Operations Services - Senior Business Analyst

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

THE DETAILS

Job Code:

11852

Grade:

22S

Status:

Exempt

POSITION AND PURPOSE

The Operations Services - Senior Business Analyst leads complex, high-impact analysis, user acceptance testing (UAT), operational readiness, and system-improvement work across Service Operations. This role independently defines testing strategy and risk-based coverage, leads cross-functional initiatives and vendor resolution efforts, serves as a technical and operational subject-matter expert, and provides leadership-level recommendations. The position also strengthens team capability through standards, quality reviews, mentorship, and reusable practices that protect operational integrity, member experience, and compliance.

WHO WE ARE

Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values.

WHO YOU ARE

You are an experienced and independent business analyst who can lead large-scale, complex work across multiple systems, business areas, vendors, and project teams.

You are a trusted technical and operational advisor who translates business objectives, risk, system behavior, and vendor information into clear plans, requirements, decisions, and recommendations.

You are an influential communicator and team resource who sets quality standards, reviews work, mentors Business Analysts, builds stakeholder alignment, and drives issues through resolution.

THE WORK

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Lead and participate in projects related to Service Operations products and services, including ACH, checks, wires, item processing, treasury management, digital banking, deposit account servicing, and consumer loan processing.

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Lead and participate in project teams and special projects; perform system testing and enhancement or upgrade validation; and act as the department liaison, as assigned.

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Define large-scale, complex projects and develop detailed work plans, schedules, resource and dependency considerations, testing approaches, and project estimates.

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Complete research and provide evidence-based analysis and recommendations on system changes, operational efficiencies, strategic platforms, and services proposed by vendors.

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Independently lead and triage troubleshooting calls with vendors and technology partners for system upgrades, implementations, configuration changes, production issues, and recurring defects.

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Act as a liaison with vendors, business teams, and Information Technology teams; clearly document issues, owners, decisions, and next steps; and consistently follow up through resolution.

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Provide detailed professional analysis of products, services, systems, risks, and options to senior management and project teams.

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Assist with requests for proposal, including cost-benefit analysis, evaluation of operational and technical impacts, and responses to identified concerns.

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Lead, manage, and validate testing of fixes in applicable environments before production deployment.

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Provide testing leadership and support for Quality Assurance and business User Acceptance Testing phases.

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Manage release-readiness activities and coordinate final technical and business signoff before a system or application is released into production.

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Translate business requirements and objectives into clear system requirements, acceptance criteria, and testing expectations for technical teams.

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Interpret technical designs, system documentation, and vendor specifications and explain the operational impact to business partners and management.

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Lead test planning, script development, scheduling, execution, traceability, defect tracking, retesting, and resolution across unit, integration, functional, Quality Assurance, and User Acceptance Testing.

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Oversee and provide technical guidance to Business Analysts implementing and testing project plans, including review of testing scope, scripts, evidence, results, issues, and readiness recommendations.

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Validate systems and provide or review testing scripts for Fiserv host systems, including DataSafe and DNA, online applications, and other third-party applications or software involved in the project.

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Provide clear written updates to management on project status, testing progress, risks, dependencies, decisions, and problem situations.

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Identify member-impacting and system-integrity issues and ensure timely escalation to the appropriate level for immediate resolution and management communication.

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Effectively communicate with key stakeholders and maintain productive working relationships with all levels of management, peers, business partners, technical resources, and vendors to accomplish strategic goals.

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Develop and maintain applicable program documents, requirements, work plans, testing artifacts, decision records, issue logs, procedures, implementation documentation, and audit evidence.

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Maintain a thorough understanding of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, internal policies, and credit union compliance requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements appropriate to the position.

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Upon completion of a project or validation effort, support training for staff and management as necessary and ensure procedures, testing steps, decisions, and implementation details are documented.

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Analyze processes, issue trends, system performance, and testing results to identify gaps and implement improvements that increase efficiency, quality, consistency, and production readiness.

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Perform production validation and stabilization support when assigned, including monitoring results, confirming expected system behavior, documenting exceptions, and coordinating follow-up actions.

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Perform other duties, special projects, or leadership assignments as requested.

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Develop and maintain an understanding of the pertinent regulatory requirements and risks inherent to job responsibilities, establish, and maintain control activities that mitigate those risks consistent with the Credit Union’s risk appetite, and ensure operational integrity and compliance with applicable regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

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H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Successful completion of a high school diploma required

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Bachelor’s Degree required

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Additional directly related experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements

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5+ years relevant experience in business analysis and user acceptance testing. Experience in leading UAT activities and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Project participation, including management and coordination of projects preferred

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3+ years years or more experience in the analysis and development of financial services, including systems preferred

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project participation, including management and coordination of projects preferred

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Financial institution experience is desired. preferred

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Experience with Golden 1’s key vendors and products such as Fiserv (DataSafe, DNA) is desired. preferred

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Advanced knowledge of UAT methodologies, test design, risk-based testing, defect lifecycle, traceability, test-management tools, and software development lifecycle processes.

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Strong knowledge of Service Operations functions and products, including ACH, checks, wires, item processing, treasury management, digital banking, deposit account servicing, and consumer loan processing.

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Ability to develop detailed work plans, schedules, estimates, testing plans, and executive-ready written updates while managing multiple changing priorities and deadlines.

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Advanced analytical, research, root-cause analysis, documentation, cost-benefit analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

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Strong facilitation, negotiation, stakeholder-management, vendor-management, leadership, and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information for business and management audiences.

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Ability to make independent, objective evaluations and sound decisions with minimal supervision; establish standards, review work quality, train others, and build repeatable team practices.

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Strong attention to financial transactions, system behavior, general-ledger or account-related issues, fraud indicators, operational risk, compliance, data integrity, and member impact.

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Proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, project-management and test-management tools; working knowledge of Microsoft Project and familiarity with test automation tools are preferred.

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None required. Relevant business analysis, project management, agile, or software testing certifications are preferred

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Solves Problems Proactively - Tackles complex issues independently

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Innovates and Applies Insights - Suggests improvements

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Delivers Results with Agility - Maintains quality during change 

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Collaborates Across Teams - Works effectively with peers 

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Influences and Persuades - Shares expertise to guide others 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL:

All levels of staff and leaders across departments, throughout the credit union.

EXTERNAL:

Vendors, partners, and consultants.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work time includes weekend and after-hours time, based on organizational needs. This position works in-office where working conditions, lighting, temperature, audio, and workspace are all sufficient.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires the ability to constantly operate a computer and the ability to read, type, and communicate. Work may require the ability to move work-related supplies weighing up to 10-15 pounds.

DISCLAIMER/INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.

DECLARATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description outlines the essential functions and physical/mental requirements necessary to perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.