Business Analyst (front to back office data flows)

Business Analyst (Front to Back Office Data Flows)Business AnalystBoston, MAPosition Overview:As a member of the IT group, the contract Business Systems Analyst will assume responsibility for support and ongoing system initiatives of projects within firm's various Marketing and Client Services groups. This is a highly visible position that will have direct exposure to many business groups. S/he will provide daily application support, as well as, project support for existing and new projects.Responsibilities:Conduct analysis, data validation; gather requirements and documentationWork with Marketing, Client Reporting and Client Service teams to ensure prompt responses to their requestsUnderstand business workflows, identify problems and opportunities in the context of reporting requirementsProvide immediate incident support and work closely with IT Development and Production Support; follow-up to ensure completion of tasks needed to resolve problemsDocument incident findings to help build our data quality knowledgebaseConduct business and systems requirements; analysis at code and data level such as data mapping and data conversion analysis; adhere to internal software development life cycle methodsResearch, test and track business issues and software defectsParticipate in the weekly managed release cycleManage project tasks and communicate updates/status to stakeholdersConduct effective meetings and foster technology dialog with business usersQualifications:Minimum of 5-8 years of experience working as an IT business systems analyst in the financial services industry; 3+ years of reporting and data analysisExperience with SQL (Microsoft SQL Server and Sybase)Prior knowledge of financial vendor data such as; Bloomberg, Reuters, WorldScope, MSCI, and S&P desiredWorkflow analysis and Data Mart/Data Warehouse experience a plusSolid Visio and MS Office application skillsSolid understanding of system development methodologies and techniques, and an excellent grasp of database concepts and principlesStrong interpersonal and communication skills with a history of taking initiative and customer serviceStrong analytical and problem solving skillsAbility to multi-task and exhibit extensive problem solving skills