AVP, Business Systems

The AVP, Business Systems is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and daily management of the Business Systems Department. This department supports and administers Tower Federal Credit Union’s (Tower) financial core system, surrounding applications, third-party interfaces, batch processing operations, document storage and retrieval platforms, related databases, teller peripherals, and other associated business systems.  The AVP provides direction and resources for system implementations, application management, business process integration, and workflow analysis to ensure staff and members are able to effectively and efficiently utilize Tower’s business systems.  This position is also responsible for managing critical software vendor relationships to ensure Tower maximizes productivity, system performance, and overall value from its technology solutions.

Manages the operation of the Business Systems area to include database administration, project oversight, implementation services, software management, and business integration through workflow analysis.  Manages the Business Systems area to assure a trained, motivated, professional staff capable of providing the skills necessary to support and accomplish Tower’s strategic goals.

Contributes to the growth of Tower by researching enhancing and implementing new and existing Tower technologies to enhance staff and member utilization of information system capabilities that support Tower’s business objectives.

Responsible for directing staff in the support of Tower’s s business software infrastructure.  This includes managing team resources in the fulfillment of Tower’s Action Items and various other projects in support of overall organizational goals.

Responsible for hiring, guiding and developing the Business Systems team to ensure a trained and motivated staff.  This position provides performance feedback and institutes remedial actions as deemed appropriate in conjunction with the Vice President of Business Systems and Automation Services. 

Enhances business processes by leveraging existing software features and recommending new applications to solve business challenges.

Directs and prioritizes business system configuration and development to include report writing, data processing jobs, form creation, database scripting, and application integration. 

Manages database infrastructure, software releases, and application integrity.  This includes actively updating, managing, and patching databases; reviewing, testing and implementing new software releases; and managing the architecture and security of the application infrastructure in conjunction with the Manager, Enterprise Systems.  This includes the coordination of outside department resources for testing and validation.

Prepares periodic reports to include but not limited to the project request queue, current project status, application performance, user access, and budget.  In addition, this position is required to prepare the department’s annual budget for review by the Vice President, Business Systems & Automation Services.

Responds to and follows up on auditor and examiner comments and requests.

Researches operational issues and leverages existing software applications to fully understand and utilize features available to the organization.  Provides timely and accurate information related to the application capabilities and administration to the Vice President, Business Systems & Automation Services for use in planning.  The position identifies emerging trends in technology and products that would assist Tower in optimizing the reliability and accessibility of Tower systems.

Responsible for contributing to Tower’s technology plan to include software management and long term direction, and inventory.

Tests and maintains the disaster recovery plan in conjunction with the IS management team. This includes responsibility for ensuring appropriate backup strategies for Tower’s business applications.

Represents IS in proposals development and reviews of software application enhancements and additions to the Tower technology stack. 

Responsible for the management of vendors to include review of new software vendors, and annual review of critical software vendor relationships in compliance with the Information Security Standards and Procedures.

As a member of the IS management team, may be asked to stand in for any of the other AVPS in Business Systems & Automation Services

Bachelors or Masters degree in Information Systems or related field with 5 years relevant work experience.

Five years relevant experience managing complex projects

Five years supervisory or management experience

Four-five direct experience managing core banking systems and associated staff (i.e. Fiserv, DNA highly preferred)

Preferred certifications include: CBAP, MCTS (Database), MCITP (Database), MCSA, and PMP.

Equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.

Extensive knowledge of PC and database applications, enterprise applications, and database interrogation skills using industry standard tools

Ability to effectively analyze business processes and create software development specifications to ensure that business requirements are well understood and applications are developed to satisfy the needs of the organization. 

Extensive knowledge of Microsoft suite of desktop applications.

Must demonstrate knowledge of security strategies related to Tower Application infrastructure.

Expertise in and demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of relational database software (e.g. MSSQL, Oracle, Access), financial institution systems (e.g. core processing, reporting, etc.).

General knowledge and ability to manage server deployments as it relates to the applications supported by the Information Systems department.

Ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical teams with a collaborative mindset.

Ability to inspire, guide, and develop others to achieve individual and organizational goals.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Applies deep technical knowledge and creative thinking to develop, implement, and improve systems, processes, and solutions. Stays current with emerging technologies and industry trends to drive innovation, efficiency, and business value.  Ability to apply analytical expertise to financial and operational data to drive process automation and efficiency improvements.

Builds strong, trusting relationships and works effectively across teams, departments, and organizational levels to achieve shared goals. Uses communication, credibility, and interpersonal skills to influence outcomes, drive alignment, and foster a cooperative work environment.

Takes ownership of responsibilities and outcomes, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving goals and delivering high-quality results. Holds self and others accountable for meeting standards, deadlines, and performance expectations while maintaining focus on organizational priorities.

Must demonstrate knowledge of security strategies related to Tower Application infrastructure.

Ability to create and organize reports that synthesize complex information.

Ability to create and effectively present relevant and readable graphs, charts and presentation materials.

Ability to understand and analyze financial and operational data.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret contracts, business periodicals, professional journals, government regulations.

Ability to write requests for proposals, reports, business correspondence and procedures for a diverse audience

Ability to effectively coach technical and support staff for on the job development and evaluation of performance.

Ability to identify cause and effect relationships and promptly evaluate risk vs. potential return.

Ability to take and follow instructions.

Ability to initiate and effectively follow through with long and short term planning.

Ability to effectively manage multiple complex projects from initiation to completion (knowledge of project life cycle)

Ability to develop action plans and to organize workload to accommodate competing deadlines.

Ability to work productively and professionally under stress.

Ability to provide constructive feedback to others.

Ability to effectively negotiate on behalf of the organization.

Ability to motivate and influence others to take action.

Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with colleagues and supervisors.

Ability to maintain the security levels set forth by Tower for access to all software, networks and operating systems.

Has knowledge of and adheres to credit union policies and procedures and all regulations related to the bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act and OFAC.

Responsible for being available 24X7 via mobile and landline communications to support Tower’s operations.

Must be willing to travel to remote worksites to include DR/BCP centers, branches and vendor sites.

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. with or without assistance.

Ability to work the hours needed which may extend beyond the defined work schedule when operating conditions dictate

Must attain and retain designated DOD security clearance to retain position