP vendors, reducing investigative research time by 60% and streamlining fraud detection workflows
  • Deployed advanced SQL querying techniques to extract and manipulate large-scale datasets exceeding millions of records, expertly handling semi-structured data and ensuring precise delivery of licensing compliance reports to external regulatory bodies
  • Spearheaded the identification, development, and automated reporting of critical risk metrics on recurring schedules, leveraging Python's machine learning ecosystem including scikit-learn and imbalanced-learn to build predictive models for complex risk scenarios
  • Delivered actionable business intelligence to executive leadership by implementing sophisticated machine learning algorithms and creating compelling data visualizations using matplotlib and scikit-plot, directly informing strategic risk management decisions
  • Orchestrated cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders, analysts, and engineering teams to translate complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions, ensuring seamless alignment across enterprise initiatives
  • Mastered the art of technical storytelling by communicating complex analytical findings to C-suite executives and non-technical stakeholders through executive-ready presentations, research reports, and interactive dashboards
  • Mentored junior data analyst in advanced SQL optimization and Python programming, establishing best practices that increased team analytical capabilities and boosted overall productivity by 15%
  • Maintained cutting-edge expertise in emerging data science methodologies and machine learning frameworks, continuously driving innovation and analytical excellence within the enterprise risk organization
Director of Technology & Analysis
JumpCrew
May 2021 - September 2022 | Remote
  • Led development of company-wide data warehouse and ETL system using Google BigQuery, Data Studio, and Python
  • Championed IT Steering Committee, driving strategic vision for technology platforms and standards
  • Developed comprehensive cash flow reporting for four lines of business with real-time visibility
  • Created dynamic delinquency reporting system, improving collections effectiveness by 5-10%
  • Managed internal resources and external consulting firms to build robust tech stack
Senior Retail Banking Analyst
BBVA
August 2018 - April 2021 | Remote
  • Implemented Payments Line of Business Tableau site with key P&L and application volume reports
  • Optimized SQL/SAS code reducing runtime from 12.5 hours to 15 minutes using temp tables
  • Developed Application Funnel reporting identifying issues with pending applications, resulting in 50% more approved cards
  • Created portfolio optimization strategy increasing purchase and balance active rates by 3%
  • Conducted A/B testing on email and direct mail campaigns for credit card optimization
Manager of Finance and Business Intelligence
Alula/ipDatatel
April 2016 - August 2018 | Houston, TX
  • Led Business Intelligence initiative implementing Qlik Sense and Microsoft Power BI
  • Leveraged disparate data from Salesforce, MySQL, MSSQL, and Excel for actionable intelligence
  • Developed initial company Dashboard and KPI apps for C-Suite executives and Board of Directors
  • Generated first insights into device retention, longevity, and territory potential
  • Led budget process for combined entity after merger, coordinating all departments
Senior Financial Analyst
Conn's
August 2011 - March 2016 | Houston, TX
  • Developed comprehensive financial forecast model for C-Suite including five-year long-range plan
  • Led budget process for entire $2 billion company, coordinating multiple analysts
  • Played key role in asset-based lending expansions ($800M) and asset-backed securities transaction ($1.1B)
  • Identified valuable customers in specific FICO bands, resulting in over $1 million additional revenue
  • Delivered roll rate model for credit portfolio to determine bad debt provision per FASB standards

Education & Certifications

BBA '04, MBA '07 in Finance
Lamar University
Business Law
University of Texas - Austin
Data Scientist with Python Track
DataCamp
Certificate #114137