If you are planning on becoming a BSA, this is the right time for you! You will be doing yourself a favor by investing in this career path. Does this career intrigue you? Do you want to know more about this field? You have come to the right place. This blog aims to clearly define what exactly business systems analysts are. We will also tell our readers about the How To Become A Business Systems Analyst And Average Salary of BSA’s through our blog.
Not to be confused with a business analyst. The main responsibility of the BSA is to infuse technological solutions to business-related problems. Business systems analysts also align IT development with operational systems. These systems run the business.
Business systems analysts study the overall business and information needs of an organization. This helps them develop solutions to business and related technology problems. A BSA’s role is usually undertaken before the stages of the systems development process. The stages of systems development include design, building, and programming stages.
This industry is becoming highly sought-after. Employment opportunities related to BSAs are in great demand in almost every industry. This career field is one of the fastest-growing career options globally. The USA will need 876,000 BSA professionals by 2023.
Business Systems Analyst
To understand the role of a business systems analyst? You must understand what constitutes a business system. Business systems encompass everything. From software and hardware to processes, procedures, and workflows. All how people communicate, collaborate, and get things done within an organization.
Business systems analysts are also known as computer systems analysts and systems analysts. They are information technology professionals who gather and analyze business systems-related data. They determine where improvements can be made. At their core, BSAs are technical, analytical, and empathetic problem solvers. They can help identify business problems and needs and develop data-backed solutions. They also help organizations make those improvements while staying within budget.
As experts in both IT systems and understanding the needs of businesses. BSAs are tech-savvy strategists. They act as the liaisons between the business side of an organization and the technologies and services employed. The profession has become integral to improving business processes and increasing productivity.
What Do Business Systems Analysts Do?
A business systems analyst looks for ways to improve how businesses use technology. In this way, they help businesses to operate more efficiently. They research the company’s needs and possible solutions. SBAs help to develop an effective system. They are typically found in medium to large-sized businesses. This is because the small companies do not rely on technology to the same degree.
Responsibility Of A Business Systems Analyst
As a BSA, it is your job to help the business address change through technology. You are the strategic partnership between the business and IT development teams. The day-to-day responsibilities of a BSA may differ across organizations. However, if you are looking to stand out in your role. Ensure you can perform the following three key areas of responsibility:
Business Systems Analysis
- Modeling systems architecture to meet business objectives.
- Mastering organizational change.
- Accurately measuring performance quality.
- Creating business requirements specifications.
Project Management
- Setting operational objectives through your knowledge of business functions.
- Defining and setting up the requirements of a project.
- Tracking project progress.
- Resolving any issues that may arise.
- Producing feedback reports.
- Recommending necessary changes based on feedback.
Data Analysis
- Predicting business trends and customer behavior.
- Presenting technical reports based on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
- Contributing to important business decisions by constructing significant research questions.
It is also important to understand the difference in responsibilities of a BSA and a BA. It will help you decide which speaks more to your career goals.
Business Systems Analyst Skills
In addition to strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Employers most often look for BSAs with experience in the following areas:
1. Data Analysis
BSAs are expected to dive into data to identify business trends and customer behavior. They also need to support their recommendations with the help of data.
2. Systems Analysis
This involves:
- Studying a process or procedure.
- Breaking it down to its components.
- Understanding how those components work together to achieve their purpose.
The latter part of this requires strong empathy and communication. It is because BSAs need to:
- Anticipate how team members might react to or use a new system.
- Explain their decisions.
- Persuade stakeholders to adopt the changes they recommend.
Through system analysis, BAs can identify strengths and weaknesses within an organization’s systems. They can suggest further improvements too.
3. Business Administration
Business administration encompasses a range of qualitative and soft skills. It enables a person to fluidly move between:
- Executive teams
- Managers
- Technical teams
- Other professionals
This is a particularly important skill for BSAs. This is because much of the job involves:
- Communicating problems and forthcoming changes to stakeholders.
- Offering and accepting feedback on processes.
- Giving effective pitches and presentations.
- Being able to show how a decision or change aligns with a business’s goals.
4. Project Management
Many BSAs are responsible for the end-to-end overhaul and implementation of business systems. It may include:
- Setting budgets
- Preparing detailed reports
- Researching business procedures
- Communicating developments to managers and department heads.
An important skill for SBAs is the ability to manage a project to meet deadlines and budgets. They must also ensure that all the stakeholders remain in the loop.
Career Paths For Business Systems Analysts
In this role, you are required to wear many hats and act as the sidekick to the CIO. But there is no reason you could not take the position as CIO for yourself.
But if executive leadership is not your goal. Here we have a list of five common career paths for a BSA:
1. Business Analysis Manager
If you love managing people and are an experienced business systems analyst. This is a team-based role. It incorporates more resource planning, line management, and mentorship than practical BA techniques.
2. Relationship Manager
This role is all about talking, negotiating, understanding, and persuading people. Your role is to build strong stakeholder relationships. Something you would have had to do as a BSA.
3. Business Analysis Competency Manager
This profession focuses on the development of business analysis competencies including:
- Frameworks
- Tools
- Sytems
- Processes
So if you prefer the theoretical aspect of business analysis rather than the practical approach. This is the job for you!
4. Business Architect
If you are a senior BSA, this would be a good career path for you. You will take on a more strategic and holistic role. In this way, you will increase business efficiency and streamline business operations.
5. Project Manager
Becoming a project manager is a common career path for SBAs. This is because project management plays such a big role in the key responsibilities of BSAs. So, if you love managing budgets, timeframes, and stakeholder expectations. This would be a really rewarding career option for you.
Average Salary Of Business Systems Analyst
The average salary for a BSA is over $84,000 per year in the USA, according to Indeed. That said, BSA salaries will vary quite a bit. It depends on your professional experience, location, and the skills you bring to the role. Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on years of experience:
Entry Level Business Systems Analyst Salary
The average entry-level business systems analyst salary in the USA is over $57,620 per year. There is a high degree of variance in BSA salaries for an entry-level position. The salary range varies depending on the company, industry, and educational background required.
Typically, an entry-level BSA will have between zero-two years of experience. They will likely possess at least an associate’s degree if not a bachelor’s degree.
Intermediate Business Analyst Salary
After accumulating two to four years of experience in their business systems analysis career. Intermediate BSAs earn $67,000 as an average base salary. They get more money in perks and bonuses. Average salaries for intermediate BSA positions also depend on a range of factors. These factors may include certifications, additional skills, and domain knowledge.
An intermediate-level Business Systems Analyst will have between two-to-five years of experience.
Senior Business Analyst Salary
The average salary for a senior business analyst is roughly $95,000. But the salary ranges from 90,000 up to 120,000. At this level, you would be expected to work closely with executive-level decision-makers. You will be defining goals and taking on project management tasks. You will also leverage your data and statistical analysis skills. It will help you make high-level business recommendations to the key stakeholders.
A senior-level business systems analyst will have more than five years of experience. These positions require a high level of expertise.
How You Can Become A Business Systems Analyst
Follow the steps below to become a business systems analyst:
1. Complete A Bachelor’s Degree
Anyone wishing to become a business systems analyst should first receive their bachelor’s degree. Business systems analysts typically study either computer science or information technology. Another option is to major in business, but you will need to take additional IT courses as well.
2. Gain IT Experience
If you studied business, you will want to gain IT experience before applying for the business systems analyst. You should look to take additional courses or pursue various certifications in IT. You can also try getting an entry-level IT job where you can gain real-life experience.
3. Get Certified
A great way to demonstrate your professional abilities is by obtaining certification in BSA. Look through the certification courses offered by institutions such as Wolf Careers Inc. This is the right one for you.
How Wolf Careers Inc. Can Help
Certifications are a great way to learn new skills. Even if you are not familiar with IT, our training will teach you all the important concepts.
Wolf Careers Inc. offers a variety of IT certificate training to its candidates. Among them, business systems analyst training is one of the best training recommended for you. The business systems analyst training program is specially designed for beginners. This program helps you to become a well-trained and expert developer. It will polish your skillset for this ever-changing field.
It includes everything you need to know to become a professional analyst. This course is designed by industry experts to help you learn to program. The course starts from the basics of business system analysis and moves towards advanced topics.
Business System Analyst Training
Organizations acquire information systems as part of a larger focus on process improvement and efficiency. These organizations need to invest in the right system to meet their needs:
- Right functionality
- Right size
- Right price
The BSA role in most organizations is responsible for translating the organization’s needs into requirements. They are then used to select or build the right system for the organization.
During this business system analyst training. You will learn about the standard model for systems development, SDLC. You will learn how to read and even create specific deliverables. Business systems analysts prepare them during the SDLC. These documents guide the organization. It helps to determine whether to build or buy. It configures a system that meets the organization’s needs.
Enroll in our business systems analyst training to gain the basic skills required for a BSA role. Start learning with us today and earn more money than you are already earning.
