Business Systems Analyst: Duties, Salary, Jobs, and More

Business systems analysts help businesses make sense of all the data they collect, understand patterns and trends, and develop strategies for using new technologies to improve their operations and bottom line.

With the rise of cloud-based solutions, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), the demand for business systems analysts capable of understanding and managing complex information systems has also grown. As a business systems analyst, consequently, you'll understand business needs and design systems that solve problems and improve efficiency.

If you're looking for a challenging, rewarding job focused on business and technology, then a career as a business systems analyst might be right for you. Learn more about business systems analysts, what they do, how much they earn, their skills, and more.

What is a business systems analyst?

A business systems analyst is a person who performs "systems analysis," or the process of defining the requirements and specifications for implementing computer system solutions. A business systems analyst may work with users, project team members, or senior managers to describe new or change existing software systems and hardware configurations that an organisation needs. 

What does a business systems analyst do? 

As a business systems analyst, a large part of your duties will revolve around helping your organisation decide how best to use its existing technology or integrate new ones into existing systems. Some responsibilities you can expect to perform in your role include:

• Analysing customer needs and other data

• Developing functional requirements

• Designing solutions and writing up technical requirements

• Testing and implementing technology solutions

• Conducting research

• Gathering requirements from stakeholders

• Analysing current business processes and systems

• Identifying areas for improvement

• Creating procedures to improve the existing systems

• Assessing hardware and software needs 

• Providing recommendations for technological improvements

• Recommending best IT practices

• Providing user training and support

Why are business systems analysts important? 

With the increase in cloud computing, big data, AI, and machine learning, businesses need new systems and processes to manage data in new ways. Business systems analysts help design and implement more robust modern systems. Their expertise can help companies across different industries improve service, cut costs, and grow profits.

Job outlook

You’ll find business systems analysts in almost every industry, with jobs available in businesses of all sizes, from small companies to large corporations such as IBM. As a result, their job outlook is positive for the foreseeable future. As more companies invest in new technologies, they’ll need business systems analysts to help them implement technology transformation projects.

Business systems analyst salary

The average base salary for a business systems analyst in the UK is £42,472, according to Glassdoor UK’s July 2024 data [1]. The work-life balance rating for business systems analysts is also solid, with people rating this job as a strong 3.8 out of 5 stars overall.

Similar roles

"Business systems analyst" means different things to different companies. A business systems analyst may evaluate and improve existing business processes in some organizations. In others, the title may refer to someone specialising in designing and implementing new business systems.

Some job titles similar to business systems analyst, along with their average annual base salary in the UK, include:

• Management analyst: £35,832 [2]

• IT business analyst: £45,480 [3]

• Computer systems analyst: £37,882 [4]

• Systems manager: £48,304 [5]

Education 

To build a career in this field, you’ll typically need a degree relevant to business systems analysis. Consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in a field related to computer science, information technology, business administration, or management information systems. 

Certifications 

Employers value candidates with certifications on their CVs. Check out two certifications to consider if you want to become a business systems analyst:

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): This business systems analyst certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis requires at least 7500 hours of experience in the field and 35 hours of professional development. 

• Agile Analysis Certification (AAC): If you want to improve your ability to deliver successful Agile projects, then the IIBA® Agile Analysis (IIBA®-AAC) Certification might be what you’re looking for. This certification helps you gain the skills and knowledge you need to collaborate with Agile teams effectively. Learn Agile principles and show employers that you can deliver successful projects.

Should you get a Master of Business Administration (MBA)? 

You may wonder if an MBA is right for you. Consider your career goals, your industry, and your experience level. An MBA can give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed as a business systems analyst. It can also help you get promotions in your career and earn a higher salary. However, before earning an MBA, investigate your situation's pros and cons. 

Skills

The skills and qualifications you’ll need as a business systems analyst depend on the project and the employer's preferences. The following are some common business system analyst skills you’ll need:

• Analytical skills: The ability to collect and analyse data is essential for a business systems analyst. In this role, you must understand the data and identify trends to make recommendations for improving the system.

• Interpersonal skills: Business systems analysts must be able to work with people in different departments. You’ll communicate and collaborate effectively to solve problems and succeed.

• Critical thinking skills: As a business systems analyst, you must think critically to identify problems and potential solutions. You must be able to assess a situation from all angles and make decisions that will improve the system.

• Problem-solving: Business systems analysts must be good at problem-solving to find solutions that meet the company's needs. You need to identify the root causes of problems and develop creative solutions that are efficient and effective.

• Proficiency in office software: As a business systems analyst, you need to be proficient in office software, such as MS Office or Google Docs, to create documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. You might also be able to use project management software, such as Wrike, Trello, or Asana, to track project progress.

Specialisations

Your job responsibilities and projects can depend on your work, sector, and domain expertise. The work tends to be project-focused, so you may find yourself doing different types of systems analysis throughout your career. You may: 

• Specialise in a particular industry, such as manufacturing or retail, or in a specific business function, such as finance or human resources information systems.

• Specialise in a specific type of software application, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) or customer relationship management (CRM).

• Work for a government agency or a non-profit organisation.

• Get a job with a consulting firm delivering information technology (IT) projects.

Where could you find work as a business systems analyst?  

Business systems analysts work in areas of business impacted by technology. A company may employ you to analyse its existing systems, where you could be part of a major transformation project working in the project team.  Most business systems analysts work in an office environment, although you may also travel to conferences or meet with clients.

Get started 

Business systems analysts have excellent technical and analytical skills and expertise regarding optimal business processes. In this role, you will use data to understand patterns and trends and use these for improving operations. 

If you're ready to learn more about a business systems analyst career, you might consider the Information Systems Specialisation offered by the University of Minnesota on Coursera. With this programme, you'll have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge that can help you launch a successful career as a business systems analyst.