Summary of Responsibilities:

Responsible for application system functionality and major system improvements, including but not limited to electronic applications, data feeds and distributor requests.  Provides wide technical systems expertise in support of the development and implementation of multi-disciplined, cross-departmental activities to support B2B and B2C.  Brings to bear technical skills, product knowledge, and data analysis to provide guidance and make recommendations to business customers on technology initiatives.  Works with minimal supervision. Responsible to make an established range of decisions and independently implement technology solutions that effectively meet customer needs. Escalates to management when necessary and updates management on a regular basis.

Position Responsibilities:

·         Engages in research, definition, design, development, testing, verification and defect resolution of application system functionality and major system improvements; frequently assists or participates in projects, from research to implementation.

·         Serves as liaison between Enterprise business units, Information Technology and system vendors for all technology initiatives.  

·         Communicates and collaborates with all levels of management, in both technical and business terms, to resolve complex technical issues and to meet business unit needs.

·         Develops specific specialized custom code or scripts by application. Works with division to share common code repositories in order to maintain consistency.

·         Provides moderately complex technical and application problem analysis.

·         Supports development projects by resolving problems of a complex, technical nature.  Assists application development teams in troubleshooting and triaging issues.

·         Designs and implements new elements of the systems and major modifications, taking into consideration time, cost, controls and flexibility.

·         Analyzes and reviews external data feeds for accuracy and precision.

·         Utilizes IT-approved test automation tools to automate appropriate test cases per test automation standards.

·         Proactively participates in roundtables, industry working groups and vendor user group calls. Checks vendor and industry websites and communicates with industry representatives to ensure there is an awareness of the latest releases and new developments.

·         Executes the testing function in the assigned projects across all types of testing, including functional, integration, system, regression and user acceptance testing.

·         Troubleshoots issues and works independently with appropriate areas to drive resolution. Utilizes depth of business and technical knowledge to establish priorities for systems fixes among other competing development projects.

·         Maintains high levels of customer service, assuring that each customer’s needs are met quickly and accurately.   Anticipates and identifies customer needs, takes action to meet customer needs, and continually searches for ways to increase customer satisfaction.

Selection Criteria:

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in business systems analysis or business analysis; financial services industry experience preferred.

• Proven strong understanding of annuities, mutual funds and/or life insurance.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including multiple platforms and architectures, diverse technologies and environments. Cite examples exhibiting personal motivation, creativity and a proactive approach within this type of environment.

• Demonstrated ability to grasp computer and other technical concepts such as database, table-driven code, testing tools or 4th generation computer language concepts. Must be able to cite examples of quickly learning new technological concepts and applying them to business needs.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively within a team.

• Proven experience identifying, defining and quantifying moderately complex problems, collecting or interpreting data, establishing facts and providing effective solutions using mathematical, logical and technological skills. Must cite examples of sound decision-making skills when dealing with multiple alternatives or technology solutions.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills on both technical and non-technical facets of the job; conveys information to stakeholders in a clear, accurate, focused and concise manner.

• Proven desire for achieving excellence in customer satisfaction, process and product quality and reliability.

• Proven examples from work experience in the development of testing plans and matrices for testing financial services products and/or software packages giving details of development and execution of test plans.

• Proven flexibility to transition between projects quickly, maintain positive, energetic attitude and possess the ability to work within a team environment.

• Proven experience coordinating multiple projects/assignments simultaneously and completing assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis. Must demonstrate project management experience in planning, executing and maintaining a project from start to finish.

• Demonstrated ability to handle and maintain confidential information.

• Knowledge of insurance company operations preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in Agile/Lean methodologies and Scrum processes preferred.

Work Setting:

• This position works primarily in an office setting and requires being in a stationary position for long periods of time frequently while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings. Position requires frequent movement of wrists, hands and fingers for continuous computer work.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field, such as, information technology, finance, business management or commensurate selection criteria experience.

Computer Skills and Knowledge of Hardware & Software Required:

• Experience with XML, HTML or advanced knowledge of MS Excel.

• Experience with scripting, programming, SQL, visual basic for applications (VBA) or financial services system knowledge.

Certifications & Licenses (i.e., Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

• An insurance-related certification (e.g., FLMI, or related industry designation) is preferred.

Position Demands:

• Potential on-call support during nights and weekends.

• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects and off-hour support.