Application Configuration Analyst - IT HR Products

FirstEnergy’s HR Application Configuration Analyst A is responsible for the technical design, development and support of the Empower solution (Oracle Human Capital Management [HCM]) and related HR technologies. The role focuses on building and maintaining configurations, customizations, integrations and reports to support key HR business processes. The position will partner with HR, IT and other business units to deliver secure, efficient and scalable solutions aligned with Oracle HCM Cloud best practices and FirstEnergy’s HR technology strategy. In addition to core configuration this role participates in full lifecycle implementations, supports data conversions and analytics initiatives, and provides training and documentation to ensure adoption across HR teams.

Responsibilities Include

Application Development

• Design, develop, test and deploy technical components in Oracle HCM Fusion, including Fast Formulas, HCM Extracts, BI Publisher reports and OTBI dashboards.

• Configure and maintain security roles, privileges and duty roles in line with segregation‑of‑duties and SOX requirements.

• Build and maintain interfaces and integrations between Oracle HCM and external/internal systems using BI Publisher, OTBI, HCM Extracts, HCM Data Loader (HDL/HSDL), FBDI (File‑Based Data Import), Spreadsheet loaders and REST/SOAP web services. Develop inbound and outbound integrations with third‑party providers (e.g., payroll and benefits vendors) using Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC), secure SFTP connections and other integration patterns.

• Customize and maintain workflow approvals using the BPM Worklist and relevant configuration tools.

• Support development of extensions using Oracle Visual Builder Cloud Service (VBCS) and other platform tools where applicable.

• Maintain HR security for all HR Products within the ITNow solution.

System Enhancements & Support

• Analyze and translate functional requirements into detailed technical specifications and deliver working solutions across full implementation lifecycles—requirements gathering, design, configuration, data conversion, testing and deployment.

• Provide Tier‑3 technical support for the HR Help Desk, resolving system issues requiring advanced troubleshooting of configurations, integrations and performance.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation (e.g., business requirements, design specs, test plans, user guides) and keep Empower configuration workbooks current to reflect system changes and new development.

• Participate in the quarterly release process, ensuring that configuration and customizations are supported and working as expected; conduct regression testing and mitigate impact on custom code.

• Participate in Oracle quarterly release testing, evaluating impacts on custom code, integrations and security.

• Train HR and IT stakeholders on new functionalities, self‑service reporting and best practices; provide cross‑training and mentor junior developers to ensure long‑term sustainability of the HR technology platform.

Testing & Quality Assurance

• Develop and execute unit, system, regression and user‑acceptance test plans for new configurations, integrations and releases.

• Collaborate with HR and IT partners to ensure system accuracy, performance and stability.

• Support SIT/UAT efforts, participate in code reviews and adhere to SDLC/Agile practices such as sprint planning, backlog grooming and retrospectives.

Data, Reporting & Security

• Design, develop and manage data conversions, mass data updates and data validations using HDL, HSDL, FBDI and spreadsheet loaders; optimize data structures and queries for reporting efficiency and accuracy.

• Ensure data governance, confidentiality and role‑based access controls are implemented for integrations and sensitive employee data; champion encryption standards and compliance with SOX and privacy regulations.

• Design interactive dashboards, KPIs and advanced reports using Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC), OTBI and BI Publisher; identify and define critical metrics aligned with business goals and provide actionable insights to HR stakeholders.

• Participate in the SOX process by running key IT HR controls to ensure compliance and reduce liability.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with HR Centers of Expertise and IT teams to evaluate business processes, recommend technical improvements and execute on business needs.

• Provide input into HR technology strategy with a focus on digital solutions and process automation; stay current with Oracle’s quarterly releases and emerging HCM technologies.

• Lead or contribute to full lifecycle HCM projects, including configuration, data migration, testing and go‑live support; communicate status and risks to stakeholders and project managers.

• Mentor and cross‑train team members, share knowledge and best practices, and participate in HR business road‑mapping exercises to align development priorities with long‑term strategic goals.

Qualifications Include: 

• Bachelor's or associate degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Computer/Management Information Systems or commensurate experience;

  • In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 2 years’ related experience, including but not limited to: 

    • Providing IT hardware or software support services;

    • Administering, configuring, or developing applications;

    • Experience with database query processes and tools such as QlikView, TOAD or MS Access.

    • Experience in at least one full lifecycle Oracle HCM Cloud implementations is highly desirable.

• Level III- IV

• 4+ years of direct experience with the duties of the role; (III)

• 7+ years of direct experience with the duties of the role (IV)

• Hands‑on development experience with Oracle HCM Fusion Cloud modules (Core HR, Payroll, Absence, Benefits, Talent, Compensation, Recruiting) and related tools.

• Proficiency in Fast Formulas, HCM Extracts, BI Publisher, OTBI, HDL/HSDL, FBDI and spreadsheet loaders; advanced SQL/PL‑SQL skills for data analysis and backend troubleshooting.

• Experience with Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) for building, monitoring and troubleshooting integrations; strong knowledge of REST/SOAP APIs, web services, SFTP setup and security protocols.

• Experience designing dashboards and KPIs using Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC) and OTBI; ability to translate business metrics into actionable reports.

• Strong understanding of Oracle HCM Cloud security concepts, including role‑based access control, duty roles, data security and SOX/compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions and to document those solutions through requirements, design specs and test scripts.

• Experience with project management and Agile/Scrum development practices, including code version control (e.g., Git), code review and change‑management processes.

• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work on multiple concurrent projects; willingness to learn new technologies and adapt quickly to change.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and mentor peers and communicate complex technical concepts to non‑technical HR stakeholders.

• Oracle HCM Cloud certification or related certifications are preferred.