HR Data Analyst I - OMPA / Business Applications Analyst I

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking an HR Data Analyst I to support OM/PA data and processes within HRIT. The role focuses on data analysis, system support, testing, and process improvement to ensure accuracy and reliability of HR data.

The position is fully remote and based in East Lansing, MI, with a salary range of $73,000–$80,000. You will partner with HR stakeholders and IT to gather requirements, validate data, and implement enhancements across HR systems.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in business, MIS, or related field; 1–3 years of related work experience.
• Experience with SAP HCM/ S/4HANA OM/PA is desirable.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a functional analyst supporting SAP HCM OM/PA processes, data, workflows, and forms.
• Partner with HR stakeholders to gather, analyze, document, and validate requirements.
• Research, troubleshoot, and resolve HR system, workflow, and data issues with practical solutions.
• Develop and maintain functional documentation, including BRs, process maps, tests, and specs.
• Design and execute system testing, including unit, integration, regression, and UAT.
• Analyze test results, document defects, and coordinate with teams to implement changes.
• Support HR technology projects by validating data, testing functionality, and coordinating stakeholders.
• Assist with payroll, employee records, and data integrity issues.
• Maintain documentation of business rules, data relationships, and remediation procedures.
• Collaborate with HR partners, campus units, and security teams to deliver HR system solutions.

Skills

Data analysis

SAP HCM

HCM/PA

Documentation

Testing

HR systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, MIS, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Working/Functional Title

HR Data Analyst I - OM/PA

Position Summary

Michigan State University is seeking a skilled HR systems and data professional to serve as a key resource for Organizational Management and Personnel Administration (OM/PA) within Human Resources Information Technology. This position supports enterprise HR operations through data analysis, system support, workflow administration, testing, and process improvement initiatives that ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of foundational HR data.

The role partners closely with HR colleagues, technical teams, and campus stakeholders to resolve complex system issues, support HR technology enhancements, strengthen data governance practices, and improve the effectiveness of HR systems and services used across the university.

Note: This vacancy is being posted at two classification levels to allow the organization to consider candidates with a range of skills and experience. One candidate will be selected and hired at the level that best meets organizational needs and aligns with the candidate’s qualifications. Applicants who wish to be considered at both levels must apply to each posting separately.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $73,000-80,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position will be fully remote.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a functional analyst supporting SAP HCM Organizational Management (OM) and Personnel Administration (PA) processes, data, workflows, and electronic forms.
• Partner with HR stakeholders and HRIT team members to gather, analyze, document, and validate business requirements for system enhancements and process improvements.
• Research, troubleshoot, and resolve HR system, workflow, and data issues while recommending practical solutions to improve operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain functional documentation, including business requirements, process maps, test scripts, configuration documentation, and functional specifications.
• Design and execute system testing activities, including unit, integration, regression, workflow, and user acceptance testing to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Analyze test results, document defects, validate corrections, and collaborate with technical teams to support successful implementation of system changes.
• Support HR technology projects, upgrades, migrations, and enhancement efforts by validating data, testing functionality, and coordinating stakeholder involvement.
• Assist with resolving payroll, employee record, organizational assignment, and data integrity issues impacting HR operations.
• Monitor and maintain documentation related to business rules, system dependencies, data relationships, and remediation procedures.
• Collaborate with HR partners, campus units, developers, security teams, and technical resources to deliver effective HR system solutions and exceptional customer service

What We’re Looking For

• Experience analyzing business processes, data, or enterprise systems and translating business needs into practical solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and following established procedures and controls.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting HR systems, data validation, testing, process improvement, or enterprise applications is highly valued.

Why Join Us

• Play a key role in improving the HR systems, data, and processes that support employees, leaders, and HR professionals across Michigan State University.
• Lead meaningful work that enhances data quality, strengthens decision-making, and improves the effectiveness of enterprise HR operations.
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional HR technology solutions.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree in business, management information systems, or related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in the business functional area and/or enterprise software development and/or testing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with SAP HCM or S/4HANA, particularly Organizational Management and Personnel Administration. Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, organizational, documentation, communication, and collaboration skills. Knowledge of HR master data, organizational structures, positions, jobs, personnel structures, employee classifications, HR forms, and workflows. Experience with data validation, reconciliation, mass changes, data remediation, system testing, implementations, upgrades, or issue resolution. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience working with functional and technical teams in a decentralized organization or higher education environment. Ability to organize detailed work, follow established controls, manage multiple priorities, and communicate data findings clearly to business stakeholders.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

hr.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends October 13, 2026 at 11:55 PM