Mercer University · 7 hours ago
Business Analyst
Mercer University is a distinguished private institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. They are seeking a Business Analyst to identify challenges and recommend solutions that improve processes, systems, and financial outcomes, working closely with technical and business teams.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Act as a liaison between business teams, consultants and IT for system integrations, enhancements, and issue resolution
Assist with bi-annual Workday software updates and testing
Utilize data analytics and daily system monitoring to review integrations, identify issues, and collaborate with IT to troubleshoot and resolve problems
Identify opportunities for system optimization and enhancements; collaborate with vendors and staff to implement effective solutions
Assist with gathering and validating business requirements and participate in system design sessions for new platforms and applications
Research system and process issues and provide solution options, including alternative solutions when system limitations exist
Analyze cause-and-effect relationships of business problems, evaluate options, and recommend solutions, including documentation of pros, cons, risks, benefits, costs, and unintended consequences
Support Accounting and Accounts Payable functions, including: Preparing budget amendments, Approving expense reports, Processing journal entries, Providing backup support to the Accounts Payable office
Provide guidance on Workday processes, which are highly timing-dependent, including: Opening and closing accounting periods, Managing fiscal year-end activities prior to June 30, Coordinating communication between end users, Accounts Payable, and Purchasing
Initiate and manage the month-end close process, including a 15-step workflow that coordinates the sequence of activities across Finance departments
Analyze and determine the most effective order of close activities and ensure continuity and communication throughout the process
Provide follow-through and oversight to ensure timely and accurate close of financial periods
Document, maintain, and audit Workday roles and access, including annual access reviews
Ensure role assignments align with system design and security standards
Work directly with end users to troubleshoot business process issues
Clearly communicate technical concepts in business terms and provide clear documentation related to Finance applications, interfaces, data structures, and workflows
Participate actively in cross-functional teams and meetings to advance business processes and quality outcomes
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Computer Science, Business Management, or a related field from an accredited college or university
Five or more years of progressively responsible, directly related experience
Strong Microsoft Excel skills
Excellent written, oral, instructional, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated intermediate Microsoft Office skills
Knowledge of accounting principles, month-end close processes, journal entries, budget amendments, and procurement workflows
Familiarity with integration tools and processes (e.g., Adaptive Solutions), data structures, and troubleshooting techniques
Understanding of workflow design, automation opportunities, and best practices for efficiency
Knowledge of role-based access controls, annual audit processes, and documentation standards
Ability to configure software settings, manage role access, and develop custom reports using Workday Report Writer
Skilled in diagnosing system issues, evaluating cause/effect relationships, and proposing alternative solutions with pros/cons analysis
Ability to clearly translate technical concepts into business terms and produce accurate documentation for processes and resolutions
Strong interpersonal skills to work with Finance, IT, vendors, and end users to align technology with business needs
Ability to assist with software installations, enhancement testing, and manage timelines for bi-annual Workday updates
Ability to bridge gaps between Finance, IT, and vendors, influencing outcomes and ensuring alignment of business requirements with system capabilities
Ability to initiate and manage complex workflows such as the 15-step month-end close process, ensuring continuity across Finance departments
Ability to quickly learn new Workday features, attend training, and apply knowledge to evolving business needs
Ability to leverage data analytics for management reporting and operational decision-making
Ability to identify inefficiencies, recommend enhancements, and support initiatives for automation and system optimization
Preferred
Experience with Workday
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents)
Generous retirement contributions
Tuition waivers
Paid vacation and sick leave
Technology discounts
Schedules that allow for work-life balance
Company
Mercer University
Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning, offering rigorous programs that span the undergraduate liberal arts to doctoral-level degrees.