Business Analyst

Job Overview

Affinity is seeking a Senior Consultant (Product Owner / Business Analyst) to support a high‑impact payments transformation initiative within a complex enterprise environment. This 6‑month engagement (with strong potential for extension) offers the opportunity to work on a highly visible program spanning multiple business and technology domains. The role is best suited for a strategic, hands‑on leader who can bridge business and technology, navigate ambiguity, and deliver measurable outcomes in mission‑critical payment systems modernization.

• Lead business analysis and/or product ownership activities across a large‑scale payments transformation program
• Partner with Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to define vision, priorities, and strategic outcomes for payment initiatives
• Facilitate cross‑functional alignment between Technology, Product, Operations, and Risk teams
• Translate complex payment system concepts into clear, business‑friendly requirements and deliverables
• Own and manage product backlogs, roadmaps, and requirements documentation where applicable
• Drive workshops, discovery sessions, and stakeholder meetings in high‑stakes environments
• Support modernization efforts related to card payments, switching, authorization, and transaction processing
• Provide subject matter expertise across debit, credit, ATM, and network‑based payment ecosystems (e.g., Interac, Visa)
• Collaborate on fraud, settlement, and reconciliation process improvements
• Identify gaps, risks, and dependencies across enterprise systems and processes
• Influence decision‑making through data‑driven insights and industry best practices
• Ensure alignment of business requirements with technical architecture and system capabilities
• Support vendor engagements, solution evaluations, and implementation planning
• Contribute to governance, reporting, and executive‑level presentations
• Drive delivery outcomes in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment

• 15+ years of experience in the payments industry, with a focus on enterprise‑scale initiatives
• Proven experience as a Product Owner, Senior Business Analyst, or Strategic Consultant in financial services
• Deep expertise in card payments ecosystems (debit, credit, ATM transactions)
• Strong knowledge of payment switching and authorization systems
• Hands‑on experience working with Interac, Visa, or equivalent payment networks
• Strong understanding of fraud management, settlement, and reconciliation processes
• Prior experience within banking or large financial institutions highly preferred
• Demonstrated experience working directly with Executive Leadership Teams (ELT)
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders across Technology, Product, and Operations/Risk
• Exceptional communication skills—both verbal and written—with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
• Strong facilitation skills, including leading executive‑level discussions and workshops
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business requirements
• Experience delivering in large, complex, multi‑stakeholder enterprise environments
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with a strategic mindset
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and driving clarity and direction

• 15+ years of payments industry experience, specifically within enterprise banking or financial services environments
• 10+ years of hands‑on experience with card payments ecosystems, including debit/credit processing, authorization systems, and network integrations (e.g., Interac, Visa)
• Proven executive stakeholder management, including direct engagement with ELT and influencing cross‑functional leadership teams on large transformation initiatives
• Extensive experience in payments transformation programs, including fraud, settlement, and reconciliation modernization efforts
• Advanced communication and translation skills, with a track record of converting complex technical concepts into clear business strategies and requirements

Affinity Group is a technology and business consulting and services company. Affinity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.