Business / Project Analyst - Consultant

Overview

Crescendo Consulting Solutions is a niche provider of change management consulting and advisory services. The firm takes a collaborative approach with clients creating innovative, high quality, flexible solutions that are sustainable.  We offer best practice expertise in the areas of large-scale program management, outsourcing advisory and implementation services and human resources solutions.

 

This role provides a blend of project management, business analysis, documentation and administration skills to complement integrated teams as they work to rapidly convert, optimize and implement an integrated IT, Accounting and Operations service delivery model.  This work will include systems conversion, data conversion and a significant end-user testing program.  This position will become available on or before May 1, 2008 and is located within the Boston, MA Metro Area.

 

Working with Fund Accounting, Custody and Fund Administration teams, the Business/Project Analyst will perform analysis on operations, workflow and related technology projects.  The primary focus of the business analyst will be to work with the conversion/transition team to migrate certain fund accounting and custody functions as well as manage various projects that impact the ongoing interaction with and operations of the service provider(s).  The Business Analyst will also interface with senior management in various areas including distribution, investments and the transfer agent.

 

Profile

Crescendo consultants in this role will need to have measurable, complementary experience within several of the following disciplines:Financial Services / Investment Management experience required Supporting a custody, fund accounting and/or investment operations area required Significant experience with fixed income, equities and derivative products preferred Supporting an integrated Business / Client Support unit Providing analysis of programs that optimize People, Process and Technology Supporting a multi-faceted Process Improvement strategy Developing business requirements and workflow documents Creating systems test scripts and metrics reports Playing an active, visible role on a large-scale IT PMO Developing documentation, reporting and presentation packages (e.g., Dashboards, Scorecards, etc.) for Executive review Offering measurable project skills, experiences and results including development of Master Plans, Project Plans, IT Plans, Issues Lists, Reporting & Financial Dashboards, Executive Presentations, etc. using MS Product Suite Creating a multi-media Communications Strategy Assisting high impact team meetings / working sessions across multiple levels of an organization

 

Responsibilities Analyze business processes and prepare workflows and requirements Participate in business process re-engineering efforts; prepare written findings and recommendations Complete requirements gathering for technology components related to integrating the outsource provider and for ongoing product or business function enhancements Liaise with oversight operations, middle office and investments to ensure procedures are documented and updated to reflect both operational and technology related changes Provides gap analysis; documents process, policy and procedures; tests plans and executes testing scripts; reports results and manages issues.  Implements Program standards, procedures, guidance and discipline as provided by the Program Manager Works with a cross-functional team of subject matter experts to develop project plans and roadmaps Identifies cross-program risks and ensures mitigation; facilitates and drives resolution Escalates potential risks and issues to the Program Manager Coordinates and implements a proactive communications strategy Facilitates weekly cross-functional team meetings and status updates as directed Identifies change management opportunities and develops recommendations Ensures appropriate reporting package is developed and updated on a weekly basis Tracks key dependencies between workstreams Influences key stakeholders as needed Identifies content, process and connectivity issues and coordinates solutions with appropriate workstreams Assists Program Manager in driving overall execution of the Program

 

Skills, Experience and Motivation Possesses 5 – 10 years of measurable experience successfully supporting a large-scale Program initiative focusing on assessing and developing process improvement strategies and/or converting and optimizing a service delivery model resulting in operational efficiency and integrated processes; viable candidate balances strong strategic thinking with documentation capability and analytical skills to ensure appropriate trend analysis and execution of integration requirements Within the 5 – 10 years of experience, at least 3 – 4 years in a business analysis or related role Demonstrates the ability to provide information from the Program to all stakeholders and key business partners as appropriate Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in writing and orally Has expert-level desktop skills including detailed knowledge of MS Suite including MS Project, Visio and PowerPoint Possesses in-depth skills in business process analysis, administration and project implementation Bachelors degree in a related field required

 

Performance Behaviors Maintains incredible flexibility Has the ability to produce high-quality products under time, cost and space pressure Always works to exceed client expectations Possesses passion for greatness Is a team player - maintaining the ability to collaborate with others no matter what their position

 

Compensation / Schedule This contract position that will be eight (8) months in duration with the potential for extension depending on client requirements and consultant performance Position available on or before May 1, 2008 Selected consultant will be paid a negotiated daily rate commensurate with skills, experience and role Benefits will not be provided at this time Positions located Boston Metro area All qualified consultants will be considered Where possible, local qualified candidates will be matched to the appropriate opening