What are the job duties of a business systems analyst?

I’ve heard that business systems analysts work closely with IT and management. What exactly do they do, and would this be a path worth considering if I like both tech and business?

A Business Systems Analyst (BSA) holds an integral role in an organization where they act as a bridge between the business operations and the software or technology infrastructure supporting those operations. If you enjoy navigating both worlds of business and technology, this could indeed be an excellent career path to consider.

In terms of specific duties, a Business Systems Analyst usually engages in the following activities:

1. Requirements Gathering: A BSA interacts with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translates these needs into technical specifications. They may create detailed business analysis documents outlining the requirements and also craft user stories to provide a concise perspective of user requirements to the technical team.

2. Process Improvement: They devise and recommend strategies to improve business processes. This often involves analyzing current practices, identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and suggesting technology-based solutions to streamline processes.

3. Problem-solving: They troubleshoot issues that come up in business operations and propose effective solutions. This might involve liaising with various software vendors or in-house IT departments.

4. Project Management: They often serve as an important part of project teams, tracking progress, managing resources, and ensuring timelines are met. They could be involved in coordinating between various team members including developers, testers, and business experts.

5. System Analysis: Analyzing the effectiveness of developed technology systems and ensuring they deliver the desired business outcomes is another key role of a BSA. This involves testing systems, validating results, and providing feedback to the development team concerning necessary modifications.

As a BSA, your ability to understand both business terminology and technological lingo will be vital in helping different parts of an organization collaborate effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage technology to make an organization run more efficiently and effectively. This career path provides an ideal blend of technology and business, making it a worthwhile path if those are your areas of interest.