05/25/2007 01054

BUSINESS ANALYST 4

DEFINITION: This is supervisory or managerial 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. Work involves supervising or managing 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 supervising or managing the process of preparing or reviewing 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 planning, managing and leading the overall significant enhancement or development of a major IT system to deliver an important Commonwealth service, either as a supervisor or manager of a group of business analysts that includes subordinate advanced analytical lead or supervisory business analysts. 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 following the established goals and objectives and is reviewed by a higher level manager for adherence to objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Manages or supervises a group of business analysts.

Oversees business requirements gathering sessions with business and technical resources for complex system development projects.

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

Plans, directs and oversees activities in support of IT system development, enhancement, or maintenance activities for an assigned highly complex IT system.

Defines specification requirements such as functionality requirements, data requirements, business rules, process flow and integration requirements for the entire system.

Manages the collection, analysis, and documentation of business rules, processes, and legislation.

Works with users to determine or enhance system requirements.

Manages the development of user acceptance test scripts and the coordination of system testing with users.

Manages the system change request process and approves all changes prior to implementation.

Updates training materials and provides user training.

Troubleshoots system, data, or process problems.

Prepares queries and reports using various reporting software packages.

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 practices of effective management.

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 3;

                                                                                                                                                                               or

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

                                                                                                                                                                               or

Seven years of business process analysis experience;

                                                                                                                                                                               or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.