Information Technology Business Analyst - Finance

Basic Role

The Business Analyst is the primary liaison between IT and the Finance Department.  The role will require a detailed understanding of the financial reporting systems and other related business applications, system interfaces, reporting tools, key business processes and business data.  The position’s primary function is to oversee and facilitate support of the business applications by prioritizing problem and enhancement requests in partnership with business management, developing functional specifications for each request, working with application development to schedule programming resources, facilitating issue resolution and regularly communicating status of all active and pending requests.  The role will also be a key member of any financial application project and be responsible for creating detailed requirements, functional specifications, as well as data and process models.  Projects for the first year will include selection and implementation of a Business Intelligence tool; initial phase for evaluating the upgrade of the financial reporting system (currently using Business Dynamics AKA Solomon); and development of a custom Worker’s Compensation reporting system.

Key Functions

• Convert business requirements into detailed functional requirements and then work with the programmers to define the technical specifications.
• Partner closely with business management and applications development to understand, prioritize, schedule and manage the application support/enhancement request queue.  Hold regular meetings to communicate the status of active and pending requests and to facilitate issue resolution.
• Facilitate resolution of application problems, particularly with the many financial reporting system internal and external interfaces.  Periodically analyze problem logs for recurring issues and recommend solutions.
• Analyze and document current and future processes and data flows.
• Assess and account for the impact of business decisions/changes on existing processes, databases and applications.
• Assist in developing custom financial reports.
• Assist in preparing training materials, policies & procedures and other required documentation.
• Develop a detailed understand of the business systems, reporting tools, document management systems and other technologies used by the business.
  
  

Core Competencies

IT  and Business Knowledge

• Proficient in developing requirements definition and functional specifications
• Skilled in process definitions (data flow diagrams, process modeling) and experience with business analysis methodologies
• General knowledge of system development lifecycle from requirements to release management
• Working knowledge of SQL
• Experience with financial accounting packages and business intelligence tools

Planning and Organizing

• Strong planning and estimating skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem solving skills
• Proficient in juggling multiple priorities

Communication and Relationship Building

• Strong communication skills – verbal, written, listening and presentation
• Strong relationship management and negotiation skills
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships among all levels in the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Minimum 5 years of related business analysis experience
• Prior experience with general ledger/accounting systems required 
• Prior experience with business intelligence tools and document management systems a plus