How to become a 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

Average age
41
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
36% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
90%
Employment Size
20,300
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%
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%
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%