Business Systems Analyst

University of Waterloo•Waterloo, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. The Business Systems Analyst (“BSA”) works within the Financial Systems team, each member of whom has primary responsibility for a key financial system, with secondary/backup responsibility for one or more other financial systems. This position will have primary responsibility for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (“Quest”), in particular the Student Financials module of the system. The Student Financials module is a mission‑critical system that directly affects tuition assessment, student accounts, billing, collections, financial reporting, and downstream integrations with external partners and internal finance systems. Errors or delays in configuration or processing may have significant financial, regulatory, and reputational impacts for the University. While this is a career path role, the incumbent will be expected to operate at a USG 11 level, with responsibilities commensurate with the level. Primary Purpose The Business Systems Analyst is a position within Finance reporting to the Director, Financial Systems and Controls. The incumbent maintains and enhances financial systems by analyzing business requirements, collaborating on design, testing, and implementing solutions to align the best use of technology to support financial accounting and business processes. This role also supports planned maintenance, updates and configuration required to ensure regulatory, compliance and client needs are met. The incumbent is forward looking and regularly assesses current and future technology needs of Finance relative to transformational efforts.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Information Systems & Technology, Accounting, or Mathematics
Minimum 2 years’ progressive experience with financial system applications and functional technology projects
Proven knowledge of business analysis and an understanding of project management methodologies
Experience in interpreting requirements, performing fit/gap analysis and preparation of system-related process documents
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills that rely on a structured approach with the ability to learn new concepts/processes
Exceptional attention to detail
Effective planning and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to change and perform effectively under pressure
A continuous improvement mindset and an exceptional customer service focus
Ability to elicit requirements from stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
Works independently with a strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams
Exceptional computer skills including advanced MS Excel (i.e. functions and formulas such as macros, pivot tables, etc.) and proficiency with MS Word and MS PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

A recognized Canadian professional accounting designation (CPA (CA, CMA, or CGA)) is a definite asset
Accreditation as a Business Analyst at Level 2 CCBA (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis) or higher is preferred

Responsibilities

Support and maintain the University’s financial and finance-related systems
Maintain system configuration (e.g. system attributes, relations, and values thereof) in accordance with established practices to support the overall operations of the University.
Maintain operational system processes to support University business and to provide timely financial information (e.g. import transactions, update financial accounts, post transactions, month end activities, etc.).
Maintain and monitor workflows so that the appropriate users approve transactions and that processes are completed in a timely manner.
Support testing and implementation of system-based business processes and software maintenance packages (e.g. upgrades, critical security patches, etc.).
Participate in cross-functional troubleshooting, analysis and testing with project teams. Participants may comprise of external business partners (e.g. software providers, banking partners, etc.) or University departments (e.g. Information Systems and Technology [IST], Registrar’s Office, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, Food Services, Print + Retail Solutions, etc.).
Execute complex analysis, identify root cause of problems, contribute to development of solutions and recommend improvements to maximize system potential.
Review and analyze release notes from software providers to keep informed about enhancements and recommend opportunities for improvement to the University’s financial systems.
Support system access security and controls
Provide appropriate and secure access to authorized users, including commissioning, de-commissioning and regular reviews in a timely way, ensuring a positive client experience and exceeding client expectations.
Recommend access security and controls that promote strong internal controls, such as separation of duties, appropriate authorization, and audit trails.
Provide ongoing support to financial systems by managing notifications, resolving issues, and addressing more complex, system-related issues.
Assist with system access issues such as logging on, password and browser issues.
Support functional system testing processes
Identify test scenarios, develop and continually improve test scripts, and execute testing to validate the development and configuration of financial systems relative to design specifications and business requirements to ensure that system projects/initiatives meet the needs of all stakeholders, including recommending best business practices and adopting strong internal controls.
Support the testing of new/modified applications to ensure applications and results meet the University’s needs.
Support stakeholders in user acceptance testing and the development of test scripts, including unit and integration testing.
Document and maintain system procedures.
Research, evaluate, document and recommend system and business practice improvements.
Participate in the assessment of upgrades, updates, and impact of new modules to current integrations and interfaces, including gap and best-fit analysis.
Support financial and management reporting processes of the University
Analyze reporting requirements and document report specifications with stakeholders.
Develop, test, and implement reports to support operational processes, including trend analysis and analysis of data that advances business process improvements.
Build an understanding of system functionality and capabilities to proactively identify opportunities to improve reporting.
Participate in other department projects/assignments as required.