Business Analyst

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB: This position provides level 2 support for the Oracle Financial systems of Merrill.  This position works closely with end users to triage and document reported issues and questions as well as with the rest of the BA team and IT development to provide resolution to recorded incidents.  The Business Analyst collaborates with the BA team to understand the Oracle Financial systems as they have been implemented at Merrill and their interaction with associated business processes.  The BA documents any new requirements, requests for changes, changes to configurations, process changes and testing activities (scenarios, scripts, results) as required.  The BA must also effectively communicate with users at many different levels of the organization with the goal of providing superior service. The BA acts as a change agent to support super users, process owners, and business owners on key financial system and process changes.  MAJOR JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  List the major accountabilities/essential functions (outputs) in descending order of importance.  Assign a priority to each accountability (A=high; B=normal; C=low) and estimate the percent of time spent producing each output.  Most jobs can be described using 6 to 8 output statements.  JOB REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS: A four-year college degree or equivalent work experience One to three years of business or IT experience dealing with financial processes and systems preferred. User or business analyst experience with Oracle 11i financials functionality preferred. Exposure to project management discipline and the ability to participate in a project based work environment. Ability to adhere to and track key performance metrics (service level agreements). Must be analytically oriented, having the ability to organize and structure detail information and to identify and analyze key trends. A general understanding of financial business and management practices and system design techniques and controls. A general awareness and knowledge of the direction of the information technology industry (evolving products, services, etc.), although a thorough understanding of technical details is not necessary. Strong ability to work in a team environment and ability to maintain a calm demeanor in high pressure situations. Strong verbal and written communications skills required.  COMPETENCIES:  List the knowledge, skill and/or abilities needed to competently perform the essential functions of the job.  Please differentiate between preferred vs. required competencies. Business/OperationalRequired: Ability to understand and support existing financial systems, processes and data/workflow. Ability to make suggestions for enhanced systems, processes and data/workflow, requirements and approach based on financial systems trends/best practices. Proposes solutions to problems and considers timeliness, effectiveness, and practicality in addressing user needs. Generates innovative solutions by approaching problems with curiosity and open mindedness, using existing information to its fullest potential. Proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel Preferred: Experience in systems support function, specifically related to financial applications. Oracle financials version 11.5.10 experience is a plus. Experience with Microsoft Projects, Visio and/or SharePoint are a plus. Personal EffectivenessRequired: Ability to be self directed and motivated. Ability to juggle a wide range of tasks effectively. Team oriented, open, honest and collaborative – non-political approach. Ability to listen and learn from others. Values internal and external ‘customers’ and responds to their needs as they arise. Establishes effective working relationship with users, team members, and IT staff.  CommunicationsRequired: Listens to others and accepts input from team members. Clearly articulate ideas and thoughts verbally. Accurately prepares written business correspondence that is coherent, grammatically correct, effective and professional. Follows established communication guidelines. Uses good judgment in what and how to communicate. LeadershipRequired: Displays a positive attitude. Demonstrates flexibility in day-to-day work. Sets high standards of performance for self. CONTACTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:  Briefly describe the typical purpose and scope of internal and/or external customer/supplier contacts and communications. Internal: Extensive interaction with end users to mid level management and the IT development team External: Start to build relationships with the ‘owners’ of business systems feeding the Oracle Financials as well as the Business Owners for the Oracle Financial applications.  Develop knowledge of the financial systems and processes in use within Merrill.  Develop networking with technology and professional organizations.