How to become a Business Systems Analyst

Business Systems Analyst

Business systems analysts study the overall business and information needs of an organisation in order to develop solutions to business and related technology problems. A business systems analyst's role is usually undertaken prior to the system design, building and programming stages of the systems development process.

Personal requirements for a Business Systems Analyst

  • Interested in computing and information and communications technology (ICT)
  • Able to grasp concepts and think creatively
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Team leadership capabilities
  • Able to make informed decisions on a wide range of complex business and technical issues
  • Able to work independently

Education & Training for a Business Systems Analyst

To become a business systems analyst you usually have to complete a degree in information technology, information systems or business information systems. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.


Additional information

Membership of the Australian Computer Society is available to those who hold, or are working towards, suitable qualifications. There is a range of membership types available, allowing progression through the various levels as a member's career develops.

Duties & Tasks of a Business Systems Analyst

Business systems analysts:

  • Work closely with clients to identify business needs and the costs and benefits of implementing a computing solution
  • Construct information technology (IT) definitions based on identified needs of the organisation
  • Work with other IT experts to address networking and hardware needs
  • Look at finance and budgetary matters
  • Devise and document a general system design based on the client's anticipated requirements
  • Negotiate options with the client.

Tasks

  • Takes responsibility for deploying functional solutions, such as creating, adopting and implementing system test plans, which ensures acceptable quality and integrity of the system.
  • Develops functional specifications for use by system developers.
  • Creates user and trainer documentation, and conducts formal training classes.
  • Uses data and process modelling techniques to create clear system specifications for the design and development of system software.
  • Acts as a central reference and information source, providing guidance and assistance in the system project decision making process.
  • Uses project management methodologies, principles and techniques to develop project plans and to cost, resource and manage projects.
  • Identifies, investigates, and analyses business processes, procedures and work practices.
  • Identifies and evaluates inefficiencies and recommends optimal business practices, and system functionality and behaviour.

Working conditions for a Business Systems Analyst

A business systems analyst's role will vary with the size and complexity of the organisation. Some smaller organisations may combine various types of analyst, designer and programmer roles into one, while larger organisations may employ teams of specialists.


Employment Opportunities for a Business Systems Analyst

With experience and sufficient start-up money, there are opportunities for self-employment, especially on a consultancy basis. Clients are often senior managers responsible for business or functional activities within organisations.


Specializations

Business Systems Analyst

Business systems analysts study the overall business and information needs of an organisation in order to develop solutions to business and related technology problems. A business systems analyst's role is usually undertaken prior to the system design, building and programming stages of the systems development process.

  • Average age
    Average age
    40 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    31% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    42 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $2,274
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Very high skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    90% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    13,500 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 5.9%
    NSW: 36.0%
    NT: 0.2%
    QLD: 13.1%
    SA: 3.6%
    TAS: 0.6%
    VIC: 34.6%
    WA: 6.0%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 0.1%
    20-24: 2.1%
    25-34: 26%
    35-44: 37.2%
    45-54: 24%
    55-59: 6.7%
    60-64: 2.6%
    65 and Over: 1.1%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 8.8%
    Bachelor degree: 48.5%
    Certificate III/IV: 3.2%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 27.9%
    Year 10 and below: 1.1%
    Year 11: 0.8%
    Year 12: 9.7%
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