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.

The rise of cloud-based solutions, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) has increased demand for business systems analysts capable of understanding and managing complex information systems. 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 focusing on business and technology, then a career as a business systems analyst might be right for you. 

Discover 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, many of your duties revolve around helping your organisation decide how best to use its existing technology or integrate new ones into existing systems. The following are some of the responsibilities you can expect to perform in your role:

• Researching and analysing business processes and practices

• Using interviews, surveys, and existing workflow diagrams to develop new systems and ways of working 

• Gathering requirements and information from stakeholders and senior staff members

• Creating plans to roll out to all staff and departments

• Working on projects from start to finish with a project manager and other team members

• Overseeing changes and implementation of new processes

• Preparing reports for stakeholders and senior management 

Why are business systems analysts important? 

With the increase of cloud computing, big data, AI, and machine learning, businesses need new systems and processes to manage data in new ways. As a business systems analyst, you’ll help design and implement more robust modern systems and your expertise can help companies across different industries improve service, cut costs, and grow profits.

Business systems analyst salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor’s September 2024 data, the median base salary for a business systems analyst in India is ₹9,79,500 [1]. Your earning potential will increase as you gain more experience and attain the “senior business systems analyst” position. For example, the median base salary for someone in a senior-level position is approximately ₹13,00,000 annually [2].

Business systems analysts work in nearly every industry. 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.

Similar roles

"Business systems analyst" means different things to different companies. In some organisations, a business systems analyst may be responsible for evaluating and improving existing business processes. 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 median annual base salaries in India, include:

• Management analyst: ₹14,00,000

• Business analyst: ₹8,00,000

• Analyst: ₹6,00,000

• Data analyst: ₹6,04,500

• IT project manager: ₹15,00,000

• Systems analyst: ₹8,47,513

• Information systems manager: ₹20,00,000

• Network administrator: ₹5,16,296

*All salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of August 2024 and represents the median base salary, which doesn’t include additional sources of income such as bonuses or commissions.

Education 

To build a career in this field, you’ll typically need a degree relevant to business systems analysis. Many opt for a bachelor's degree in a field related to computer science, information technology, business, and engineering, as well as learning relevant technical skills.

Certifications 

Employers value candidates with certifications on their resumes. Below are 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 7,500 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 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. Some common business system analyst skills that you must hone include:

• Analytical skills: A business systems analyst must be able to collect and analyse data. In this role, you must understand the data and identify trends to make recommendations to improve 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 to succeed.

• Mathematical skills: Business systems analysts need strong mathematical skills to understand complex data sets and perform calculations. You must be able to identify patterns and relationships to make recommendations for improvements.

• 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.

Where could you be employed 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.

Build relevant skills for your business systems analyst career 

Business systems analysts combine business knowledge with technical know-how. If you're ready to learn more about a career in business systems analysis, you might consider the Information Systems Specialisation offered by the University of Minnesota on Coursera. When you take this programme, you'll have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge that can help you launch a successful business systems analyst career.