What does a senior computer programmer/analyst do?
Senior computer programmer/analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior computer programmer/analyst resumes:
- Design system architecture for managing and deploying distribute databases to sales representatives.
- File structures used were sequential, DB2 and VSAM.
- Maintain and develop extensive on-line financial accounting systems and numerous smaller applications using CICS, IMS and DB2.
- Support IBM (VM) and Unix systems.
- Develop both JAVA and .NET base applications and interfaces.
- Utilize HTML for VRU presentations and system online documentation.
- Design, develop and implement the new payroll module for the accounting software.
- Generate and maintain large VSAM files used for research and development of standardize tests.
- Assist other programmers, review code and implement test plans during development and QA testing.
- Create test classes per each page using java and testing for covering the functional test cases.
- Analyze and code CICS and batch programs which maintain the system for reconciliation of claims and payments.
- Perform complex statistical analysis using SAS.
- Direct cost-analysis functions comparing software packages with in-house development projects through SDLC.
- Team leader of contract programmers responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting and enhancements of mainframe batch environment systems/programs.
- Implement numerous ETL projects utilizing DTS/SSIS between legacy loan origination system and new system during overlap period.
Senior computer programmer/analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Senior Computer Programmer/Analysts are proficient in Java, Computer System, and JavaScript. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Computer Programmer/Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 19%
Develop a plugin in Java for Hadoop to work with HSP (Hitachi Scale-out Platform) filesystem.
- Computer System, 13%
Provided application programming support for large grocery chain mainframe computer system in home office environment.
- JavaScript, 12%
Implement applications in .Net using C#, SQL stored procedures and JavaScript.
- HTML, 11%
Utilized HTML for VRU presentations and system online documentation.
- Payroll, 7%
Designed and developed payroll deduction system interface to Defense Energy Support Center Fuel Automated System.
- Application Programs, 6%
Performed IMS to DB2 conversion of all Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) application programs.
Most senior computer programmer/analysts use their skills in "java," "computer system," and "javascript" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior computer programmer/analyst responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior computer programmer/analyst to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what senior computer programmer/analysts do because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Additionally, a senior computer programmer/analyst resume shows how senior computer programmer/analysts use communication skills: "project manager on ctg's pc applications, lan system, and inter-platform communications. "
Creativity. Many senior computer programmer/analyst duties rely on creativity. "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important.," so a senior computer programmer/analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior computer programmer/analyst responsibilities rely on creativity: "designed and headed development of applications for accounting, payroll, inventory, and bank reconciliation. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior computer programmer/analysts is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior computer programmer/analyst duties, as "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "analyzed and coded cics and batch programs which maintained the system for reconciliation of claims and payments. "
See the full list of senior computer programmer/analyst skills
The three companies that hire the most senior computer programmer/analysts are:
- City of Cincinnati8 senior computer programmer/analysts jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable senior computer programmer/analyst resume templates
Build a professional senior computer programmer/analyst resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior computer programmer/analyst resume.Compare different senior computer programmer/analysts
Senior computer 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 computer programmer/analysts and analyst lead. For instance, senior computer programmer/analyst responsibilities require skills such as "computer system," "javascript," "program design," and "payroll." 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 earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $110,488. On the other hand, senior computer programmer/analysts are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $75,867.The education levels that analyst leads earn slightly differ from senior computer programmer/analysts. In particular, analyst leads are 9.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior computer programmer/analyst. Additionally, they're 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer programmer/analyst vs. Software analyst
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, senior computer programmer/analyst responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "computer system," "javascript," "program design," and "payroll." Meanwhile, a software analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "software development," "troubleshoot," "scrum," and "test cases." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Software analysts earn a higher average salary than senior computer programmer/analysts. But software analysts earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $86,986. Additionally, senior computer programmer/analysts earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $75,867 annually.software analysts earn similar levels of education than senior computer programmer/analysts in general. They're 5.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer programmer/analyst vs. Systems analyst
A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior computer programmer/analyst is likely to be skilled in "javascript," "program design," "application programs," and "relational databases," while a typical systems analyst is skilled in "customer service," "project management," "troubleshoot," and "technical support."
Systems analysts make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $86,904. On the other hand, senior computer programmer/analysts are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $75,867.Most systems analysts achieve a higher degree level compared to senior computer programmer/analysts. For example, they're 5.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior computer 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.
Types of senior computer programmer/analyst
Updated January 8, 2025











