What does a Senior Programmer Analyst do?

A senior programmer/analyst is responsible for developing and sustaining databases and software applications to achieve business requirements. The professional performs development duties such as coding and testing these applications. The core skills that the job requires include familiarity with applicable data privacy practices and laws, a keen eye for details, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Also, the job requires a college diploma or university degree in the field of computer science, information systems, or software engineering.
Senior programmer analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior programmer analyst resumes:
- Work and manage several retail projects utilizing SDLC methodology.
- Maintain, debug, and manage PC base manufacturing/planning/costing systems to ensure accurate forecasting, scheduling, and production planning.
- Gather requirements, programme, test and document programs for billing systems using COBOL, JCL and VSAM.
- Create SAS programs to generate and emb payment reports in emails using SAS, DB2, HTML, and JCL.
- Design, implement and maintain computer software utilizing COBOL programming language withDB2 database on IBM mainframe.
- Perform Y2K impact analysis, develop technical specifications and documentation and modify DB2 database applications.
- Develop numerous HP-UX and windows scripts to enhance existing production systems.
- Implement AJAX and extensively used JQUERY to make the application more responsive.
- Have worked with validation controls for providing client side validations using JQUERY.
- Net framework 4.0 and higher is used for all the business logic implement in MVC pattern.
- Include supporting legacy ColdFusion applications, FTP pulls, and new development in ASP.NET MVC applications.
- Develop upgrade plan for new company server (Linux) and replacement of all client PCs.
- Install NGS on LINUX environment and make necessary changes for application to run seamlessly on LINUX server.
- Design a CSS engine for modifying the way a template would be display no matter what the data.
- Analyze dashboards in the presentation layer, gather understanding of the data model using table viewer and system fields.
Senior programmer analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Senior Programmer Analysts are proficient in Java, C++, and SQL Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Programmer Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 8%
Developed websites and applications relating to natural gas exploration, and accounting in Java in an Extreme Programming environment.
- C++, 7%
Executed conversion and implementation of an extensive legacy FoxPro application library into C++.
- SQL Server, 5%
Developed and conducted extensive database analysis with multiple data sources using SQL Server to gain a sharper resolution on customer behavior.
- JavaScript, 4%
Designed and Developed reusable declarative front end user validation module using JavaScript.
- Web Services, 4%
Implemented various Web Services which accept/transmit data from various other applications for data feeding and maintaining data integrity.
- Data Warehouse, 4%
Designed and developed reports while sourcing data from the aforementioned FIRW data warehouse for both internal operations and client facing requirements.
Most senior programmer analysts use their skills in "java," "c++," and "sql server" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior programmer analyst responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior programmer analyst to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Senior programmer analysts often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed a module to create a communication channel among different applications using java, pl/sql, socket programming and tcp/ip. "
Creativity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior programmer analyst duties is creativity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." According to a senior programmer analyst resume, here's how senior programmer analysts can utilize creativity in their job responsibilities: "completed the java development work in phases to meet deadlines set by the supply chain/inventory customer and other business departments. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for senior programmer analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how senior programmer analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior programmer analyst: "web-based applications using java/j2ee to access oracle database with hibernate xml-configured objects. ".
The three companies that hire the most senior programmer analysts are:
- Citi56 senior programmer analysts jobs
- FIS49 senior programmer analysts jobs
- Huntington National Bank16 senior programmer analysts jobs
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Senior programmer analyst vs. Analyst lead
The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior programmer analysts and analyst lead. For instance, senior programmer analyst responsibilities require skills such as "c++," "javascript," "web services," and "application development." Whereas a analyst lead is skilled in "analytics," "data analysis," "project management," and "customer service." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Analyst leads really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $110,488. Comparatively, senior programmer analysts tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $103,581.The education levels that analyst leads earn slightly differ from senior programmer analysts. In particular, analyst leads are 3.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior programmer analyst. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior programmer analyst vs. Business systems senior analyst
Business systems senior analysts are responsible for resolving problems and requirements related to organizational information. They perform various duties that include determining operational objectives, designing computer programs, and improving business systems by designing modifications and studying current practices. Additionally, they are responsible for defining project requirements, maintaining user confidence and information confidentiality, and preparing technical reports. These professionals are also expected to maintain their knowledge by participating in professional associations or attending educational workshops. The skills and qualifications required for this position include previous work experience, software design and development, and problem-solving skills.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior programmer analyst responsibilities requires skills like "c++," "javascript," "web services," and "advanced programming." But a business systems senior analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "project management," "business process," "business analysis," and "scrum."
Business systems senior analysts earn a higher average salary than senior programmer analysts. But business systems senior analysts earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $108,902. Additionally, senior programmer analysts earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $103,581 annually.business systems senior analysts earn higher levels of education than senior programmer analysts in general. They're 7.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Programmer Analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Union University
Senior programmer analyst vs. Applications programmer
An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior programmer analyst resumes include skills like "data warehouse," "xml," "application development," and "advanced programming," whereas an applications programmer is more likely to list skills in "c #," "database," "windows," and "html css. "
Applications programmers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $99,211. Comparatively, senior programmer analysts have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $103,581.applications programmers typically earn similar educational levels compared to senior programmer analysts. Specifically, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior programmer analyst vs. Systems analyst programmer
A Systems Analyst Programmer provides technical expertise and recommendations in evaluating new IT software projects. They also indentify solutions and opportunities that can enhance the efficiency of business processes.
Types of senior programmer analyst
Updated January 8, 2025