What does a business analyst do exactly?

I'm thinking about business careers and came across the role of a business analyst. Can someone explain what their main tasks are? Is it mostly data analysis, or do they work on other things too? Thanks!

A business analyst acts as a liaison between an organization's business sector and its IT department, ensuring that business needs align with technical solutions. They work on a variety of tasks, and while data analysis is a key aspect, it's not their only responsibility.

A main task is understanding business operations and needs. Analysts are often responsible for identifying how a company can operate more efficiently and effectively by examining current systems and procedures. This might mean conducting interviews, workshops, or surveys with employees, and documenting processes and organizational structures.

Data analysis is indeed crucial in their role. They mine and analyze data to draw insights on performance metrics, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations that enhance profitability, efficiency, or other areas of company performance.

Creating and managing business, functional, and system requirements is also a big part of a business analyst's role. They'll often translate business needs into detailed requirements that can be understood by IT professionals for system or process improvements. This could entail developing and modifying flowcharts, diagrams, or other visual aids.

In addition, they provide a connective link in change management, helping the organization navigate smoothly through changes in processes or systems. They assess the impact of changes, ensuring minimal disruption in service.

Last but not least, they work closely with project managers to support project planning and coordinate details. They may aid in tasks such as identifying project risks, determining project scope, and aiding with timelines and budgets.

To summarize, while data analysis is a core function of a business analyst's job, they're involved in a wide array of tasks. From process improvement to project management, they interplay with many aspects of a business to ensure that the goals of the company are met efficiently and effectively.