Senior Business Systems Analyst (Maritime)

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under direction, studies complex and difficult business systems problems to identify and determine broadly defined computing solutions; investigates and analyzes overall business and information systems needs and works with users to identify needs for systems modifications and enhancements; utilizes software tools to implement defined modification and enhancement, and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Senior Business Systems Analysts perform a wide variety of projects and assignments to support the development, testing, implementation and maintenance of new and modified information systems applications that meet Port IT customer requirements in an efficient and cost effective manner. Incumbents work with users to identify business requirements and develop information technology solutions. Incumbents may also recommend process and other improvements to achieve enhanced organizational performance.

Senior Business Systems Analyst is distinguished from Business Systems Analyst in that incumbents in the former class have a broader focus on business processes District-wide, support multiple functional areas and applications, utilize advanced tools for business process improvement, software configuration and reporting, and may also assign tasks to as well as supervise the activities of the latter class.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

1. Works closely with end users to identify business requirements, technical issues and training needs; analyzes current business processes and recommends best practice solutions; constructs information technology definitions based on identified needs of the organization.
2. Assists users in identifying work process and procedural changes to improve work efficiency and effectiveness; facilitates sharing of information regarding work process issues and consideration of both technology- and non-technology-based process improvements.
3. Analyzes requests for a variety of new applications, programs and modifications to existing programs; analyzes and documents user work processes and functional requirements; analyzes current system functions, procedures and capabilities to determine if improved methods are possible; develops and presents proposals for new approaches; conducts feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis , documents risk analysis, documents both functional and technical specifications to meet user needs. Implements defined changes and enhancements utilizing configuration tools in applications such as SAP, Documentum, and other in-house or cloud-based applications.
4. Works with Procurement staff to develop Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Information (RFI), Request for Qualification (RFQ), etc.; participates on software and vendor selection panels and supervises the work of outside vendors.
5. Tests new and revised configuration, programs and interfaces to ensure accuracy and efficiency; develops and executes test plans and forwards to users for user acceptance testing; creates test scenarios; generates test data and keeps logs of test results; tests and analyzes the effectiveness and functionality of new fields and code; notifies programming staff of testing problems and required fixes; proofreads screen layouts to ensure all system requirements are met.
6. Analyzes, troubleshoots and resolves applications problems; communicates with internal and external technical resources to resolve end user issues; provides guidance to users on methods for correcting reported problems.
7. Coordinates and conducts user applications training classes; develops training materials and manuals; responds to and resolves user inquiries; develops and maintains user documentation.
8. Develop necessary reports, extraction programs, transfer rules, update rules if necessary using current code standards. Develop standard and custom InfoCubes and reports, as specified by business unit/user requirements. Work in both the ECC and the Business Warehouse environments to include SAP Business Warehouse and Business Objects.
9. Work with Security team to develop appropriate access roles for SAP and other applications. May perform Segregation of Duty (SOD) analysis for roles assigned to users.

OTHER DUTIES

1. Attends various department and committee meetings; conducts end user meetings.
2. Implement and support SAP Business Warehouse current versions.
3. May serve in a Supervisory capacity.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

1. Basic principles and practices of systems analysis and design.
2. Port business processes commonly supported by applications.
3. Current business rules, regulation and best practices in functional areas such as HR, Finance, Real Estate, Maritime and others pertinent to Port business.
4. Configuration and change control in ERP systems.
5. Methods and techniques for performing quality assurance testing of systems.
6. Business process analysis methods, techniques and tools.
7. Database design concepts and standard database software.
8. Standard methodology for developing program and user documentation.
9. Functions, capabilities, characteristics and limitations of standard computer platforms and devices.
10. Methods and techniques for troubleshooting and determining the causes of applications problems and errors.
11. Standard business and operations support software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, process mapping, graphics and database programs.
12. Laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the use of computer hardware and software.
13. Principles and practices of sound business communication.
14. Data Warehouse design and implementation concepts, techniques and tools.
15. Team leadership practices including standard meeting procedures, problem solving, decision analysis and other processes that support analysis, problem solving and resolution.
16. Customer service practices and techniques.

Ability to:

1. Perform business rule and process analyses and reach sound, logical conclusions regarding user client needs and business requirements.
2. Understand and apply the analysis of functional requirements to the development systems proposals and recommendations for efficient, cost-effective information systems and technology solutions.
3. Troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve complex systems problems.
4. Set priorities and organize work to complete project responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
5. Develop and maintain effective customer-focused client relationships with Port managers and end users.
6. Analyze problems and alternatives, develop sound conclusions and recommendations and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedures and general guidelines.
7. Understand, interpret, explain and apply department, Port, state and federal rules, policies, laws and regulations applicable to areas of responsibility.
8. Read, interpret, explain and apply technical information on business processes, software and hardware for technical and non-technical users.
9. Communicate clearly and effectively to diverse audiences of technical and non-technical personnel, orally and in writing.
10. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, documentation and other written materials.
11. Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
12. Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations.
13. Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with all levels of Port staff and management, department staff, vendors, contractors and others encountered in the course of work.
14. Create, maintain and support District wide business applications and Data Warehouse requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in business administration, management information systems or a closely related field; and at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in performing business process analysis, design, configuration and implementation in a variety of functional areas such as Human Resources, Finance, Real Estate and Maritime. Experience in a public agency is preferred. Time served as a District Intern counts towards the years of experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A current, valid California Class C driver\'s license at time of appointment and maintained at all times thereafter in order to operate a vehicle on District business.

Certification by the International Institute of Business Analysis, Project Management Institute, National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (CPPO), Institute for Supply Management (CPM), Association for Operations Management (APICS) or qualification as a Certified Public Accountant is desirable. In addition, SAP certification in their areas of expertise is highly desirable.

Incumbents in this position have access to confidential information and secure facilities, and may be required to pass a background check in accordance with current Federal and State requirements.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.