Business Data Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Digital and Business Solutions, the Business Data Analyst supports the reporting and analytics function by working closely with program areas to identify reporting needs, define requirements, and develop practical reporting solutions. This role acts as a key liaison between business clients and technical resources, ensuring reporting requests are clearly understood, documented, and translated into effective reports and dashboards. The position provides foundational analytical and operational support that enables senior technical resources to focus on complex data development, architecture, and strategic initiatives.

The job responsibilities include:
1. Client Engagement and Requirements Definition
The Business Data Analyst supports the identification and documentation of business reporting needs to ensure analytical work is aligned with program requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
•    Engaging with program areas to gather, clarify, and document reporting and information needs.
•    Assisting with the development of business requirements, definitions, assumptions, and reporting specifications.
•    Translating reporting requests into clear user stories, work items, and development tickets.
•    Identifying relevant data sources, data gaps, and reporting limitations.
•    Communicating requirements effectively to technical team members to support report development and implementation.
•    Supporting intake and prioritization processes to ensure reporting requests are appropriately managed.

2. Development of Reporting Products
The Business Data Analyst develops and maintains straightforward reporting solutions that support operational activities and business decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
•    Designing and developing standard reports and dashboards using Power BI (Business Intelligence) and related reporting tools.
•    Applying established reporting standards, templates, and visualization best practices.
•    Configuring data queries, calculations, and transformations using approved methodologies.
•    Testing and validating reports to ensure accuracy, reliability, and usability.
•    Supporting ongoing maintenance and enhancement of reporting products based on business needs and client feedback.
•    Ensuring reporting outputs meet quality standards and align with documented requirements.

3. Operational System and Data Support
The Business Data Analyst provides operational support for reporting systems and data-related requests.
Key responsibilities include:
•    Responding to service requests and inquiries related to reporting and data.
•    Documenting issues, enhancement opportunities, and system change requests.
•    Supporting troubleshooting activities and working with technical resources to resolve reporting issues.
•    Identifying recurring issues and escalating trends or systemic concerns for further review.
•    Collaborating with system owners and program areas to identify and address data gaps that impact reporting requirements.
•    Supporting data quality initiatives through issue identification and resolution tracking.

Role Responsibilities 2

4. Support to Technical and Analytical Resources
The Business Data Analyst provides foundational support to technical and analytical team members to support the timely delivery of reporting solutions.
Key responsibilities include:
•    Preparing, organizing, and validating data for use in reporting and analysis.
•    Supporting testing activities for reports, dashboards, and data solutions.
•    Assisting with intake management, workload tracking, and request prioritization.
•    Maintaining documentation related to business requirements, technical decisions, processes, and reporting standards.
•    Supporting implementation, deployment, and rollout activities for reporting products.
•    Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve processes and service delivery.

5. Communication and User Support
The Business Data Analyst supports the successful adoption and use of reporting products through effective communication and client support.
Key responsibilities include:
•    Explaining reports, dashboards, and key information to clients using clear, plain language.
•    Responding to routine client inquiries and providing end-user support.
•    Developing user guides, procedures, and training materials.
•    Gathering client feedback and identifying opportunities to enhance reporting products and services.
•    Supporting client adoption of standardized reporting tools, practices, and processes.
•    Building positive working relationships with users and fostering a client-focused service approach.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Systems Thinking
•    Takes a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them.
•    Takes holistic long-term view of challenges and opportunities.
•    Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts, seeks user perspectives.
•    Works towards actions and plans aligned with APS values.
•    Works with others to identify areas for collaboration.

Creative Problem Solving
•    Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues.
•    Engages perspective to seek root causes.
•    Find ways to improve complex systems.
•    Employs resources from other areas to solve problems.
•    Engages others and encourages debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.

Develop Networks
•    Leverages relationships to build input and perspective.
•    Looks broadly to engage users.
•    Open to perspectives towards long-term goals.
•    Actively seeks input into change initiatives.
•    Maintains user relationships.

Agility
•    Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks.
•    Identifies alternative approaches and supports others to do the same.
•    Proactively explains impact of changes.
•    Anticipates and mitigates emotions of others.
•    Anticipates obstacles and stays focused on goals.
•    Makes decisions and takes action in uncertain situations and creates a backup plan.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
University graduation in a field related to computer science, information systems and business analytics, supplemented by two years related experience.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
1 year of experience for 1 year of education

The following experience is required: 
•    Experience in Power BI (Business Intelligence), Data Analysis and Microsoft Fabrics.
•    Experience gathering, documenting, and interpreting business requirements to support reporting and operational processes. 
•    Experience developing, maintaining, or supporting reports, dashboards, and data visualizations using reporting or business intelligence tools. 
•    Experience analyzing data and identifying trends, issues, or opportunities to support business decision-making. 
•    Knowledge of data analysis, business analysis, reporting, or related methodologies gained through education, training, or practical experience.
•    Experience working with multiple data sources and validating information to ensure accuracy and reliability. 
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and reporting information in clear, plain language. 
•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a client-focused environment. 
•    Experience collaborating with users and supporting service requests, inquiries, or operational business needs.

The following experience is considered as assets:
•    Experience using Power BI (Business Intelligence) to design, develop, and maintain business reports and dashboards.
•    Experience working with SQL or other data query tools.
•    Knowledge of data visualization principles and reporting best practices.
•    Education, certification, or specialized training in Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Business Intelligence, Analytics, Information Management, or a related discipline.
•    Experience documenting business requirements, user stories, business processes, or technical specifications.
•    Experience supporting data quality initiatives, troubleshooting reporting issues, or validating reporting outputs.
•    Experience developing user guides, procedures, training materials, or client-facing documentation.
•    Experience working with non-technical business users to identify reporting needs and support solution development.
•    Experience working within a government, public sector, housing, social services, or other complex service delivery environment.
•    Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or other project delivery methodologies.

The following experience will be given preference:
•    Demonstrates a combination of business analysis and data analysis capabilities.
•    Experience translating business needs into reporting requirements and developing reporting solutions using Power BI (Business Intelligence). 
•    Experience supporting non-technical clients and communicating data and reporting information to diverse user groups in a clear and accessible manner.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week.

If a security screening is required:
•    Final candidates may be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is recommended to assess your writing skills.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer: 
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service 
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)  
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information  
•    Professional learning and development   
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool   
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.