Business Systems Analyst Salary, Training & Job Requirements

Business Systems Analyst is an umbrella title that actually covers a wide range of different roles and responsibilities. It may include: analyzing the overall business objectives of the business and developing strategies to meet those objectives; developing a logical data model; translating business requirements/objectives to system requirements which can be converted into applications; interpreting technical designs and specs; defining and analyzing business processes and applications. Essentially, as the name implies, a business system analyst is responsible for analyzing and reviewing all the business' systems including both technical (computer) and nontechnical processes. Then, using information garnered from their analysis they make suggestions about how to make improvements to those systems.

Job Requirements

Since the job itself covers a wide range of roles and responsibilities the requirements are fairly diverse as well. However, there are some basic requirements which include the following: understand and interpret technical designs and specifications; be able to analyze and document processes with a high level of accuracy; have a savvy business intelligence; posses a keen understanding of the customers wants and needs; have excellent communication skills; be able to relate complicated business systems in easy to understand language; evaluate and make informed suggestions from information gathered through surveys, task analysis, workshops, word of mouth and other means.

Training and Education

In almost every case becoming a business system analyst requires obtaining an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from an accredited University or College. It is also very important to have a deep understanding of computer systems and programming along with a wide base of technical knowledge. Although not always strictly required it is definitely a plus if you have a degree or certificate in a technical field as well. Work experience is also very desirable most positions preferring 3-5 years on the job experience.

Salary

The Salary for a business system analyst varies with education, experience and specific expertise. A analyst who specializes in financial analysis will average about $84,000 a year. One who specializes in management analysis can expect to make around $82,000. Budget analysts average about $68,000. Generally speaking a business system analyst can expect to start at about $40,000 and expect to make up to around $80,000 as their experience and expertise increase.

Sources:

Payscale, Salary Snapshot for Business System Analyst Jobs, Payscale.com

Job Descriptions, Business Analyst Job Description, jobdescription.net