Business Analyst - Johannesburg at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A dynamic provider of cutting-edge Financial Security Services is seeking a Business Analyst to join their team. This role operates within a regulated financial markets infrastructure environment, serving as a critical link between business stakeholders and technology teams.
• The Business Analyst will engage with complex processes and systems in a dynamic setting that demands a strong understanding of compliance, market operations, and change initiatives.
• The position involves collaborating across multiple internal departments and external market participants to deliver solutions that support both strategic projects and ongoing business-as-usual enhancements within a central securities depository (CSD) context.

DUTIES:

Business Requirements & Process Design:

• Partner with business and IT stakeholders to facilitate the agreement of optimal business solutions.
• Conduct gap analyses of business and system processes to translate business needs into actionable requirements.
• Develop comprehensive Business Requirement Documentation (BRD) and Business Requirement Specification (BRS) documents using techniques like Use-Case design.
• Lead requirement gathering workshops and perform stakeholder analysis to define business needs and identify alternatives.
• Analyse existing process maps and operating procedures to inform future state design.
• Document to-be processes and procedure guides to enable training and implementation.
• Identify opportunities for business process optimization, standardization, and re-use.
• Support testing by providing input for test packs and compiling Traceability Matrices.

Project & Production Support:

• Analyse data and summarise findings for management reporting as required.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant market and project meetings, ensuring accurate minute-taking and follow-up on action items.
• Assist in documenting, improving, and enhancing business processes across various business units.
• Facilitate negotiations between internal and external stakeholders regarding change requests.
• Investigate new business requirements aligned with strategic objectives (e.g., related to equities, bonds, money markets).
• Analyse change requests to ensure timely execution of business objectives.
• Provide input for the update of internal directives and procedures.
• On smaller initiatives, perform project management duties as guided by the organisational project framework.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
• Relevant degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a similar Diploma coupled with a Business Analyst certification.
• 1-3 years of experience in a Business Analyst role.
• Knowledge of the Business Analyst Body of Knowledge (BABOK) is advantageous.
• Understanding or certification in project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2) is advantageous.
• Experience within the financial markets or a regulated financial environment is advantageous.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Business Acumen: Understands how the business operates within its regulatory context, with awareness of key stakeholders, risks, and market ecosystem dynamics.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Commitment: Works effectively with diverse stakeholders, building strong relationships to meet and exceed expectations and drive value.
• Impact & Influence: Influences and inspires trust in others to build commitment towards achieving organisational and regulatory objectives.
• Drive for Results: Demonstrates urgency, focus, accountability, agility, and resilience in execution to deliver business outcomes.
• Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Able to analyse complex requests, perform gap analysis, and produce detailed, accurate documentation.
• Self-Awareness & Insight: Manages self and relationships effectively, handles ambiguity and pressure, and provides perspective in challenging situations.
• Change & Innovation Orientation: Promotes continuous improvement and innovation, understanding the organisation's neutral and trusted role in the market.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for facilitating workshops, negotiating solutions, and documenting requirements clearly.
• Diversity & Inclusiveness: Embraces diversity, demonstrates empathy and humility, and engages openly with people from varied backgrounds.