Business Systems Analyst

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology. FAD is dedicated to supporting the teaching and research mission of the University by providing outstanding financial services to the Harvard community; by providing support, guidance and consultation; by working to ensure compliance with University and federal guidelines; by mitigating risk; and by promoting the financial health of the University.

The Office of the Controller (OC) within Harvard University’s Financial Administration Department is dedicated to supporting the teaching, research and service missions of the Harvard community by providing efficient and effective financial and administrative services, by enabling access to information and resources, and by promoting the financial health and security of each unit and of the University as a whole. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Student Account  Systems, the Business Systems Analyst works as a member of the systems team to support configuration, testing, reporting, and project management for Oracle’s PeopleSoft Campus Solution enterprise student system. The ideal candidate will enjoy solving complex system problems independently, be quick to master new software, thrive in a team setting, and be committed to excellent customer service.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Functional system administration of Oracle’s Campus Solutions software, managing complex and detailed setup and configuration.
• Independently troubleshoot and solve system problems as they arise, identifying root causes, and proposing and implementing solutions.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of how changes to setup and configuration in Campus Solutions affect our business and other business areas.
• Manage Harvard’s tuition calculation process, which assesses nearly $700 million annually of tuition, health insurances, and other required fees. Responsible for all aspects of this process, including independently working with schools to prepare, schedule, test and implement tuition calculation each term. Writes and maintains SQL criteria. Manages implementation of rules for new programs or schools. Troubleshoots problems and implements solutions.
• Works independently with customers around the University, takes a leadership role in projects to develop and implement complex processes and systems. Works closely with HUIT, Student Accounts staff, and schools to analyze problems, brainstorm solutions, draft specs, request changes, communicate with stakeholders, coordinate release scheduling, create test scripts, perform testing, and sign off on changes.
• Create, update, and troubleshoot reports using Oracle Campus Solutions, Oracle Business Intelligence, Oracle SQL Developer, and other tools.
• Assess business outcomes, analyzing internal and external processes on an ongoing basis, identifying areas for improvement, and proposing and implementing changes.
• Create and maintain process documentation, manages online content on university websites for internal and external use.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Typical Core Duties

• Work at a high level within a team on most phases of service analysis and consider the business implications of technology applications to the current and future business environment
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into systems requirements and scoping
• Contribute to the definition of systems requirements, conduct gap analysis, and identify feasible alternative solutions that meet defined business objectives
• Perform user needs analysis, product evaluation, selection, customization, testing, implementation, and support
• Participate in the development of plans and policies for a unit/school
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Ability to quickly assimilate new technology and/or applications.
• Exceptional analytic skills and problem-solving abilities. Excellent verbal and written communication. Fluent in MS Office.
• Proven ability to deliver quality work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Proven experience with relational databases including SQL. Familiarity with Oracle Campus Solutions or other integrated student information systems strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with managing student financial and data records. Knowledge of CSS, HTML, XML and XSL.
• Experience using reporting tools to write queries.
• Experience writing test scripts, documenting business processes, and managing complex system configuration.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and comfort with web-based applications
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
• Additional skills and qualifications may offset desired education and/or experience 

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Working Conditions

Interview and onboarding activity for this position may be conducted via telephone & Zoom video conferencing, based on the department’s current presence on campus.

Harvard is an on-campus community and all positions are based in Massachusetts. We currently expect that employees in FAD will work remotely through Fall 2021. Effective October 1st, as a condition of continued employment, all work must be performed in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT). 

FAD is currently developing hybrid workplace models which actively support remote work (within a Harvard registered state) where business and team needs allow. Any remote scheduling of your work, agreed to by your supervisor, will need to be in a state in which Harvard is registered as an employer as a condition of continued employment.  Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will may discussed during the interview process.

Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard’s Coronavirus Workplace Policies website: https://hr.harvard.edu/corona-virus-workplace-policies .

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application and upload as one document.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period. 

More about FAD:
FAD is committed to an engaging and diverse culture, strong values, and client partnership. The department is led by the Vice President for Finance (VPF), is comprised of eight reporting units: 

• Office of the Controller
• Office of Finance and Administration 
• Office of Financial Strategy and Planning
• Office for Sponsored Programs
• Office of Treasury Management
• Risk Management and Audit Services
• Strategic Procurement
• Capital Planning and Project Services 

For more about the Financial Administration Department and its 8 reporting units, see: http://finance.harvard.edu

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:
Harvard's commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is rooted in our belief in drawing on the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity. Our community strives to uphold these beliefs by honoring the rights, differences, and dignity of others and¿embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. Harvard aims to foster a campus culture where everyone can thrive, a key to which is ensuring that we each experience a profound sense of inclusion and belonging.

Total Rewards:
Harvard’s Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and reward the performance of talented employees. As a Harvard staff member, you enjoy many perks that come with working for one of the top employers in Massachusetts, including:

Flexible work environment: FAD supports flexible work arrangements where business needs allow.

Time off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.

Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans.

Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.

Harvard University Employees Credit Union: Our employees credit union provides a complete line of services for all your financial needs. https://huecu.org

Transportation: 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.

Wellness options: A variety of programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services.

Access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Learn more: https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards

Accessibility:
Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Job Function

Information Technology

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I0857P IT Business Analysis Prfss III

Department

Office of the Controller

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.