What does a Factset freelancer do?
A Factset freelancer builds custom integrations that pull financial and market data directly from the FactSet platform into client applications. This role focuses on configuring secure HTTPS requests through FactSet OnDemand and FASTFetch web services to retrieve precise datasets. The specialist translates complex business questions into technical query parameters, ensuring the returned data matches the exact schema required for downstream reporting or analysis. They handle the entire lifecycle of data extraction, from initial request formulation to final format validation.
- Designs and constructs specific FactSet OnDemand request URLs using proper syntax, selecting the correct Factlets and service endpoints to target the desired financial metrics. This involves mapping client data needs to specific FactSet Query (FQL) codes or screening logic to filter identifiers, dates, and currency conversions accurately before sending the HTTPS request.
- Writes code to execute these web service calls and parse the standardized responses, which often arrive in XML, delimited text, or Excel formats depending on the configured Factlet settings. The freelancer transforms this raw output into the client’s target database schema or file structure, ensuring the data types align with existing application requirements for seamless ingestion.
- Validates the extracted datasets for completeness and correctness by cross-referencing sample outputs against expected values and checking for missing fields or formatting errors. This step guarantees that the data is usable for the client’s specific reporting workflow and prevents downstream failures in analytics dashboards or trading systems that rely on accurate, timely information.
- Creates repeatable scripts and documented workflows that allow clients to rerun data extractions for new identifiers, updated date ranges, or different output formats without manual reconfiguration. These deliverables include clear instructions on how to adjust request parameters, manage entitlements, and troubleshoot common connection issues, enabling long-term autonomy for the client’s internal team.
How to hire a Factset freelancer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your data extraction needs by specifying the required FactSet OnDemand services and output formats. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your project in a few sentences, and Uma constructs a tailored post for this role. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- List specific Factlets or FASTFetch templates you need, such as equity pricing or fundamental data extracts.
- Specify the target output format, such as XML, delimited text, or Excel, to match your downstream application.
- Include any required FactSet Query (FQL) codes or screening logic that filters the dataset before retrieval.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for portfolios that demonstrate working integrations with FactSet OnDemand web services. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit quickly.
- Verify experience constructing HTTPS request URLs with correct syntax for ids, dates, and currency parameters.
- Check for examples of parsed response data that maps cleanly to client reporting schemas or database tables.
- Confirm familiarity with entitlements logic to ensure requests comply with your firm’s FactSet access rights.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss how the freelancer handles error checking and data validation during automated extraction runs. Schedule and conduct these interviews within Upwork Messages, which generates an immediate transcript and summary after each session.
- Ask how they configure request parameters to handle large datasets without hitting service limits or timeouts.
- Request examples of how they transform raw XML or delimited outputs into usable formats for your team.
- Clarify their process for documenting request templates so your internal staff can rerun extractions independently.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for building the integration code and validating the initial data pull. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for all communication and project management, while identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds keep the engagement secure.
- Define deliverables as working scripts that call FactSet OnDemand and export files in the agreed format.
- Require documentation that explains how to adjust parameters for new identifiers or date ranges.
- Establish a testing phase where the freelancer verifies data accuracy against your internal benchmarks.
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The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.