Business Analysts use a combination of disciplines and systematic methods to analyse and improve business processes, identify potential innovations, and implement strategic transformations in order to help a business achieve its goals and objectives.
They often use business intelligence or automations to optimise processes, enterprise resource planning systems to drive dynamic changes, and data analytics to make informed strategic decisions.
The role has its origins in the works of people like Frederick Taylor (who famously focused on improving efficiency and maximising industrial productivity), and Henry Gantt (who introduced the Gantt chart which helped with the scheduling and tracking of project timelines, milestones, and completion).
With the evolution of information technology, roles, titles and job descriptions within the field business analysis have changed and can vary across organisations and industries.
The more general title business analyst can be used to describe entry-level positions, tenured professionals and variations might also depend on the speciality of the analyst. So let's take a look at a few examples.
Business Systems Analyst
The remit of the Business Systems Analyst (sometimes abbreviated to BSA) is to bridge the gap between the specific needs of the business and available technical solutions by combining the competencies of a business analyst and a systems analyst.
The BSA will need to collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyse requirements, translating business objectives into technical specifications for IT teams. BSAs focus on designing, integrating, and improving systems to ensure they align with organizational goals while identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for automation. In most cases the will play a critical role in system testing and validation, developing test plans, conducting user acceptance testing (UAT), and troubleshooting issues during implementation of whatever systems and processes they propose.
Their remit also extends to analyzing system data for insights, creating dashboards, and supporting data-driven decision-making. Assisting with project management, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met, and contributing to change management by preparing training materials and guiding smooth transitions during system upgrades are also responsibilities that might be found on a BSA job description.
With a focus on process automation, system scalability, compliance, security, and user experience, Business Systems Analysts maintain a holistic approach to system performance and integration.
In order to effect change BSA’s tend to be adept at using tools and platforms like SQL, Tableau, JIRA, and Visio, and methodologies like Agile and Lean.
BSAs are essential for delivering efficient, scalable, and compliant technical solutions that meet business objectives.
Functional Analysts
Using expert domain knowledge, Functional Analysts often work within specific business units such as HR, Marketing or Finance. Their subject matter expertise allows them to work closely with their stakeholders to gather requirements, identify inefficiencies, and propose solutions tailored to the needs of the department or specific business function within which they are embedded.
Mapping workflows, documenting business requirements, and ensuring that technical solutions align with the specific goals of the department are all responsibilities of a functional analyst.
These responsibilities might also include coordinating with IT teams to translate functional needs into detailed system specifications, conducting user acceptance testing (UAT) or otherwise ensuring seamless system implementation.
In some business scenarios the Functional Analysts might also be required to provide ongoing support by continually analyzing performance data, generating reports, and recommending continuous improvements. They are adept at tools like Microsoft Visio, ERP systems, and domain-specific software, making them key
contributors to achieving streamlined, effective, and aligned functional operations within the broader organizational context.
Financial Business Analyst
The main objective of the Financial Business Analyst is to focus on analyzing financial data, processes, and systems to support business decision-making and improve the financial performance of an organisation.
This is typically achieved by collaborating with finance teams and stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, forecast trends, and develop strategies to optimise costs, increase revenue, or enhance operational efficiency.
Various sources might be used by the financial Business Analysts to gather and analyse financial data in order to build predictive models and create detailed reports and dashboards to communicate insights to their business stakeholders.
They are sometimes also required to ensure that financial systems and processes align with organizational goals, often working on implementations or upgrades of ERP systems like SAP, Oracle Financials or similar.
Their remit includes budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, as well as assessing the financial impact of proposed business initiatives. By combining strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and proficiency in tools like Excel, Power BI, and SQL, Financial Business Analysts bridge the gap between finance and broader business functions, providing actionable insights that drive strategic and operational success whilst remaining within the guardrails of viability and affordability.
Digital Business Analyst
This role is concerned with delivering technology-driven solutions that enhance digital experiences, optimise online platforms or applications and drive business growth in the digital landscape.
Digital Business Analysts work with stakeholders to gather and analyse requirements for digital transformation projects, such as launching websites or new web pages, mobile apps, or e-commerce platforms, ensuring alignment with business goals. Therefore, it is important for Digital Business Analysts to prioritise improving user experience (UX), customer journeys, and digital engagement by collaborating with UX/UI designers, developers, and marketing teams, all while keeping the goal of the project front of mind. To ensure the goals are being met, their remit includes analyzing website or app performance, leveraging tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to identify trends and optimise digital strategies and further to this, they maye be required to play a key role in implementing content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and other digital platforms. Skilled in Agile methodologies and familiar with tools like JIRA, Figma, and A/B testing platforms, Digital Business Analysts ensure seamless integration of digital solutions, helping organizations stay relevant and competitive in a technology-driven market.
These are just a few of the variations of Business Analyst job titles and roles that you may see or may be interested in pursuing.
While all the categories display a seemingly different role that comprises a strong organization, they somehow are similar in the general skills and qualifications one must possess to succeed in the role.
● They should have critical and analytical thinking skills in being able to distil information, be able to see through data sets, and determine effective strategies that can be used for business improvements. Due to the requirment of dealing with multiple data sets, another helpful trait is a high level of attention to detail.
● Business Analysts must also hone their interpersonal and communication skills. Most of the projects, testing, and systems deployment will require BAs to be involved in discussions with stakeholders of different roles with varying levels of seniority. As such, a BA must know how to properly and effectively relay messages in order to keep stakeholders informed and ensure all parties remain aligned on the status of business targets.
● Technical proficiency and familiarisation with automation tools, a basic understanding of IT systems and perhaps some knowledge of programming languages like SAS, R, SQL or Python would greatly aid a business analyst in a successful career, particularly in organisations where these tools are well-established.
● Adaptability and flexibility will also be a benefit a successful BA as not all projects and system integrations will result in a hundred percent success. A Business Analyst must be on top of their game and should always be willing to keep up to date with the ever changing dynamics of modern technology.
When able to balance the technical, business, and soft skills, a Business Analyst will not only be able drive value for the business, but also use their expertise and trust to influence other people in the organization.
To keep track of thousands of Business Analyst opportunities, be sure to create a free jobseeker account here at Business Analyst Jobs.