05/25/2007 01053

BUSINESS ANALYST 3

DEFINITION: This is advanced analytical lead or supervisory work in meeting business needs through the identification and development of improved information technology (IT) systems.

An employee in this job serves as a business process and IT system functionality expert for a highly complex IT system and a liaison between business users and the IT staff performing system coding. The focus of this work is on leading or supervising the identification and documentation of existing business processes, working with business users to develop and implement improved business processes for their application to an IT system in support of agency program policy, and coordinating resources to implement and support business and system changes. Work also typically involves leading or supervising the process of preparing or reviewing of functional specifications for system development or enhancements, developing user test scripts, coordinating or conducting system testing, training users, troubleshooting user or system problems, and developing queries and reports. At this level, positions are responsible for business analysis functions for a highly complex departmental IT system, or a highly complex component of a major IT system, as an ongoing lead worker or supervisor for subordinate business analysts. Work requires expertise in the assigned IT application which typically involves the responsibility for multiple integration points with other internal and external systems, coordinating the impacts of change for the assigned and other affected systems, and a greater degree of decision making related to the implementation of proposed changes with a significant system-wide impact. Work also involves developing and managing a project plan, scope, and schedule for assigned activities, as well as quality control, resource planning, and reporting functions. Work may also involve evaluating the effectiveness of a project or a contract to ensure goals, objectives, or terms are met and conducting research on business software solutions. Work is performed independently and is reviewed periodically by an administrative or technical supervisor for overall system functionality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Leads or supervises lower level business analysts in collecting, analyzing, and documenting business rules, processes, and legislation.

Leads or supervises business requirements gathering sessions with business and technical resources for complex system development projects.

Leads or supervises the analysis of legislation or other business documentation (i.e., RFPs) to determine necessary IT system changes or changes to business processes required to meet the objectives of an agency initiative.

Works with business users to develop and implement improved business processes for their application to an IT system to execute agency program policy.

Works with users to determine or enhance system requirements.

Prepares or reviews detailed functional specifications for highly complex system development and enhancement projects to be used by developers for system coding.

Develops user acceptance test scripts.

Conducts system testing or coordinating system testing with users.

Prepares system change requests.

Updates training materials and provides user training,

Troubleshoots system, data, or process problems.

Prepares queries and reports using various reporting software packages.

Approves and schedules the implementation of system changes.

Serves as the primary point of contact for all program-related issues as they relate to the IT system changes or development and the resolution of those issues.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methodologies of business process reengineering.

Knowledge of the System Development Life Cycle methodologies used in information technology projects.

Knowledge of systems analysis principles, practices, and techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of applications development for information technology systems.

Ability to analyze and interpret written and numerical information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Business Analyst 2;

                                                                                                                                                                                   or

Two years of business process analysis experience and a bachelor’s degree;

                                                                                                                                                                                   or

Six years of business process analysis experience;

                                                                                                                                                                                   or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.