Business Systems Analyst

The Business Systems Analyst’s role is to plan, design, develop, launch and support efficient business, financial, and operations systems in support of core organizational functions and business processes.  This includes gathering and analyzing data in support of business cases, proposed projects, and systems requirements.  The Business Systems Analyst is also responsible for coordinating the effective resolution of core business system related issues.  This individual will apply proven written and oral communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills to help maximize the benefit of IT system investments.

 

Primary Responsibilities

1) Business Systems Applications:

a. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates business systems and user needs. Formulates system designs that meet overall business objectives and sponsor requirements.

b. Reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.

c. Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations, or alternatives that address existing and potential trouble areas in operating systems across the organization.

d. Perform cost-benefit and return on investment analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.

e. Create systems models, specifications, diagrams and charts to provide direction to system programmers.

f.  Identify and establish scope and parameters of systems analysis in order to define outcome criteria and measure-taking actions.

g. Investigates, analyzes, designs and implements cost effective business solutions. Ensures system compatibility and interoperability of existing application systems and processes.

h. Writes detailed description on user needs and program functions. Develops and maintains documentation pertaining to systems operation, business process and user support and training documentation.

i.  Coordinate and perform in-depth tests, including end-user reviews, for modified and new systems, and other post-implementation support.

j.  Provide orientation and training to end users for all modified and new systems.

k. Conduct research on software and hardware products to justify recommendations and to support purchasing efforts.

l.  Designs, manages and supports system integration and interfacing initiatives. Familiar with standard concepts, practices and procedures in this field (ex. EDI, XML).

m.  Provides software quality assurance by developing testing requirements and coordinating proper testing process and procedures.

n. Trains users in the operation and functionality of business applications and related systems and/or processes.

o. Sophisticated understanding of the West Central, Inc. and business processes and application systems and their departmental uses.

p. Global view of the inter-relationships of West Central, Inc.’s application systems and associated interdependencies.

2)  Business Skills

a. Serve as liaison between the IT department and the business units.

b. Excellent project management skills, especially in the areas of communication. Ability to manage project budgets, scope, sponsors, timelines, resources and customer expectations. Maintain project issues and report status to project team members, IT management and other associated parties.

c. Facilitate effective and efficient meetings as required.

d. Understands all of West Central Inc.’s main business practices and the customers they serve.

e. Understand the business strategies and strategic objectives of West Central, Inc.

f.  Ability to lead cross functional teams.

 

3)  General Duties

a. Interact and negotiate with vendors, software developers, consultants and contractors to implement and maintain business applications in a timely and professional manner.

b. Interact with all other IT staff to ensure proper knowledge, communication, system availability is maintained.

4)  Personal Characteristics

a. People skills – the ability to positively influence customer contacts and colleagues

b. Assertiveness, persuasion, and persistence skills

c. Good judgment – focus on accuracy and detail a must

d. Extensive practical knowledge in importing data for use in report software, spreadsheets, graphs and flow charts

e. Extensive experience with Microsoft products

f.  Ability to conduct research into systems issues and products as required

g. Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language

h. Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

i.  Strong customer service orientation

j.  Analytical skills to interpret data

k. Organizational skills

l.  Project management skills

m.  Ability to see the big picture

n. Self-motivation, independent work habits

o. Experience in working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

p. Ethical behavior

q. Professional presence

r.  Creativity

 

5)  Work Conditions

a. Occasional evening and weekend work during busy season and as need to meet project deadlines.

b. Sitting for extended periods of time.

c. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard or mouse, and to handle other computer devices.

d. Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals.

e. Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations and meetings.

f.  Some travel required to other West Central locations, conferences, training, user group meetings and other related activities.