Systems Developer

WHAT IT IS

Key Role Dimensions

Designing and writing business application software: Develop new software, resolve integration issues and engage in program testing to translate business needs into technology solutions.

Improving organizational efficiencies: Enable faster responses to market opportunities, more efficient and cost-effective customer service, and more effective monitoring to meet regulatory compliance obligations.

Focus Areas

Systems Developers must understand the specific financial services sector they are working in so as to:

• Use structured methods and procedures to identify and meet the needs of end users.
• Develop technical specifications for software programs that appropriately deliver automated processes and information required by business areas.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED

Key Job Accountabilities

Systems Developers generally engage in:

Systems Development:

• Consult with line of business and/or end users to understand operational processes to be automated, business rules to be applied, and information and reports required.
• Develop, test and document new system components, reports and interfaces, and modifications to existing systems.
• Analyze existing applications and systems to identify opportunities for improvement.

Product Testing:

• Design and perform systems testing procedures to ensure a new system is working and properly integrates into the overall system architecture.
• Conduct usability tests with end users to ensure the system performs as specified. 

Product Support:

• Diagnose application failures and develop procedures to correct problems, making modifications to user procedures, user data entry instructions, user training programs and data files and structures as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

 Must-haves:

• Knowledge of technology infrastructure and computer software applications
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – Programming and Design: Software design, testing and debugging skills

• Team Collaboration & Information Sharing: Ability to collaborate with others in designing, developing and troubleshooting applications
• Project & Change Management: Ability to effectively manage application development projects and implementation procedures
• Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Creative and innovative decision-making skills

 Nice-to-haves:

• ‘Power user’ of relevant IT systems/applications
• Previous experience in a Business Analyst, Systems Analyst or Infrastructure Engineering role
• Previous experience as a Database Developer or Web Developer

Education & Credentials

Entry-level positions typically require:

• College diploma or
• Undergraduate university degree

In the fields of:

• Information Systems
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Computer & Network Support Technician
• Computer Engineering Technology
• Computer Systems Technician
• Computer Programming & Analysis

Senior positions may require:

• Graduate degree

In the fields of:

• Information Systems
• Engineering
• Business Administration

 Employers in different segments may require candidates to possess one or more of these designations:

• Associate Computing Professional (ACP) 
• Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) 
• Certified Computing Professional (CCP) 
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) 
• Information Systems Professional (ISP) 
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) 

 Continuing education and additional training may include:

• Learning about specific technologies as they are applicable to the job (e.g. C++, Java and/or UNIX Scripting)