Sales Operations Analyst (Contract)

Sales Operations Analyst (Contract) - Palo Alto Networks This role is a contract assignment at Palo Alto Networks. Contractors will not be employed by Palo Alto Networks but through our trusted staffing partners. Location: Remote, India Duration: 12 MonthsJob DescriptionRebate & Incentive Program ManagementIncentive Calculation: Own the end-to-end calculation and administration of complex, performance-based partner rebates and incentivesPerformance Tracking: Monitor and validate partner achievement against specific targets (e.g., Bookings, Revenue, Consumption, or Utilization metrics) to determine payout eligibilityFinancial Reconciliation: Conduct regular audits of incentive data to ensure financial accuracy, resolving discrepancies between booked revenue and system data prior to payout approvalData Analysis & Technical QueryingAdvanced Querying: Design and execute complex SQL queries (e.g., within Google BigQuery) to mine large datasets across multiple systems (CRM, Cloud Telemetry, Transactional databases)Data Integrity: Manage data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) processes to ensure clean, reliable data is used for all program calculationsAutomation: Develop automated workflows and scripts to streamline manual data processes, reducing cycle time for reporting and paymentsReporting, Dashboards & VisualizationDashboard Design: Build and maintain dynamic dashboards and reports (using tools like Tableau, PowerBI, or CRM-native tools) to provide stakeholders with real-time visibility into program health and partner performanceCustom Reporting: Create specialized views and widgets within internal platforms to track specific KPIs, such as /"Earned vs. Suspended/" funds or cohort-based performance trendsOperational Support & Process OptimizationScenario Modeling: Perform ad-hoc financial modeling and sensitivity analysis to support leadership in designing future incentive structures or adjusting program capsSystem Support: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for data-related inquiries, troubleshooting system errors, and ensuring data alignment across sales and finance toolsProcess Engineering: Proactively identify opportunities to improve data hygiene and operational efficiency within the incentive management lifecycleCommunication & DocumentationStakeholder Communication: Translate complex data findings and statistical models into clear, actionable business insights for non-technical stakeholders and executive leadershipDocumentation & Presentation: Create high-quality, professional documentation and presentations (using Google Docs/Slides) to summarize program performance, methodology, and strategic recommendationsCross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a bridge between technical teams (Data/Engineering) and business teams (Sales/Finance), ensuring that data outputs are understood and effectively utilized for decision-makingSkillsTechnical Proficiency: Advanced expertise in SQL (writing complex queries, joins, and optimizations) and familiarity with cloud data warehouses like Google BigQueryData Visualization: Proven ability to design and build dynamic dashboards and reports using tools such as Tableau, PowerBI, or CRM-native reporting enginesCRM & Systems: Experience navigating and extracting data from CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and internal data systems (e.g., OSSOT)Data Analysis & Modeling: Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage large datasets, perform financial reconciliation, and model complex incentive/rebate scenarios (e.g., cohort analysis, performance tracking)Automation: Experience scripting or building automated data workflows to reduce manual processing and improve data hygieneOperational Acumen: Understanding of sales operations, channel programs, or incentive compensation mechanicsCommunication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to translate technical data and statistical models into clear, non-technical business insights for leadershipDocumentation & Presentation: Proficiency in Google Docs/Slides for creating executive summaries, process documentation, and strategic presentationsAttention to Detail: High standard for accuracy in data auditing, financial calculations, and reportingEducationBachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field; or equivalent practical work experience3+ years of hands-on experience in sales operations, revenue operations, business intelligence, or data analysis rolesProven track record of working with SQL and large datasets in a fast-paced business environment (portfolio or technical assessment may be required)Certifications in SQL, Google Cloud (BigQuery), or Data Visualization (Tableau/PowerBI) are a strong plus but not requiredAt Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.We have the vision of a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. These aren’t easy goals to accomplish – but we’re not here for easy. We’re here for better. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

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