Systems Analyst

Northwestern University - Evanston, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Evanston, IL

Educational Services

About the position

As part of the IT Enterprise Systems (ES) team, the Systems Analyst performs tasks related to the design, implementation, support/maintenance, and enhancement of NU's enterprise, vendor and in-house developed applications. Documents functional requirements, analyzes requirements in the context of software and processes, develops and executes test plans, assists with and documents business process improvement efforts, and works with production issues. Completes content, process, and procedures for technical and functional system work that is low in complexity. Typically works with senior staff but may coordinate smaller or less complex projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Partners with senior analysts, end users and peers to document and analyze functional requirements, identify gaps and alternative approaches to meet requirements, and ensure all deliverables completed (adhering to approved methodology and documentation standards).
• Partners with functional users and technical and reporting staff to determine best approaches, ensuring that approved solutions are implemented in a timely and correct fashion.
• Drafts accurate documentation of process, procedure, and system/application configuration.
• Formulates and executes test scripts, implementation project plans, rolls out communications and training materials.
• Outlines medium complexity use cases.
• Formulates test scripts and performs detailed testing for moderate to complex use cases to ensure that the implemented software functions correctly.
• Participates in and may facilitate iterative feedback processes among users, developers, and analysts to ensure software functionality aligns with requirements.
• Assists in software evaluation and enters moderate to complex configurations to meet user needs.
• Collects feedback from users on application performance and escalates moderate to complex critical performance issues with technical resources and management.
• Collaborates with technical, reporting and application resources to analyze and resolve moderate to complex production issues in a timely manner.
• Provides work direction and/or supervise staff such as subordinates, contractors, vendors, students, etc.
• Manages basic projects or work packets ensuring timelines, deliverables and expectations are met.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as computer science, information technology, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years functional/business/system analysis or other relevant experience required.
• ERP/CRM applications experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook).
• Experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (SES).
• Knowledge of PeopleTools.
• Experience with SQL/MySQL/Postgres.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Debugging skills.
• Decision making skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Troubleshooting skills.
• Use-case analysis skills.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Cost/benefit analysis skills.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration.
• Functional documentation skills.
• Experience with iterative & incremental development.
• Organizational skills.
• Planning skills.
• Ability to write proposals and project charters.

Nice-to-haves

• Very strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take direction well and to work well as a member of a team.
• Ability to effectively present ideas, oral and written, to technical staff and customers.
• Strong customer service and organizational skills.
• Deep functional expertise with Microsoft Office product suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Ability to use SQL, PL/SQL, or other query tools to perform analysis.
• Ability to acquire technical and functional proficiency with new software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Exposure to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (Student).

Benefits

• Meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Tuition discounts.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Programs to help locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care.
• Comprehensive programs and services to help navigate life's challenges and opportunities.
• Support for employee career development.