Business Process Analyst

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Management benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

To elicit and document business processes, organizational systems, and/or operational requirements for the purpose of developing and/or recommending effective business solutions for assigned department(s); to attain an in-depth understanding of the business needs and functions of department customers and to serve in a facilitator and liaison capacity to combine business expertise with information technology and assist in managing system enhancements, modifications, upgrades, and/or other department-wide changes.

Incumbents in this classification work in partnership with department and information technology staff on a variety of projects relating to enterprise-wide system needs. Incumbents exercise broad discretion in determining the work methods and assignments. This classification is distinguished from the Information Technology Analyst in that the Business Process Analyst directs, plans, and manages system implementation projects from the functional, non-technical perspective. This includes gathering, documenting, and recommending new, functional business system solutions or enhancements in the implementation of information technology projects; analyzing system structure, system configuration, workflow, and work processes; and re-engineering business processes.

This classification is distinguished from the Information Technology Specialist in that the Information Technology Specialist provides effective technical support for network systems and business applications requiring advanced, specialized technical knowledge and performs a variety of technical support duties pertaining to computer systems and related equipment. In contrast, the Business Process Analyst is responsible for the conceptual and operational aspects of adapting or customizing information systems to department needs, working with departments to change their business processes to work with existing systems so that customization is not needed, and communicating those needs and changes to information systems professionals. For this reason, the Business Process Analyst must possess a broad and detailed knowledge of business policies, programs, and practices as well as knowledge of systems analysis and change management for all County departments.

Receives general direction from higher level management staff in coordination with related technology implementation steering committee(s).  

May exercise direct supervision over technical and clerical staff. May exercise technical and functional supervision over project teams.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Consult with functional unit management and personnel to identify, define, and document business needs and objectives, current operational procedures, problems, and input and output requirements.
• Define and conduct best-practice studies by researching and benchmarking other departments and/or agencies; evaluate existing County business process models to identify potential areas for automation and streamlining; develop project plans and proposals.
• Identify ways to more effectively utilize County resources and eliminate waste and duplication; seek ways to continuously improve the policies, procedures, definitions, and standards to enhance the delivery and security of County services.
• Conduct studies of departmental operations and management systems through analysis of organizational structure, information flow, records management, work methods, job descriptions, staffing patterns, and functions; conduct gap/fit analyses; participate in discussions of departmental goals and objectives with senior management.
• Design and develop solution testing plans, strategies, and quality management tools to ensure appropriate results prior to final implementation; review solution defects and make strategy adjustments as needed; plan implementation timeline.
• As a member of a cross-functional team, lead, conduct, and participate in the collection, identification, analysis, and validation of business cycle information, including key performance indicators; ensure the correct selection, analysis, and interpretation of data and the identification of business trends.
• Direct, plan, develop, and write formal documentation of business and functional specifications, describing customer business requirements; develop departmental forms, templates, documentation, marketing, and media support for employees, managers, and citizens.
• Analyze labor relations proposals during the County’s negotiation process, as well as new and existing state and federal legislation to evaluate the ability to implement needed system changes; design alternative, comparable counter-proposals needed for system compatibility.
• Conduct detailed analytical and data-based studies of departmental business functionality, including financial, program, and/or operational activities, using explanatory and predictive modeling methods; develop business scenarios, options, priorities, and alternatives; prepare cost and revenue projections.
• Design, implement, and maintain system set-up tables and parameters to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements; interpret and analyze new or updated regulations to identify needed system changes.
• Confer with hardware and software vendors; assist with the evaluation and selection of hardware and software applications.
• Identify, formulate, and implement business rules, quality standards, policies, and procedures; design and implement automated processes; create and generate reports and statistics to meet user and program requirements; interface with other departments, jurisdictions, and users on regulations and reporting requests.
• Prepare complex analytical reports outlining study findings as well as process improvement solutions and analyses; develop cost allocations and indirect cost rate proposals based on third-party payer and/or other requirements.
• Prepare and present a variety of financial, statistical, and narrative documents, including charts, tables, and other visual data tools; prepares and answers correspondence and questionnaires; make graphic and oral presentations to individuals and groups.
• Develop as-is and to-be flow diagrams to document current and future processes; design complex data tools and system queries; assist in the development of departmental business systems security programs and processes.
• Develop training materials and provide training to system users regarding new or modified business systems.
• Communicate with customers and community organizations by making presentations, hosting clarifying meetings and training sessions, and providing other forms of written, oral, and multi-media communication; conduct presentations to executive and senior staff, Board of Supervisors, external public and private sector organizations, and media outlets.
• Serve as a business process resource on all matters involving the support, maintenance, enhancement, and upgrade of the County’s integrated enterprise systems; provide functional support, analysis, and design specifications, as needed, to programming staff.
• Ensure that the necessary plans and resources exist to smoothly transition current business processes into newly automated or updated solutions; facilitate all phases of change management.
• Participate in special projects as required.
• Keep up to date on business functional areas.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience conducting professional, quantitative analysis of financial, programmatic, and/or operational business data utilizing business analytics methodologies, as well as developing and presenting process improvement recommendations.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, business administration, public administration, business analytics, accounting, finance, human resources, computer science, office automation, or a closely related field.

Note: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department. Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of project management on large business implementation or change management projects. 
• Principles and practices of business and systems analysis, including planning and monitoring, requirements management and communication, requirements analysis, and solution assessment and validation.
• Research methods and procedures. 
• Principles and methods of communicating information through written and oral reports and presentations. 
• Theories, principles, and methods related to the business process life cycle, including the identification of key performance indicators, quantitative data analytics techniques, and procedures associated with research, collection, compilation, statistical evaluation, and modeling of data.
• Methods of long-term strategic management and technical planning. 
• Business class and process modeling using case analysis and functional story boards. 
• Laws and regulations pertaining to area of assignment. 
• Business and financial best-practices; methods of developing project documentation and business process specifications. 
• Methods, metrics, tools, and techniques of business process reengineering; procedures and methods for testing business functions. 
• Standard techniques for identifying and defining logical relationships among data, processes, or events. 
• Use of various diagrams, including case, sequence, class, collaboration, state chart, activity, and implementation diagrams. 
• Team dynamics, team building, and leadership. 
• Principles of public administration, organization, and management.
• Business administration, marketing, and information systems and practices. 
• Application software, including presentation, statistical, spreadsheet, project management, and word processing applications; business systems applications in finance, materials management (logistics), and/or human resources; principles and techniques of software and systems quality assurance and control. 
• Quality assurance procedures and techniques. 
• Principles and practices of technical problem solving.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; understand, recall, and explain a variety of information; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; focus on a single task for long periods of time.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk or in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, kneel, squat, push, pull, and twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; speak, use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift light weight.
• Analyze, evaluate, and integrate business and/or systems processes and procedures to improve current practices; develop effective solutions for complex issues; develop a solid understanding of departmental business processes and technology requirements. 
• Analyze business data to identify trends, resolve problems, and recommend potential areas of process improvement based on departmental goals and objectives. 
• Work with users/customers to define, analyze, and document system and user requirements and translate them into functional system design specifications that can be successfully executed. 
• Manage large and/or multi-faceted projects of moderate to high complexity. 
• Administer countywide client server applications; employ appropriate operating systems management.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments, and work locations; perform well under pressure.
• Recognize problems, develop recommendations and solutions, and oversee corrections.
• Analyze facts and exercise independent judgment and discretion in establishing, applying, and interpreting policies and procedures.
• Develop flow charts, data flow diagrams, and fishbone diagrams.
• Translate technical information into non-technical terms. 
• Interpret technical concepts and develop and present information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, for a wide variety of audiences.
• Interpret, apply, and explain pertinent local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including Civil Service rules.
• Coordinate and manage large groups of people from various business units or departments in the development of change management and business re-engineering projects.
• Supervise, coach, and mentor professional and technical staff.
• Manage multiple tasks, develop effective schedules, and work effectively in a diversified team environment; guide and support project team members, business managers, and staff; use appropriate style and approach to ensure team cohesiveness and cooperation.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Kristen Cannon, Administrative Technician, at kcannon@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4661.