The Business Analyst (BA) is responsible for providing functional and technical analysis and design in support of projects that require business process clarification, system enhancements, software integrations, and operational improvements. This position applies broad competency in business process and systems analysis to perform facilitation, needs assessment, requirements definition, technical specification development, business process mapping, testing support, documentation, and change management activities.
The Business Analyst serves as a liaison among stakeholders to elicit, analyze, communicate, validate, and manage requirements for changes to business processes, policies, and information systems. Working closely with functional and technical teams, the BA evaluates business problems and opportunities within the context of institutional needs and recommends solutions that support operational effectiveness, compliance, and strategic goals.
This role supports the University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) environment, including key business domains such as Financial Systems, Human Resources, Payroll, and Maintenance.
Exercises Latitude to Determine Objectives
- Support the University’s ERP software and related applications across assigned functional areas, including Financial Systems, Human Resources, Payroll, and Maintenance.
- Exercise independent judgment in planning, prioritizing, and carrying out assignments while collaborating with leadership, central offices, departmental users, and cross-functional teams to address operational needs and develop work plans.
- Lead and facilitate meetings, interviews, workshops, and other discovery sessions to build stakeholder consensus, define current-state processes, identify gaps, and document future-state solutions.
- Serve as a liaison between technical teams and functional area customers to elicit and validate requirements, translate business needs into business cases and functional and technical specifications, and ensure shared understanding of proposed solutions.
- Provide customer training on new functionality, support applications post-implementation, evaluate the impact of Oracle quarterly updates, and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Independently Analyzes and Solves Highly Complex Technical Problems
- Lead and participate in mission-critical activities including business process analysis, technical analysis, solution design, software modification support, interface design, testing, implementation, and documentation.
- Configure assigned ERP modules in alignment with approved business requirements, Federal guidelines, and University fiscal and personnel policies, and support integration with internal and external systems through interface analysis, data conversions, data mapping, and troubleshooting.
- Analyze business workflows, ERP functionality, and reported issues to identify root causes, troubleshoot and resolve problems in collaboration with functional stakeholders and the Department of Technology Solutions (DTS), and recommend practical, sustainable solutions.
- Evaluate ERP functionality gaps, conduct in-depth research to identify opportunities for enhancement, and propose and implement creative solutions that improve ERP functionality and University business processes.
Draft detailed technical specifications and technical documentation for new functionality, enhancements, configurations, procedural changes, data conversions, and application interfaces; lead needs analysis and design discussions for Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI), BI Publisher, and Fusion Data Intelligence (FDI) reports; and develop or coordinate testing activities to validate system changes and solution quality.
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Researches Emerging Technologies
- Monitor trends, emerging technologies, ERP capabilities, vendor enhancements, and higher education best practices; analyze ERP upgrade documentation to evaluate impacts on existing configurations, integrations, and University processes.
- Research new functionality, modules, and technology solutions that may improve ERP operations, reporting, user experience, and overall institutional effectiveness.
- Design strategic implementation and testing plans for new ERP functionality, modules, and system upgrades, including resource allocation, rollout strategies, and coordination to minimize disruption to University operations.
- Develop and execute unit, integration, and upgrade testing to ensure configurations and enhancements meet University standards and business requirements.
Create user-focused ERP Help Website materials, contribute technical expertise to change management and training resources, lead train-the-trainer and end-user training sessions, and represent the University in discussions with external vendors regarding tailored software solutions.
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Identifies and initiates continues process improvement opportunities
- Identifying opportunities for continuous process improvement and collaborating with stakeholders
to develop improvements to ERP functionality, addressing system deficiencies, and aligning with
institutional goals.
Continues Professional Development journey
- Pursue professional development opportunities to stay on top of technology changes.
- Engage in professional development forums to stay informed about ERP trends and contribute to
discussions influencing future ERP development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of applicable software support experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience:
3-5 years of related experience in systems analysis, support and troubleshooting of computing applications and systems, or cloud-based technology (preferred)
- Experience with applying computer technology to solve complex user and business problems and needs
Excellent troubleshooting skills – able to define problems and offer valid resolution
Behavioral Skills:
- Intermediate: Strategic Technology Planning.
- Intermediate to Advanced: Building Relationships, Process Optimization, Change Management, and Effective Communication.
Intermediate to Expert: Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Team Collaboration, and Comprehensive Efficiency.
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Professional Skills:
- Proficient in analyzing and configuring complex accounting systems, with attention to detail and independence in execution.
- Skilled in engaging technical and non-technical staff to elicit requirements and translate them into deliverable solutions.
Strong customer service orientation, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to support diverse user groups.
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Preferred
- Bachelor's degree
- Oracle Fusion Cloud configuration experience preferred. Experience with Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), and/or Human Capital Management (HCM), and/or Supply Chain & Manufacturing (SCM)
- Highly motivated self-starter. Ability to work independently towards a defined goal. Self-motivation and self-discipline are key. Must work with others to ensure tasks are completed between project team meetings.
- Best candidates need to be goal-oriented, detail-driven, self-motivated and be able to work independently.
- Position holder must be open-minded to new ideas and technologies, and possess the ability to brainstorm with team members for the best solution to a problem.
- Possession of a positive attitude, desire to be a part of a team, and a thirst for knowledge are essential characteristics for this individual.
- Ability to work with people under demanding circumstances, while maintaining a professional, pleasant and helpful demeanor.
Best candidates have a Six Sigma training and/or certification, such as Green Belt or Yellow Belt or desire to learn.
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Application Process
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Benefits and Compensation
Compensation for this position is budgeted for $60,000 to $110,000 depending on level hired.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee's benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/
