IT Business Analyst II

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) is responsible for administration of the extramural research grants and contracts. RSP currently manages an open portfolio of over $4 Billion with annual awards over $1 Billion. As an IT Business Analyst II on the Electronic Research Administration (ERA) team, you will not just support research administration systems, you will own the intersection of technology, business process, and human experience. In this role, you will translate complex operational challenges into elegant system solutions and collaborate deeply with department and campus stakeholders. You will play a vital role in ensuring data integrity, providing strategic systems training, and guiding the continuous improvement of our research software ecosystem.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of experience and education in IT systems, business process and systems analysis, accounting, finance, or an equivalent field.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to maintain clarity, drive outcomes, and work effectively under pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on translating technical concepts into user-friendly insights.
Above-average knowledge of and proficiency in modern office productivity software, including Excel and Word (or similar application suites).

Nice To Haves

Proven experience navigating the system development and implementation lifecycle (SDLC), including a track record of independently developing high-quality functional requirement documents and/or system design documents.
Knowledge of research administration, grants accounting, accruals, grants closeouts, month-end/year-end closing processes, and the development of institutional accounting policies and procedures.
Experience implementing, upgrading, or optimizing major ERP financial software, with a strong preference for Workday.
Bachelor's Degree is required, preferably in IT, IT Systems Analysis, Accounting, or an equivalent field.

Responsibilities

May work with external vendors or service providers (10%)
Formulates and defines systems scope and objectives through research and fact-finding combined with an understanding of applicable business systems and industry requirements (5%)
Devises or modifies moderately complex information systems including analysis of business and user needs, documenting requirements, and revising existing system logic difficulties as necessary (15%)
Determines and recommends programs required for optimal problem solution within cost/performance objectives (5%)
Participates in requirements planning and feasibility determination (10%)
Performs analyses and prepares reports to ensure that programs meet or exceed schedule commitments (15%)
Works on tasks including project or functional requirements, functional design, functional configuration, testing, and documentation (15%)
Trains, serves as a resource, and provides guidance to other IT business analysts on routine problems, work processes, and policies (25%)