What does a Business Analyst do?
A Business Analyst researches how an organisation operates and how this operation affects its revenue. They use the information collected to suggest improvements to business processes and maximise efficiency and revenue. Business Analysts also implement business solutions and also help train new employees to understand the benefit of the solution and how best to implement it.
Business analysts spend most of their workday in an office setting. They may work in-house, remotely or on a contract basis.
Business Analyst skills and qualifications
Business analysts act as facilitators and mediators for all business systems. A successful Business Analyst wil have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include:
- Excellent research and analytic skills
- In-depth knowledge of data modelling techniques
- Working knowledge of relevant business management principles
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to turn complex concepts into simple language
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Working knowledge of word processing tools and other relevant software packages
Business Analyst experience requirements
Business Analyst should have several years of experience in business management or forecasting. They must also have several years of experience in implementing new systems and providing training on how to to use these systems to their teammates. Candidates who had full-time positions as Business Analysts in their previous roles or have completed an internship or apprenticeship are preferred.
Business Analyst education and training requirements
A Business Analyst must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies, Business Administration, Computer Science or a similar field. A Master’s Degree in Business Information Systems is also useful. Some employers prefer candidates with qualifications from the International Institute of Business Analysis UK (IIBA).
Other employers require an industry-recognised certification, such as the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) credential, for professionals with at least 7,500 hours of work in the field of business analysis; and the Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA), for Business Analysts with at least 3,750 hours of hands-on experience.
Business Analyst salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Business Analyst is £39,777 per year. This figure will vary depending on experience, industry and geographical location and also whether the Business Analyst works in-house as opposed to being a consultant.
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