Business Operations Analyst

Description

Are you an organized and analytical professional who enjoys improving business processes, coordinating across teams, and helping others make effective use of business applications and data? Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where accuracy, follow-through, and continuous improvement matter? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join APL’s Finance Strategy & Operations team as a Business Operations Analyst in our Data Analytics Section.

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

In this role, you will support business operations across the Business, Construction, and Facilities Department by helping coordinate the department’s use of Oracle E-Business Suite and related business applications. You will work with stakeholders to understand issues, document business needs, support system and process changes, coordinate testing and communications, and maintain clear procedures and reference materials.

You will also develop expertise in Procurement and Accounting processes and data, perform analysis and reconciliation, and contribute to cross-functional initiatives that improve service, efficiency, data quality, and decision-making.

This position is well suited for a professional who enjoys learning complex business processes, organizing work across multiple stakeholders, and using data and business applications to solve operational problems. Over time, you will have opportunities to develop deeper expertise in enterprise applications, Procurement and Accounting data, business analysis, and process improvement.

As a Business Operations Analyst, you will:

Serve as the primary day-to-day business liaison for APL’s Oracle E-Business Suite enterprise resource planning application, assessing and triaging reported issues, directing them to the appropriate business or technical teams, and coordinating follow-up through resolution.

Gather, clarify, analyze, and document business, system, data, and reporting requirements for application enhancements, analytics efforts, and process-improvement initiatives.

Develop working expertise in Procurement and Accounting processes, data, business definitions, and relevant ERP data structures, helping stakeholders improve the consistency, traceability, and effective use of their data.

Analyze, validate, and reconcile ERP and operational data to identify discrepancies, investigate root causes, and support accurate reporting, reliable business processes, and informed decision-making.

Partner with Procurement, Contracts, Accounting, Finance, and IT to connect business processes, systems, and data and support cohesive solutions across the organization.

Develop and maintain process documentation, data definitions, user communications, and training resources to promote consistent system use and maintain effective operational coverage.

Identify opportunities to streamline, standardize, automate, or redesign recurring business and system processes, while also contributing to data requests, ad hoc analysis, special projects, and cross-functional initiatives

Qualifications

• You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you: Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Systems Engineering, or a related field, and have at least two years of relevant professional experience in business systems, business analysis, data analysis, finance, accounting, procurement, operations, or a related area.
• Have experience supporting a complex business application or data-dependent business process, including assessing issues, coordinating resolution, documenting processes, or supporting system and process changes.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies, evaluate information from multiple sources, and identify potential root causes.
• Have experience gathering, clarifying, and documenting business, system, data, or reporting requirements and supporting related testing, implementation, or process-change activities.
• Show proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, and have experience analyzing, validating, and reconciling data with a strong emphasis on accuracy and consistency.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and are comfortable working with business users, technical teams, analysts, and organizational leadership.
• Are detail oriented, well organized, and able to manage multiple priorities, maintain effective documentation, and follow issues and assignments through resolution.
• Hold US Citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL’s facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws
• You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you: Experience supporting Oracle E-Business Suite or another enterprise resource planning system from the business or functional side, particularly within Procurement, Accounting, Projects, Contracts, or related financial modules.
• Experience performing business systems analysis activities such as triaging application issues, gathering requirements, coordinating enhancements, developing test scenarios, supporting user acceptance testing, or preparing user documentation and training.
• Knowledge of Procurement, Accounting, financial management, or related business processes, including how business rules and transactions affect downstream data, reporting, and decision-making.
• Experience using SQL and data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau to analyze, reconcile, validate, or present data.
• Experience with data definitions, data lineage, data quality, data governance, process mapping, process improvement, or workflow automation.
• Familiarity with internal controls, audit requirements, government contracting, or another regulated financial or operational environment.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact

Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation.

Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$58,700 Annually

Maximum Rate

$146,300 Annually

Responsibilities

• Are you an organized and analytical professional who enjoys improving business processes, coordinating across teams, and helping others make effective use of business applications and data? Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where accuracy, follow-through, and continuous improvement matter? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join APL’s Finance Strategy & Operations team as a Business Operations Analyst in our Data Analytics Section.
• If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
• In this role, you will support business operations across the Business, Construction, and Facilities Department by helping coordinate the department’s use of Oracle E-Business Suite and related business applications. You will work with stakeholders to understand issues, document business needs, support system and process changes, coordinate testing and communications, and maintain clear procedures and reference materials. You will also develop expertise in Procurement and Accounting processes and data, perform analysis and reconciliation, and contribute to cross-functional initiatives that improve service, efficiency, data quality, and decision-making.

This position is well suited for a professional who enjoys learning complex business processes, organizing work across multiple stakeholders, and using data and business applications to solve operational problems. Over time, you will have opportunities to develop deeper expertise in enterprise applications, Procurement and Accounting data, business analysis, and process improvement.

As a Business Operations Analyst, you will:

Serve as the primary day-to-day business liaison for APL’s Oracle E-Business Suite enterprise resource planning application, assessing and triaging reported issues, directing them to the appropriate business or technical teams, and coordinating follow-up through resolution.

Gather, clarify, analyze, and document business, system, data, and reporting requirements for application enhancements, analytics efforts, and process-improvement initiatives.

Develop working expertise in Procurement and Accounting processes, data, business definitions, and relevant ERP data structures, helping stakeholders improve the consistency, traceability, and effective use of their data.

Analyze, validate, and reconcile ERP and operational data to identify discrepancies, investigate root causes, and support accurate reporting, reliable business processes, and informed decision-making.

Partner with Procurement, Contracts, Accounting, Finance, and IT to connect business processes, systems, and data and support cohesive solutions across the organization.

Develop and maintain process documentation, data definitions, user communications, and training resources to promote consistent system use and maintain effective operational coverage.

Identify opportunities to streamline, standardize, automate, or redesign recurring business and system processes, while also contributing to data requests, ad hoc analysis, special projects, and cross-functional initiatives

Qualifications

• You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you: Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Systems Engineering, or a related field, and have at least two years of relevant professional experience in business systems, business analysis, data analysis, finance, accounting, procurement, operations, or a related area.
• Have experience supporting a complex business application or data-dependent business process, including assessing issues, coordinating resolution, documenting processes, or supporting system and process changes.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies, evaluate information from multiple sources, and identify potential root causes.
• Have experience gathering, clarifying, and documenting business, system, data, or reporting requirements and supporting related testing, implementation, or process-change activities.
• Show proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, and have experience analyzing, validating, and reconciling data with a strong emphasis on accuracy and consistency.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and are comfortable working with business users, technical teams, analysts, and organizational leadership.
• Are detail oriented, well organized, and able to manage multiple priorities, maintain effective documentation, and follow issues and assignments through resolution.
• Hold US Citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL’s facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws
• You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you: Experience supporting Oracle E-Business Suite or another enterprise resource planning system from the business or functional side, particularly within Procurement, Accounting, Projects, Contracts, or related financial modules.
• Experience performing business systems analysis activities such as triaging application issues, gathering requirements, coordinating enhancements, developing test scenarios, supporting user acceptance testing, or preparing user documentation and training.
• Knowledge of Procurement, Accounting, financial management, or related business processes, including how business rules and transactions affect downstream data, reporting, and decision-making.
• Experience using SQL and data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau to analyze, reconcile, validate, or present data.
• Experience with data definitions, data lineage, data quality, data governance, process mapping, process improvement, or workflow automation.
• Familiarity with internal controls, audit requirements, government contracting, or another regulated financial or operational environment.