Welcome to our business analyst job description page. Business analysts have the challenge of finding solutions for business problems. A business analyst is person who possesses a wide variety of skills ranging from the ability to define, analyze, and manage an organizations business processes, as well as has technical and people skills.
In the 80s as computers became more widely used in business. Organizations sought to convert all their paper records and documents into electronic data form which could be stored in computers. In these early days systems analysts oversaw this process of converting the tangible information into the intangible. The conversion of this paper data to computerized data helped to streamline businesses, which in turn helped to save them money by reducing staff, and speeding up their ability to search through records, etc.
In the late 80s and 90s as computers and software became oven more robust and powerful, organizations wanted to take even more advantage of this technology. However, often in an attempt to streamline the process even more, businesses were finding in many cases they were failing at making this happen. Quite often organizations were ending up with systems that employees couldn’t benefit from to help the company perform any better, or to save additional money. Businesses continued to grow and the individual departments inside a business would build their own systems to store and manage their particular data. However, when it came to various departments needing to function together and share systems, and information they weren’t able to make this happen. Standardization in many company’s business systems was very poor, and therefore businesses were not able to take full advantage of the technological advances in computers and software.
As a result of these above mentioned problems the business analyst job description and position was born. A business analyst helps to bring various people and departments together to help build more efficient business systems which can be useful to everyone in the organization (rather than it being so segmented). Business analysts accomplish this through the process of creating business required documents or what is known as a BRD.
Business required documents are the details for the business solution which creates a project to solve the issue. Often Six Sigma DMAIC is used for the implementation of the BRD.
Business Analyst Job Responsibilities
Here are some of the general tasks a business analyst may be responsible for.
- Analyze business objectives of stakeholders to help determine a solution for their business needs
- Develop logical models to solve business problems
- Analyze current business processes to determine solutions that can implemented for business improvement
- Specify, analyze, and create business required documents
- Consult stakeholders to help develop a strategic approach to business issues
- Help to develop functional requirements for a business system
- Work with application developers to ensure business requirements are understood and met
Additional Business Analyst Job Requirements
- Ensure business solutions are feasible, competitive and commercial
- Understanding of BRDs and knows how to translate them into a deliverable tangible product
- Understands specification and technical design
- Possesses strong business intelligence skills, technical skills and communication & people skills
Business Analyst Education Requirements
A four year degree in a related field of study is ideal for a candidate wanting to become a business analyst. Many analysts will also come into the position with an MBA, or pursue and MBA while working as a business analyst. Business analysts may have acquired prior experience as a data analysts, programmers, or in other information technology (IT) related jobs. Related fields of study would include business management, finance, mathematics, information technology, management information systems, or other business administration degrees. A business analyst can also obtain a CBAP, which is short for certified business analyst professional. This certification can obtained from the International Institute of Business Analysis. Business analyst who excel in their positions may seek advancement to project manager, or other management positions.
Work Environment
A business analyst will typically be expected to work a standard 40 hour work week. However, it is not uncommon for an analyst to have to work nights, or weekends when issues relating to projects may come up. Analysts work in well lit, climate controlled office environments, that often include other perks like on-site gyms and cafeterias. Business analysts may be able to work remotely at times, helping eliminate the need to commute into the office every single day of the week.
Thanks for visiting our business analyst job description page. You may interested in visiting our business analyst salary figures and job outlook page if this is a career you are considering pursuing. You may also want to visit some of our other articles about other technology careers to see what’s out there.
