Financial Business Analyst - Johannesburg Verfied

Salary Negotiable Johannesburg, Gauteng Johannesburg, Gauteng more than 14 days ago 06-09-2017 3:14:37 PM
01-11-2017 3:14:37 PM
Job Purposes
Performs assigned research and analysis to support IT functional aspects of finance or finance related projects to define and develop business capabilities and services. May lead sub parts of projects or small projects. Performs functional support relating to the implementation of ongoing changes and resolution of issues.

Operates in a highly complex environment where on time delivery is critical. Includes diverse Finance and related functional business processes and service requirements, IT applications, SOX legislation, statutory and regulatory compliance, corporate standards relating to policies, processes, technologies etc.

Key Accountabilities:
Develops a good understanding of the concepts and trends relating to current and emerging IT methodologies, technologies and standards and how they are/can be applied within. Develops a good understanding of the requirements and inter-dependencies of the key processes within assigned function/s, and their relevance to the delivery of the business goals. Uses structured processes to capture and share knowledge with relevant areas.

Supports the strategic Finance and IT goals of consistently applying global processes (which include complex regulatory requirements), by producing all work in accordance with defined standards and processes.

May support project team members regarding the application of complex and diverse requirements, standards etc.

Participates in the process to evaluate and define less complex Finance/IT concepts. Focuses on developing a thorough understanding of the concept, advising on a realistic solution based on requirements, technology and constraints. Validates requirements with the Manager/Snr prior to conducting research and/or benchmarking of options. Produces a draft statement of work accurately capturing the proposed solution, and presents and explains to the Manager.

May participate in the process to secure approval to progress the project.

Participates in the critical process to develop accurate and realistic business requirements.

Participates in researching and providing guidance to the user group on alternatives possible, or modifications needed to optimise the quality and/or timing of the proposed solution.

Produces draft documentation that meets established standards.

Participates in the process to translate the business requirements into an effective solution (software specifications, interfaces etc). Typically performs defined research with business users and develops the detailed documentation (software specifications, interfaces etc).

Supports the development of the detailed financial justifications by performing research within and vendor organisations. Evaluates cost benefits of alternatives.

Participates in the process to develop an effective project plan which accurately captures required elements (what will be delivered, timelines, resources etc) taking into account business priorities. Uses modelling tools to develop accurate and timely resource estimations for complex parts of the plan. Reviews with the project lead.

Participates in the testing phase of assigned projects by developing defined aspects of the test plan which can involve aligning with business users to determine which elements of the business process need to be validated.

Leads the execution of assigned testing, monitoring progress to ensure any issues encountered are prioritised and resolved.

Participates in the process to identify, evaluate and recommend vendors (system integration, offshore-managed services, project management, software or solution selection etc) not covered by corporate ‘preferred’ vendors. Solutions typically are sourced regionally. Performs defined research based on business and technical needs. Provides analysis and recommendations based on capability, stability, cost, support etc.

Analyses the root cause of diverse types of issues impacting financial system users or the requirements related to implementing a change request. For specific types of issues/change requests, develops and implements a timely and effective solution (system configuration, data correction, advising user on corrective actions). For other issues/changes provides a software specification or analysis of root cause to the technical team.

Uses defined methods to plan and prioritise work requests relating to changes or issue resolution, Creates and updates appropriate documentation relating to software requirements, testing, user validation. Secures appropriate sign-off for changes.

Supports the business in maintaining effective service levels for assigned areas. Uses defined tools to monitor and report on compliance levels. Determines the cause of compliance issues and assigns to the appropriate area/s for resolution. As appropriate escalates serious or repeated incidents.

Minimum Requirements
Business Degree with an Accounting Major and accounting experience, preferably in an
Completed or near completion of your CPA or CA.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders
Exposure to large computer based accounting packages, preferably SAP and Hyperion.
Expert knowledge of Spreadsheet applications e.g. Excel and proficiency in other desktop software such as Word and PowerPoint.
A high level of accuracy, excellent attention to detail, and written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum 3 -5 Year experience in a similar role
Fluent in English
Good written & excellent verbal communication skills
Good presentation skills with experience of developing & presenting business proposals to senior management audiences
Good influencing & persuasion skills with experience of gaining commitment to proposals/actions needed
Good networking skills with an established network of business contacts
Good interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with users & development groups
Good judgement & reasoning ability (Conceptual thinker)
Good understanding of specific types of IT technologies (systems, systems architecture and infrastructure, security policies, networks etc)
Good understanding of specific areas of financial accounting practices, processes and business/regulatory requirements and how these are incorporated within financial system solutions
Good understanding of business process modelling tools and techniques e.g. process and data flows and modelling (knowledge of warehouse concepts etc) with experience of contributing to the engineering of complex business processes
Good understanding of application change management including procedures, tools, techniques and related SOX requirements
Good overall understanding of systems functionality, related configuration management, integration between systems etc
Basic knowledge of project management methodologies & tools
Good analytical and problem solving skills with experience of developing realistic & workable systems solutions to support less complex processing requirements/needs
Basic understanding of the macro business environment e.g. industry, competitor, regulatory, together with an good overall knowledge of a complex business.
Basic understanding of key financial principles & practices relating to the development of project costings/justifications etc
Good p.c. skills including competency in the use of Word, Excel, Power point & Project Management software