Senior Business Analyst - Strategic Initiatives

Overview

The Senior Business Analyst serves as the data subject matter expert for a key initiative, partnering with project

managers, operations, and cross-functional teams to provide strong financial guidance and rigorous tracking of

financial outcomes related to the strategic transformation program. The analyst builds models, tracks targets, and

collaborates on forecasts, scenario analyses, and variance reports to support business planning. This position

prepares executive-ready presentations, communicates actionable insights to senior leaders and business unit stakeholder.

Responsibilities

• Act as the data subject matter expert within the strategic initiative delivery team, collaborating closely with project managers, operations, and cross-functional partners.
• Develop and maintain robust models to forecast, track, and report the financial impact of initiatives throughout all phases.
• Ensure all strategic initiatives have clear, measurable financial targets and regularly monitor progress against these objectives.
• Provide financial justification and scenario analysis for expansion, investment, and future phases, supporting business cases and investment proposals in collaboration with FP&A partners to demonstrate financial justification.
• Perform deep-dive variance and root cause analysis to identify drivers of financial performance and proactively address potential risks or opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver concise, executive-ready financial presentations and dashboards, targeting senior leadership and current or prospective investors.
• Gather key inputs from stakeholders, market research, and operational data to inform assumptions and recommendations.
• Support ongoing financial planning and optimization for the initiative, incorporating feedback and evolving business priorities.
• Mentor junior analysts supporting the initiative, sharing best practices in financial modeling and analysis.
• Complete all responsibilities as outlined in the annual performance review and/or goal setting. 
• Complete all special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs of Cotiviti and requirements of the job change.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field; MBA, CFA, or advanced finance/business certification preferred.
• Minimum 5–8 years of progressive experience in financial planning & analysis, strategic finance, or related fields—ideally supporting corporate initiatives or projects with investor visibility.
• Proven hands-on expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis for multi-million dollar programs or investments.
• Experience presenting and tailoring financial analysis for senior executives and investors, with strong storytelling and influence skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling software; knowledge of Adaptive Insights, Tableau, or Power BI is a plus.
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and able to operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills in cross-functional project teams.
• Experience with governance, compliance, and executive reporting preferred.

Cognitive / Mental Requirements:

• Strategic Systems Thinking: Ability to understand complex, interconnected technology, business, and operational systems and anticipate downstream impacts of decisions across the enterprise.
• Advanced Analytical Reasoning: Quickly analyze large volumes of qualitative and quantitative information to identify patterns, risks, dependencies, and opportunities within transformation programs.
• Executive Judgment & Decision-Making: Apply sound judgment in ambiguous, high-stakes environments, balancing competing priorities, constraints, and stakeholder interests.
• Rapid Learning & Adaptability: Assimilate new technical concepts, business models, and program objectives quickly, adjusting strategies and execution plans as conditions evolve.
• Problem Solving in Ambiguity: Define problems that are not clearly articulated, evaluate multiple solution paths, and drive resolution in dynamic and uncertain environments.
• Risk Anticipation & Mitigation Thinking: Proactively identify potential program, technology, and organizational risks and develop mitigation strategies before issues escalat