Program Analyst Career Guide

Sample job description

As a program analyst, you will perform high level financial modeling and solve one-of-a-kind problems to improve efficiencies and operations across a broad range of groups with organization-wide impact. We need a forward looking, strategic yet realistic problem solver to work closely with internal groups and senior leadership to help. In this role, you would provide recommendations for developing or modifying applications or databases, using research and fact-finding. As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience optimizing systems, procedures, and processes, evaluating operational and program effectiveness, and developing solutions to make improvements or address performance issues. 

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Develops and implements data management collection procedures
• Participates in strategic planning meetings
• Documents all changes in programs and outcomes
• Validates data and implements quality control measures to ensure the continued success of programs
• Assists with grants and event coordination
• Creates budgetary controls and financial management processes
• Analyzes programs, policies, procedures, and systems and makes recommendations to optimize them
• Creates and implements new or revised policies and procedures
• Identifies and resolves issues

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or similar field
• 3+ years of experience with project management or program analysis

Required skills and qualifications

• Understanding of industry best practices
• Excellent presentation skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Exceptional math and statistics skills
• Ability to work independently and with a team 
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing technology
• Effective communication skills 
• High proficiency in computer technology and programming 
• Strong project management skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience creating and delivering budgets
• Experience in software design, debugging, and development
• Familiarity with a variety of databases and software systems

Available certifications

Program analysts work in various industries, and many institutions offer certifications for finance professionals. Here are some of the top certifications:

• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification. The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is the pre-eminent framework for managing IT service delivery around the world, defining the processes for the design, development, delivery, and support of IT services. ITIL offers five levels of certification: foundation, practitioner, intermediate, expert, and master. Each certificate earns credits, and with 22 credits, you can achieve ITIL Expert certification. The ITIL Master certification demonstrates the ability to apply the ITIL framework in real-world situations. It requires the ITIL Expert certification, 5 years of ITIL experience in a management or leadership role, submission of a proposal for a service improvement, submission of a work package demonstrating your ability to apply ITIL principles to a real-world business case, and an interview with an ITIL assessment panel.

• Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA). The PMI-PBA, offered by the Project Management Institute, is for IT professionals who manage requirements or product development and project or program managers who perform business analysis. The PMI-PBA demonstrates your competency in all facets of business analysis. This credential is highly sought after because a certificate holder is considered an expert in business analysis and gives you a solid edge over your peers. The eligibility requirements include passing a rigorous exam and various combinations of experience and education.

• Capacity Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) certification. The CMMI model provides businesses with a framework for developing better products and services, from development to acquisition. Three levels of certifications are offered through the CMMI Institute. The CMMI Associate certification demonstrates your commitment to performance improvement. The CMMI Professional certification proves your ability to apply the CMMI model in an organizational structure. The Certified CMMI lead appraiser is qualified to help organizations determine their capability level or maturity level. If you want to teach others how to use the CMMI model, you can become a certified CMMI instructor.