Business Analyst Jobs

What is a business analyst?

If you enjoy analysing data, conceptualising and creating solutions and have an excellent grasp of IT systems and technology, a career as a business analyst could be ideal.

Often known as business architects, solutions architects, systems analysts and process analysts, business analysts are responsible for managing change across technology and systems in a company or organisation, either working on a project basis or as a permanent role within an organisation.

You will be required to:

1. Interpret and evaluate the existing company structure and systems
2. Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to identify requirements
3. Identify and document future systems and software requirements
4. Create solutions to meet these requirements

An understanding of the way the company works and the industry it operates within are key, as you will be required to develop services and products to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.

Business analysts can work in a fixed role within a company, or alternatively they can work on a self-employed or consultant basis.

Business Analysts are tasked with understanding the need for change within businesses, assessing the impact of those changes, as well as capturing, analysing and documenting the requirements and the supporting communication and delivery of the revisions with stakeholders.

What are the key responsibilities of a business analyst?

As a business analyst you will be responsible for:

1. Communicating with key business stakeholders in order to understand the requirements of the company
2. Working with external stakeholders to interpret and service and systems requirements
3. Suggest strategic changes and improvements, whilst considering any risks associated with these suggestions
4. Identify and document any processes and systems required to implement these recommendations
5. Document findings and report to key business stakeholders
6. Support the implementation of recommendations and improvements across the business, helping to resolve any issues as they arise
7. Evaluate and document the impact on the business of any changes and improvements made

What skills and qualifications does a business analyst require?

A business analyst will require a degree, ideally in an IT or computer science based subject or another closely related subject.

Alongside a degree, the experience is invaluable, together with transferable skills such as:

1. Data analysis
2. Technology and systems expertise
3. Project management
4. Communication skills
5. An interest in business development
6. The ability to manage multiple projects with differing timeframes and deadlines