Business Analyst jobs

Business analyst jobs often have a broad remits, requiring the individual to examine performance, productivity and processes across the organisation, with a view to generating solutions to challenges they identify, usually using IT tools. A digital business analyst uses computer-based tools and platforms to produce digital solutions to digital and analogue problems.

Working in a junior business analyst job, you're likely to report to a line manager within your department and may work as part of a larger team, making contributions towards transformational projects. In senior business analyst jobs, it's likely you will have juniors working under you. You will be responsible for leading and coordinating them, and you may report directly to a company director or C-suite officer.

Typical tasks of a business analyst

The core duty of those in business analyst jobs is to analyse and identify the needs of the business, and find ways to serve those needs using IT resources. You may do this using a combination of data analysis and business needs analysis, and through a general awareness of the things that your organisation relies on in order to maintain productivity and generate profit.

Despite the technical nature of the role, digital business analysts will still communicate with a relatively large number of personnel. You may not only need to work with representatives of different teams and departments, but also facilitate communication between them, so departments with different duties and profiles can appreciate how their contribution supports the organisation as a whole.

While junior business analyst jobs may include the ability to recommend changes, including installing IT tools needed to implement your recommendations, senior business analysts are more likely to be given direct control over a budget to achieve those changes. For senior roles, you might need to manage this substantial departmental budget and ensure that you generate strong returns on investment for spending you approve.

Qualifications required for a business analyst job

A bachelor's degree is a significant advantage when applying for business analyst jobs. While it is not strictly a prerequisite, competition in the field is relatively high, especially for junior business analyst jobs, and a high pass in a relevant degree programme is an immediate differentiator for recruiters.

If you have been working in the discipline for many years, and especially if you work as a contractor rather than as a direct employee, access to senior business analyst jobs is likely to be based more on your track record and reputation, as well as any case studies and references you can provide.

Hard/soft skills needed for a business analyst job

Digital business analysts need strong IT skills and may need expertise in database administration. For senior business analyst jobs, experience of finance and managing departmental budgets may also be useful.

Communication is an essential soft skill for many business analyst jobs. Not only do you need to communicate your findings effectively, but you may be asked to liaise with different departments, so everyone involved understands the importance of their piece in the organisational puzzle.