• SKILL LEVEL:
  • Proficient

Business analyst


What is a business analyst and what do they do?

Business analysts use data to assess the operations of a company, provide insight and recommend ways to improve processes to help improve profitability and liquidity, solve existing issues and better achieve business goals.

In addition, business analysts are becoming increasingly important as a bridge between finance, IT and the wider business as organisations become progressively more reliant on technology.

A key task of any business analyst is to engage with business leaders to address strategic needs of the organisation.

Relying on strong data and analytical skills, business analysts work with stakeholders to help the business improve processes as well as their products, services and software, resulting in greater efficiency.

Capabilities

While the accountancy profession offers diverse career options and paths, the core capabilities required to perform at the highest standards remain the same - irrespective of skill level or job role.

Collaboration Digital Drive Ethics Expertise Insight Sustainability
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Continuing professional development at ACCA

A commitment to life-long learning is a vital part of your ACCA membership; it unlocks the full potential of your career choices - and drives forward the profession.

We deliver a wide range of CPD resources tailored to different areas of expertise - and an ever-changing profession. Our, and your, commitment to quality CPD ensures you will have the most up-to-date skills to perform at the highest standard. 

So, get started (or restarted) and take a look at our curated list of the most relevant CPD resources to secure and succeed in this role.

units 10

Online course

Certificate in global business services

When you choose the industry-leading Certificate in Global Business Services, you’ll give your finance staff the skills and confidence to drive your business forward. You’ll enhance your global reputation for excellence and stay fit to face the future.

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units 5

Online course

Strategic accounting 5 course pack

This five-course pack from BPP has been designed to enable accountants to develop their strategic thinking and analytical skills. Simply meeting month-end goals are not enough for today's finance professional. Raise your profile and increase your employability by having a strong grasp of strategic thinking.

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of: 
 

  • how to identify change and develop a strategy for your organisation
  • formal strategic development models
  • how to align core functions with strategic business objectives, improving your organisation's productivity and effectiveness
  • how to use analytics to measure your strategic success
  • how to include working capital in the strategic approach for your business.
units 12

Online course

Business management insight 10 course pack

At every level, finance professionals need to have an understanding of how their business or organisation is run and managed, from the basics of understanding the organisation's structure, to being part of the team that implements strategy and change. This pack from BPP will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to understand your organisation’s structure, processes and strategy. Be proactive and involved in decision making, and develop the forward-thinking expertise needed to be an expert in your organisation.

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of: 
 

  • implementing strategy and analysing its success
  • change management
  • operational processes and how to make them more efficient
  • managing yourself and stakeholders.
Find more CPD resources on ACCA Learning

How does the ACCA qualification prepare you for this job role?

From a combination of exams, ethics and experience, the ACCA Qualification will boost your employability and performance at every stage of your career journey.

Here we have listed some elements of the ACCA Qualification that will help you perform at the highest standard in this job role.