Business Systems Analyst

Summary or Purpose

Performs professional duties related to the review, assessment, and development of business systems processes for the North Slope Borough (NSB), the furthest north municipality government in the US. Primary focus is on the effective use of resources, both people and technology, in execution of Management Information Systems' (MIS's) mission to support NSB's departments and residents. Functioning in a liaison capacity, business systems analysts combine business-planning expertise in municipal administration to analyze and translate departments' business requirements into system deployments and/or business process changes. Incumbents act as a change agent to help facilitate effective deployments/modifications to current practices. "Where there is a business problem, the business systems analyst is there to facilitate the solution."

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable, qualified individuals with disabilities, to perform the essential functions.
Defines and documents NSB business system functions and processes.
Consults with functional unit management and personnel to identify, define, and document business needs and objectives, current operational procedures, problems, input and output requirements, level of systems access.
Acts as a liaison between department end-users, technical analysts, information technology analysts, consultants, and other governmental organizations in the analysis, design, configuration, testing , and maintenance of JDE World/E1or other NSB Business Application systems to ensure optimal operational performance.
Analyzes the feasibility of, and develops requirements for, new systems and enhancements to existing systems; ensures system design fits the needs of the users.
Tracks and fully documents changes for functional and business specifications; writes detailed universally understood procedures for permanent records and for use in training.
Works with Systems Administrator and other Business Systems analysts to identify opportunities for improving business processes through information systems and/or non-system driver changes; assists in the preparation of proposals to develop new systems and/or operational changes.
Reads and interprets NSB computer software systems and functional technical literature and translates in terms understandable to the end-users.
Plans, organizes and conducts business process reengineering/improvement projects and/or management reviews of borough-wide significant or specific to a NSB division. (Examples are projects requiring strategic analysis of an entire process of operating area where specific issues or items to be corrected, examined or recommended have not been identified. Recommended solutions should be developed in consultation with impacted internal and external stakeholders, but should remain objective and independent of the specific stakeholders.)
Researches and prepares statistical reports using data from NSB computer systems and internal surveys. Consolidate information into cohesive and understandable correspondence or other written form for use in management decision-making.
Assist Systems Administrator and other Business Systems Analysts in developing an overall change management strategy for the North Slope Borough.
Conducts change impact analysis to assess the potential implications of changes and documents NSB business rules, functions, and requirements.
Maintain configuration tables in borough's business systems.
Participate in user acceptance testing and testing of new system functionality.
Provide technical assistance in training, mentoring, and coaching professional and technical staff.
Develops training curriculum and conducts formal training sessions covering assigned systems module(s).
Directs or participates in studies of new and existing programs and special projects to determine feasibility, resolve problems including organizational, procedural, technical, and fiscal research and analysis; develops policy and procedures to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and/or improve internal and external customer service; develops information system documentation to support efficient borough operations; prepares reports and written findings and recommendations; and monitors changes.
Provides work direction to one or more technical or clerical staff or acts as a team lead on designated projects or assignments.
Mentors lower level support staff.
Remain current on trends and technology changes in relation to evaluating hardware and software functionality to fit current operating environment and user needs.
Perform both technical and functional roles in maintaining and implementing NSB's business systems
Travels to outlying villages as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of North Slope Borough organization, operations, policies and procedures
Knowledge of JDE World/E1 or other borough business software systems
Knowledge of application software including presentation, spreadsheet, flow charting, and word processing applications
Knowledge of methods of developing business process specifications
Knowledge of procedures and methods for testing business functions within computer systems
Knowledge of principles and practices of producing effective project documentation including business functions, desk manuals, and configuration documentations
Knowledge of local system access, security guidelines, and Procedures
Skill in customer service
Skill in statistical analysis
Skill in project team development
Skill in systematic approaches to problem solving
Skill in verbal and written communications in English
Skill in time management and organization.
Ability to perform duties independently under general, minimal supervision within specific assignments.
Ability to research, analyze, and make recommendations on administrative, management and procedural practices and other complex business problems.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and communicate orally and in writing using language understandable to management and employees.
Ability to acquire subject matter expertise in the functions and activities of the department or other assigned work unit, including applicable laws, rules regulations, procedures, and technical operations.
Ability to Multi-task and handle multiple and parallel projects.
Ability to effectively represent North Slope Borough and MIS to other boroughs, agencies, and the public.
Typical Physical Requirements:
Sit for extended periods of time; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects wighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and fax.
Typical Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required

Must be able to pass a criminal history information background check.
Ability to obtain Alaska Driver's License within the six month probationary period that meets North Slope Borough insurance criteria.

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

One year work experience in operations of Computer Hardware or Application Software or as Business Analyst.

Career Ladder position.

The North Slope Borough offers the following benefit packages to all permanent full time and permanent part time employees who work at least 15 hours a week.

Health care is provided at no cost to the employee (no premiums). Our Health Care package covers major medical, preventive care, vision, dental and prescription drug benefits.

Benefits do not apply to temporary employees.