Business Analyst Job Description

Overview

A Business Analyst works within an organisation to identify areas for improvement and implementing suitable solutions to make the business more profitable or efficient. This can involve inventing new systems or revamping existing areas of the business, including IT infrastructure, accounts, B2B activities and customer relations.

Day-to-day activities and responsibilities

• Gathering and documenting business requirements
• Setting business goals and targets to be achieved within a certain time frame
• Holding business meetings with clients from all industries
• Performing data analyses on an enormous amount of raw data and extracting meaningful information from it
• Assisting with system migrations and ensuring its correct implementation
• Performing gap analysis between goals and existing procedures
• Presenting proposals to the Board of Directions and Senior Management
• Designed new processes and procedures to increase efficiency and productivity
• Using IT resources to create IT solutions, enabling organisations to better meet their goals
• Working with the IT department to implement technical projects
• Training staff in how to use the new systems

Workplace and working hours

Business Analysts are based in an office; working closely with the company’s IT and finance departments. They usually work the standard working hours of 9-5, Monday to Friday.

Professionals working in this role should be flexible with their working hours, as they are expected to do overtime during busy periods or when the need arises.

Some travel may be required to meet clients and other stakeholders.

Salary

The starting salary for this role could be anything in the region of £30,000, depending on previous work experience and location.

The national average salary for a Business Analyst is £40,000 in the United Kingdom.

The industry that one chooses to work in can also have an effect on their salary. For example, if one works in the financial industry they will earn a higher income compared to other industries.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

Gaining employment in this role is very competitive.

A business-related degree is often the minimum requirement for those wanting to enter employment in this profession. Other degrees in subjects such as computer programming and IT are also favoured, which can give the candidate the required IT and business skills for the job.

Employers also greatly value relevant work experience and transferable skills.

Job likes and benefits

• The role gives a sense of fulfilment, allowing one to make a direct impact on the organisation’s success and operations.
• This role can enable one to gain many transferable skills which can be utilised across different job roles across various job sectors
• Income potential is higher and further career prospects are better for this role compared to many other jobs regardless of industry.

Job challenges and disadvantages

• The job can be stressful, particularly during busy times or when approaching tight deadlines
• It can be difficult when current staff have difficulties adapting to new technologies that are being updated or introduced in the organisation.

Job progression and career prospects

This role can lead to many career opportunities, including promotion.

There are many paths to progress, including becoming a self-employed business analyst, project manager or company director.

Professionals working in this role may also decide to work in other industries such as finance and banking, as one will gain many transferable skills in this role which can be utilised in a variety of different jobs across different sectors.

According to government statistics, jobs in this role are projected to grow by 7% over the period to 2024 (Source: LMI for All).

More information

International Institute of Business Analysis
http://www.iiba.org/