Zohal Zahir - Data Analytics Consultant

Hi, I'm Zohal Zahir

Data Analytics Consultant | Canberra, Australia

I help businesses transform messy data into automated systems that save time and drive better decisions. With a unique background spanning medicine, data science, and accounting, I bring a different perspective to solving data challenges.

University of Adelaide Data Science Graduate Medical Background Accounting Certified 100% Success Rate 70+ Projects

From Medicine to Data Science

An unconventional path that gives me a unique perspective on solving business problems

How I Got Here

My journey into data analytics wasn't traditional. I started in medicine, where I learned the critical importance of precision, systematic thinking, and making decisions based on evidence—not guesswork. In healthcare, getting the data right isn't just about efficiency; it's about outcomes that matter.

After my medical training, I discovered a passion for understanding financial data and business operations. I earned my accounting certification and worked with small businesses, helping them make sense of their numbers. This is where I first saw how much time people waste on manual data entry, copying between spreadsheets, and creating reports that nobody actually uses.

That frustration led me to the University of Adelaide, where I completed my Master's in Data Science. I learned Python, R, statistical modeling, and machine learning. But more importantly, I learned how to build systems that work reliably in the real world—not just in notebooks or demos.

Why This Combination Matters

My medical background taught me precision and systematic problem-solving. My accounting experience gave me deep insight into business metrics and financial reporting. My data science education provided the technical tools to automate and scale solutions. This combination means I don't just build dashboards—I build solutions that actually solve business problems.

My Approach to Data Consulting

When you work with me, you're working directly with me—not a project manager or a team. I handle everything from understanding your requirements to building, testing, documenting, and training you on the final solution.

I specialize in creating production-grade solutions. That means dashboards that refresh reliably, automations that handle errors gracefully, and systems that scale as your business grows. I've seen too many "quick fixes" that break the moment something changes. I build for the long term.

I'm based in Canberra but work with clients globally. Whether you're a local business looking for in-person collaboration or an international company needing remote support, I'm equipped to deliver results.

What Drives Me

I get genuine satisfaction from turning someone's "I spend 8 hours a week on this manual process" into "Now it takes 10 minutes and it's more accurate." That's the magic of good data automation—it gives people their time back to focus on what actually matters.

I also love the challenge of making complex data simple. Whether it's building a financial dashboard for executives or automating payroll calculations for HR, the goal is always the same: make it clear, make it reliable, make it useful.

My Core Values

Quality Over Speed

I'd rather take an extra day to build it right than deliver something that breaks in production. Every solution includes proper error handling and documentation.

Transparency

Clear communication about timelines, costs, and what's realistic. I'll tell you if something's not feasible rather than overpromise and underdeliver.

Continuous Learning

Technology evolves fast. I stay current with new tools and techniques to ensure I'm delivering modern, efficient solutions to every client.

What I Can Build

Business Intelligence & Dashboards

  • Power BI dashboard design and development
  • DAX measures and calculated columns
  • Data modeling and relationships
  • Automated refresh and deployment
  • Power BI Service administration

Excel & VBA Automation

  • Custom VBA macros and automation
  • Advanced Excel formulas and functions
  • Automated report generation
  • Data validation and error checking
  • Financial modeling and forecasting

Data Integration & APIs

  • Python data processing and automation
  • REST API integration and authentication
  • SQL database queries and optimization
  • Power Automate workflows
  • Cloud data pipelines (Azure, AWS)

Industry Experience

  • Healthcare data and reporting systems
  • Financial services and accounting (Xero)
  • Retail and e-commerce analytics
  • Professional services operations
  • Small business to enterprise solutions

What Clients Say

★★★★★

"Zohal is such an asset to my company. This project required a large amount of back and forth communication for requirements and dashboard updates. Zohal handled these with grace and professionalism."

Resident Services Manager
Housing Organization
★★★★★

"Zohal was always very proficient with her resolutions. She was patient with me as I poorly tried to explain desired outcomes and she delivered solutions quickly and efficiently."

Business Consultant
Financial Services
★★★★★

"Zohal was amazing. The communication with her about what I needed and what was possible was effective and fast. I was very happy with what she provided."

Financial Planner
Mortgage Planning
★★★★★

"We were very happy with the completed project and the communication we received throughout. We look forward to working more with Zohal."

Operations Manager
Logistics Company

Let's Work Together

Ready to automate your data workflows and save time? Let's discuss your project.

Book Free Consultation →