IT (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST

Job Specifications

Class Code: FF5 Analyst:       TC

Date Originated: 11/17 Date Revised:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to plan, design, develop, and implement business, financial, and/or operations systems in support of core organizational functions and business processes, including gathering and analyzing data in support of business cases, proposed projects, and systems requirements; to generate and compile reports based on the findings, complete with probable causes and possible solutions to systems issues; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents perform a full range of moderately difficult duties. Work is usually performed under general supervision. Incumbents are typically responsible for multiple production applications, including ongoing support, and serve as liaison between business stakeholders, such as management, customers or end users, and the software development or information technology team. Errors could jeopardize projects and be significant in terms of dollars, lost time, and/or department image. Errors may also result in significant legal exposure from software licensing non-compliance or from inappropriate release or loss of data.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Meets with decision makers, systems owners, and end users to define business, financial, and operations requirements and systems goals, and to identify and resolve systems issues. Collaborates in the planning, design, acquisition, development, and deployment of new applications, and enhancements to existing applications. Develops proposals, models and plans for the design and installation of new applications and systems. Works directly with vendors and/or information services application developers on the implementation and deployment of systems and system modifications.
• Reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develops strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.
• Prepares time study estimates and reports progress on assigned projects.
• Conducts research and works with Information Services to recommend hardware, software and maintenance requirements for new application systems. Performs cost-benefit and return on investment analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.
• Prepares and delivers reports, recommendations, or alternatives that address existing and potential trouble areas in business processes across the organization. Performs presentations to executive and senior staff, Board of Supervisors, external public and private sector organizations and media outlets.
• Coordinates and performs in-depth tests, including end-user reviews, for modified and new systems, and other post-implementation support. Directs, plans and develops support documentation for employees, managers and citizens. May provide and coordinate user orientation, training and support.
• Plans, prioritizes, delegates and reviews the work of assigned project staff; establishes schedules and methods for achieving project goals and objectives; and reviews work products, makes corrections and coordinates staff training and development efforts. Manages assigned projects, which may include developing project budgets, monitoring project and budgetary performance, and ensuring compliance with applicable specifications, rules, regulations and laws related to business applications.  
• Performs quality assurance functions by developing and validating test plans and strategies, conducting detailed research and analysis on business methodologies, and providing recommendations for work flow and business process improvements. Ensures quality and timeliness of work performed and final products; supervises and assists in the preparation of initial and final work flow process design and documentation necessary for delivery to customers. Ensures compatibility and interoperability of in-house computing systems. May examine and evaluate organizational systems for compatibility with automated systems or other processes.
• Extracts data and generates reports from assigned systems and ensures that data extraction and report generation for assigned systems meet business needs.
• Develops strategies for business continuity and recovery.
• Participates in special projects as required.
• Assists in the development of departmental business systems security programs and processes.
• May explore funding sources, write grant proposals and produce grant documentation.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Thorough knowledge of:

• The principles, practices, methods and techniques used in overseeing the design, development, and/or implementation of software and hardware solutions, systems, or products.
• The principles and methods of developing, modifying and maintaining electronic records management systems.
• The principles, practices, methods and techniques used in extracting and importing data for use in report software, spreadsheets, graphs, and flow charts.

Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of project management on business implementation or change management projects.
• Methods of long-term strategic management and technical planning.
• Business and financial best practices.
• The policies, practices and standards of the organizational functions and business processes supported in the assignment.
• Methods and techniques of developing and monitoring project budgets.
• The principles, practices and methods of training and mentoring.

Some knowledge of:

• Technology infrastructure, including networking, PCs, servers, SAN, and virtual servers
• Network and PC operating systems.

Ability to:

• Manage complex projects using project management methodology.
• Assess & analyze information systems needs in support of core organizational functions and develop systems solutions to meet those needs.
• Identify and establish scope and parameters of systems analysis in order to define outcome criteria and measure-taking actions.
• Extract data from various systems and organize data according to business reporting needs.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Communicate ideas, system requirements and design specifications in both technical and user-friendly language.
• Apply the principles of business or public administration and marketing.
• Coordinate and manage large groups of people from various business units or departments in the development of change management and business re-engineering projects.
• Work closely with technical and business managers and staff.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from external groups, citizens, and business and automated system users.
• Employ high levels of independent judgment and decision-making in the process of problem resolution.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Conduct research into systems issues and products.
• Utilize analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Prioritize and execute tasks.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

BA/BS from an accredited college in business or public administration, computer science, accounting, management information systems or a related field and two years of experience managing complex business projects, which must have included one year of project management responsibility that involved: design and/or implementation for small and medium business information applications; operation and analysis of database hardware, software, and standards; and the use of data retrieval and reporting methodologies.

Some positions may require experience with state mandated data systems.

Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Background Investigation: Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.

License: Possession and maintenance of a California Class C Driver License.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to work irregular hours, which may include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Bargaining Unit: 11

Worker’s Comp Code: 0053

EEOC Code: 02

Occupational Unit Group: 84