Business Systems Analyst II

We're a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of year-end 2024. Our team of 22,000 people across 19 countries serves more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

About the role

We are seeking a high-performing Business Systems Analyst (BSA) with a strong focus on AI and automation initiatives. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving complex business problems, and can turn data and insights into action. The BSA will lead discovery, shape solutions, support execution, and clearly communicate value and outcomes to senior leaders. This role partners closely with business, technology and analytics teams to deliver scalable, high-impact AI and automation solutions that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance client and associate experiences.

Responsibilities

• AI & Automation Discovery
  • Lead structured discovery efforts to identify AI and automation opportunities across business processes.
  • Partner with business stakeholders to understand pain points, inefficiencies, risk areas, and growth opportunities.
  • Translate business problems into clear problem statements, hypotheses, and solution concepts.
  • Evaluate feasibility across data availability, technology readiness, risk, and scalability.
• Business Analysis & Solution Delivery
  • Lead detailed business analysis activities, including requirements elicitation, current-state assessments, process mapping, gap analysis, and future-state design.
  • Develop comprehensive business and functional requirements, user stories, acceptance criteria, and supporting documentation to enable successful solution delivery.
  • Own testing activities, including test strategy, test case development, UAT coordination, defect management, and solution validation.
  • Partner with business and technology stakeholders to ensure solutions align to business objectives, operational needs, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support end-to-end delivery from discovery through implementation, including change readiness, go-live support, and outcome measurement.
• Data Analytics & Storytelling
  • Analyze data to size opportunities, quantify benefits, and support prioritization decisions.
  • Develop insights using structured analysis, dashboards, and exploratory data techniques.
  • Translate complex data and technical concepts into clear, executive-level narratives.
  • Build compelling stories that connect insights to business outcomes and strategic priorities.
• Senior Leader Engagement
  • Present recommendations, trade-offs, and outcomes with clarity and confidence.
  • Influence without authority and navigate ambiguity using structured thinking and strong communication.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on AI, automation, and process optimization initiatives.

Requirements

• Education: Associate degree or equivalent.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience as a Business Systems Analyst, Business Analyst, or similar role. Post-secondary education and relevant work experience may be interchanged to meet the combined total years of minimum required qualifications for education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading discovery and solutioning for complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate opportunities using data and insights.
• Experience working directly with senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Technology, Analytics, or a related field.
• Experience delivering AI, intelligent automation, or workflow automation solutions.
• Experience translating business needs into technical designs and requirements.
• Financial services, operations, or regulated industry experience.

Schedule

Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Applicants must have a valid work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require visa sponsorship for employment in the United States (e.g., H-1B, F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, TN).

Pay

The estimated base salary for this role is $66,700 - $91,700/year. We have a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. Your initial total compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role.

Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being, including but not limited to vacation time, sick time, 401(k), and health, dental and life insurances.