A Business Analyst is anyone who elicits business requirements, supports the implementation of the solution and support the use and enhance of that solution after it has been implemented.
Business Analysts also identify problems and opportunities within an organization and provide solutions that assist with fulfilling the organizational goals.
Business Analysts are usually called by numerous names which include Business Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Functional Analyst, Technical Analyst and Product Owner.
A Business Analyst may wear many hats in an organization, in addition to the regular business analyst responsibilities, they may also act as Project Managers, Quality Assurance Analysts, Data Analyst, IT Support Analyst and Agile Scrum Master.
But most of these additional tasks are not added to their responsibilities as once, the Business Analyst’s responsibilities usually grow as over time.
But what is a standard Business Analyst job description ?
A Business Analyst job description usually includes working with different stakeholders to create initiatives and strategies that optimise resources and identify resources.
In most advertised Business Analyst jobs, the job descriptions would include the following:
- Develop an in depth analysis of organizational problems and opportunities.
- Create and implement business analysis plans for every initiative.
- Document requirements, define solution scope and objectives.
- Determine and document user requirements for various business processes.
- Review, analyze and evaluate business information technology systems and the user needs.
- Develop user acceptance test cases for the solution.
- Evaluate, analyze, and communicate business requirements on a regular basis, and maintain business processes.
- Create and update internal and external documentation.
- Conduct regular systems analysis to maximize effectiveness and troubleshoot system problems.
There are some preferred skills and qualifications that every Business Analyst should have and they include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or Statistics.
- 2+ years Business Analysis experience.
- Strong working knowledge of relevant Microsoft applications, including Visio.
- Proven capabilities in project and user-testing management.
- Proven development of novel and effective system solutions.
- Highly proficient in technical writing capabilities