What is a business analyst?

A business analyst can help improve your organization’s efficiency and productivity. They focus on process improvements by recommending and implementing various solutions.

Your business analyst becomes an expert in your company’s needs and requirements. They analyze current processes and look for ways to improve them. This could include providing IT solutions, adjusting the budget or changing the business structure.

Business analysts use various data analysis methods to recommend business improvements. They conduct feasibility studies and tests before implementing new processes. Finances also typically play a crucial role in a business analyst’s job, as they need to ensure the solutions are cost-effective.

A business analyst may work in the operations department and report to the department head. They often collaborate with the senior leadership team to identify focus areas and report back to them frequently. As they conduct research and recommend process changes, business analysts often work with leaders in various departments, such as finance, IT and marketing.

What is a business systems analyst?

A business systems analyst focuses on technology analysis and solutions, such as designing IT systems. They can also evaluate your current software and hardware systems and optimize them or recommend alternatives. In some organizations, the business systems analyst develops software solutions.

Business systems analysts also keep technology running smoothly by integrating tech products to ensure separate systems communicate properly. If your organization encourages technical problems, the business systems analyst may help resolve those issues.

While they work in the IT department, business systems analysts typically collaborate with the management team to align IT solutions with business objectives. In some cases, they meet with customers to understand their needs.

Differences between a business analyst vs. a business systems analyst

Consider the differences between a business systems analyst vs. business analyst.

Salaries

On average, a business analyst earns $85,744 per year and receives an average cash bonus of $3,500 per year, according to Indeed Salaries. A business systems analyst usually earns an average salary of $95,149 per year and a $5,000 cash bonus.

Primary work objectives

Business analysts and business systems analysts reduce performance and productivity barriers, which can help increase profits. However, their approaches differ. Business analysts address problems and identify growth opportunities across all departments in relation to your business goals.

A business systems analyst focuses on the technical aspects of your company. They help ensure IT systems run smoothly to support overall efficiency.

Knowledge and skills

While both roles benefit from technical knowledge, tech expertise is typically more important for a business systems analyst. They need a strong knowledge of all elements of business IT systems. Coding and programming skills may also be helpful.

Business analysts typically benefit from a broad understanding of business processes, such as business finances, human resources, buying, billing and telecommunications.

Solutions

A business systems analyst provides your company with tech solutions, such as software, hardware and systems integrations. However, they typically don’t implement process changes or solutions outside of technology.

A business analyst can address various issues with tech solutions. They may also create streamlined business processes outside of software or recommend changes to your company’s policies.

Which to hire: Business systems analyst vs. business analyst

When deciding between hiring a business analyst vs. a business systems analyst, reflecting on your company’s needs can help.

• Current issues: Consider your current inefficiencies. A business analyst can help improve all areas.
• Technical needs: If you heavily emphasize tech, a business systems analyst might be a better fit.
• Company size: Company size impacts the level of support needed for business intelligence and analytics. Larger companies might need more support to keep their IT solutions running, while smaller companies may hire a business analyst with a strong technical background to support both areas.
• Budget: The higher cost of hiring a business systems analyst may influence decision-making.
• Current staff: Evaluate how well your current staff handles improvements. If your IT team has a strong leader who keeps your IT solutions running smoothly, you might focus on general process improvements with a business analyst. If you already have one of these two roles, consider hiring the other to round out your analysis team.

When to hire a business systems analyst

You might hire a business systems analyst for these reasons:

• You already have a business analyst and want more support.
• You want to improve your business systems.
• Your business requires complex IT solutions.
• You rely heavily on your IT infrastructure.
• You develop software and want an expert to guide the process.
• Your company is growing and needs to scale its IT solutions.

When to hire a business analyst

Meanwhile, hiring a business analyst can work in other situations, including:

• You want to improve your business processes.
• You already have a business systems analyst to handle IT solutions.
• Your workplace productivity could be improved.
• You don’t rely heavily on IT solutions.
• You have an IT infrastructure that works well for your current business model.

Frequently asked questions about a business analyst vs. a system analyst

Should a company hire both a business analyst and a business systems analyst?

Some companies hire employees for both roles, while others choose one. If you’re a smaller company, you may not need both positions. Typically, larger companies with complex issues and a heavy reliance on technology need both business analysts and systems analysts.

How can you hire a good business analyst?

Start with a clear job description so you know what qualifications to screen for. Use the details to write your business analyst interview questions to evaluate candidates thoroughly.

Candidates should communicate well since they typically interact with collaborators at all levels. Also, look for familiarity with various data analysis techniques and a strong understanding of business processes.

How can you hire a good business systems analyst?

Business systems analyst interview questions are typically more technical. Look for candidates with extensive experience with the IT solutions you use. They should have experience with business intelligence tools, business process modeling and data modeling. Soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, may also be beneficial.

Do business analysts and business systems analysts work together?

Business analysts and business systems analysts typically work in different departments. A systems analyst is often an IT department employee, while a business analyst often works with all departments within an organization.

However, these professionals can work together to develop IT solutions. For example, the business analyst might bring a solution to the business systems analyst, who then creates it.