Business Analyst

Job Summary: This role will formulate and define system scopes and objectives based on both user needs and a thorough understanding of business systems and industry requirements.

Note: All new hires will travel to GSI’s headquarters in Palm Harbor, Florida for a week of new hire orientation. 

Qualifications Summary:

The ideal Business Analyst will have prior BA experience in an IT/software setting.  You will thrive both in an independent and team environment. You must be able to take ownership of projects and complete those projects accurately and efficiently. You must also be able to work with various internal groups and teams and have the ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and deadlines. 

The ideal candidate for this position is organized; detail oriented, has great communication skills and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will need to apply these skills in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, business analysis, requirements definition, building test plans, coordinating all resources and stakeholders, setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring, summarizing and communicating the progress of all assigned projects. You will work among a team of software Engineers, Developers, Project Managers and QA staff for support and collaboration of client specific deliverables. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze business and user needs, specifically related to interfaces involving third party or outside systems, document requirements and translate both into proper specifications for each project. 
• Coordinate and meet with clients and business leaders, as well as working closely with software architects and development teams to ensure that the direction, scope and dependencies are identified and documented. 
• Possess strong knowledge of both project management and the software development      lifecycle (SDLC) of large-scale development projects. 
• Translate business requirements into concise system requirements for use by the software architects and development teams. 
• Extensive understanding of multiple functional areas related to complex projects and the ability to identify and quantify business process improvements along with system improvements through the use of technology is critical. 
• Foster productive communication between technical and non-technical audiences to      ensure that technology solutions fulfill the business needs.  Responsibilities include 
• Identify, document and diagram business requirements and processes. 
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and practices. 
• Assist with validation and testing of interfaces written to the design specification      

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Facilitate team and client meetings effectively
• Keep the client and project team well informed of project status, issues and issue mitigation strategies
• Resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion
• Effectively communicate relevant project information to superiors

Technical:

• MS SQL server (2000/2005/2008) and query knowledge is essential
• Testing of applications written to the design specifications written.
• Ability to track data through the database as it relates to the application
• Review of all customer change orders, update requirements documents, and make      recommendations regarding the implementation of the request modifications.      

PLUS:

• Possess a general understanding of application programming, database and system design
• Understanding of Internet, Intranet, Extranet and client/server architectures
• Ability to analyze system requirements relative to the base software functionality and configuration

Leadership: 

• Inspire coworkers to attain goals and pursue excellence
• Manage the process of innovative change effectively
• Identify opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change

Teamwork:

• Consistently acknowledge and appreciate each team member’s contributions
• Work with both technical software developers and non-technical state and local government clients to make sure that final deliverables meet client requirements
• Coordinate client training with training staff and assist where necessary
• Prepare and deliver training updates via webinars

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of  labor market information (LMI)  
• Proficient in MS Office to include: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Project
• Knowledge of relational databases and basic SQL query techniques
• Must have experience interfacing with customers, internal managers and staff
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills 
• Strong oral and written communication skills with an attention to detail 
• Strong leadership skills with a proven past to drive results and affect change
• Knowledge of the software development life cycle
• Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field, or equivalent experience preferred

Travel:

• May be required to visit client sites, attend National Conferences and/or assist in marketing      presentations which are assigned by Manager when appropriate.