Business Systems Analyst

Business Systems Analyst Job Description

A business systems analyst (BSA) uses business information technology tools and business analysis to evaluate a company's operating systems and procedures, create technical reports, and implement improvements. They help an organization operate company systems such as a database or a database management system (DMS). A A BSA translates complex technical concepts and terms into practical business applications used for developing and implementing business systems. They collaborate with business analysts and department managers to understand processes and user requirements, define system capabilities, identify system interdependencies, and create technical prerequisites. They support business processes by providing alternative options and improvements which are supportable and efficient. BSAs consult with managers and other functional executives on how to use existing systems.

The business system analyst monitors business systems, analyzing information and data to determine ways to enhance performance and effectiveness. They use business and information technology tools to assess the effectiveness of business activities, processes, company procedures, and business models. In addition to exploring new technologies that might be suitable for the business, they consult managers and other executives about their use of existing systems, analyze costs and benefits, implement new systems, train system users, and write user manuals.

Business systems analyst duties require an understanding of new technologies that could be suitable for the company. They analyze costs and benefits and introduce new company systems. They work with both management and end users to gain a better understanding of how computer systems could work better in the organization. Business analysts work as a team when necessary to translate business requirements and functional specifications into technology and system requirements. Their job requirements may include coordinating technical design and solution option(s) with IT service teams.

The business system analyst job description is both technically and strategically oriented, and requires the ability to use various techniques and data modeling to design computer systems. They analyze data to understand trends and prepare documents that programmers and engineers can use to build the system. The BSA will identify how end users would like a system to operate and then translate these needs into a concrete plan to be implemented by the information technology team. They then monitor how new requirements and functionalities fit into the entire business process.

Computer system analysts use a variety of techniques, such as data modeling, to design computer systems. An business systems analyst works closely with managers and other team members to help them understand the computer system. Business systems analysts can also be called a system analyst, systems engineer, system administrator, software engineer, or system manager.

A computer systems analyst will design cost-benefit return analyses (ROI) to help make decisions about system deployment. A certified business analysis professional supports businesses in the cost-benefit assessment and implementation of ROI analysis of technology. The BSA must have a strong understanding of business processes, company procedures, business analysis, business models, business logic, and data analysis.   

This is an information technology job, therefore business systems analyst skills must include strong computer skills, including experience with hardware and software, as well as a good understanding of business analysis.    

Business systems analysts typically have a bachelor's degree. Several schools have introduced majors such as Business System Analysis or joint programs that include a Bachelor of Science in Business Systems Analysis (BSA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Most employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s in Business Systems Analysis rather than a technical degree such as computer science or engineering. Business and non-technical degrees could also be supplemented by individual courses that provide the necessary industry knowledge.  

Salaries of business system analysts vary according to the size of the organization and the level of experience in the field of business system analysis. An experienced business systems analyst can be used in a variety of roles such as project manager or sales and marketing analyst.