Principal Applications Specialist - Finance

About the role

The University Information Technology Services (UITS) department of the University of Massachusetts President’s Office is currently seeking a Principal Applications Specialist to provide functional support for PeopleSoft Financials. UITS is transforming to adopt new capabilities such as cloud architecture, DevOps, and agile. We embrace a culture of continuous learning by fostering a growth mindset and working together to solve hard business and technology challenges.

The position requires a consultative mindset focused on adaptive fit-for-purpose approaches rather than one-size-fits-all methodology. The University has deployed several Financial Modules in Peoplesoft in addition to a suite of applications which integrate into the ERP which will be part of the portfolio of responsibility for this role.

Responsibilities

The Principal Application Specialist is primarily responsible for the support of the campus business operations through centrally administered software systems. The position requires a broad application of principles, theories and concepts of enterprise software and a working knowledge of related fields.

• Primary support for one or more PeopleSoft modules
• Deep understanding of business processes and procedures
• Analyze and trouble shoot operational issues
• Ability to create and execute test scenarios
• Ensure system remains current and compliant through patches, fixes and enhancements
• Work with management to improve operational standards and procedures
• Collaborate with campus constituents to translate functional business requirements into design criteria
• Prioritize work to meet campus expectations and deadlines
• Document functional specifications
• Support product reporting
• Support Interfaces between Peoplesoft modules and other systems
• Participate in various Core Team Meetings
• Function as a Project Lead and Subject Matter Expert
• Creating and executing test scenarios
• Collaborate with other technology groups on various projects and services
• Deliver day-to-day support for a suite of products as well as conduct operational and maintenance tasks
• Implement improvement opportunities, ensuring alignment to measurable business outcomes

Other functions include providing back-up support to the Manager, as needed, including assisting with project management activities, supervising and mentoring Senior Business Analysts, overseeing daily operational activities, and representing the department at operations and other business meetings.

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for this role include a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, 5-7 years of experience in a business office or general Finance systems setting, and 5-7 years of PeopleSoft experience with deep functional skills in one or more modules.

• 5-7 years of experience in project life cycle phases is required; analysis and design, testing, data conversion, change management
• Proven experience in requirement gathering and analysis
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration, facilitation, and consultative skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate thoughtfully and effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders in person, virtually and in writing
• Demonstrated leadership skills in a large complex environment
• Ability to continuously learn new capabilities and apply new ideas and technologies to meet evolving needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Subject matter expert in Asset Management, General Ledger, Commitment Control, PeopleSoft Security, UiPath, PeopleSoft Test Framework (PTF), as well as internal and external system interfaces
• Demonstrated experience supporting internal and external audits, including coordination with auditors and audit-related compliance activities
• Knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 A and AA requirements
• Experience applying WAI-ARIA authoring guidelines and best practices
• Experience in a Higher Education environment

Working Conditions

This role will have a hybrid work model with periodic travel to all UMass campuses. Periodic weekend and evening work for system maintenance, upgrades, and project implementations to minimize the impact on the campus business calendar and student administration operations. Participation in an on-call rotation.

Pay

The UMass President’s Office expects to pay within an approximate hiring range between $110,000 - $140,000 for this position. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Schedule

This role will have a hybrid work schedule with periodic travel to all UMass campuses.