- SKILL LEVEL:
Business analyst
Job profile:
Performance management
Career zone:
The enterprise 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 the 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.
Key responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary, but examples include:
- collaborating with colleagues to understand the needs of departments and the organisation as a whole
- liaising with stakeholders to gather feedback into the service, function or product provided
- identifying and prioritising technical and functional requirements
- analysing findings using data modelling practices
- recommending strategic and operational improvements changes, considering potential risks attached
- improving the quality of products and services delivered
- supporting staff and teams in making recommended changes, including helping to resolve any issues, and evaluating the impact of the changes made, reporting back as necessary.
Why are they important?
Business analysts bridge the gap between finance, IT and the business, often acting as a translator who facilitates communication between business departments.
They play a key role in aligning the needs of the business with the capabilities that can be delivered by technology and can be instrumental in creating new models that support business decisions.
Person specification
Excellent problem-solving and insight skills are vital for this role, as is a strong understanding of digital. The analyst is likely to need advanced spreadsheet and/or Power BI skills, as well as being able to use databases.
Business analysts must have outstanding communication skills as they are required to engage with and influence a wide variety of individuals, including very senior stakeholders.
Project and change management experience is also highly beneficial.
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