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13 Job Roles that need Business Analysis Skills

business analyst job roles

Updated April 21, 2023.

The Business Analyst is an agent of change. Business Analysis is a disciplined approach for introducing and managing change to organizations, whether they are for-profit businesses, governments, or non-profits. It involves understanding and determining how organizations work so that their full potential can be realized.

The profession of Business Analysis is used to identify and articulate the need for change in how organizations work, and to facilitate that change. Business analysts identify and define the solutions that will maximize the value delivered by an organization to its stakeholders. They work across all levels of an organization and may be involved in everything including:

  • defining strategy.
  • creating the enterprise architecture.
  • taking on a leadership role by defining the goals and requirements for programs and projects.
  • supporting continuous improvement an organization’s technology and processes.

Gain the experience you need to work as a business analyst and any of the allied roles by joining the Business Analyst Experience Simulator adjacent.
Job titles for business analysis practitioners include:

  1. business analyst,
  2. business systems analyst,
  3. systems analyst,
  4. requirements engineer,
  5. process analyst,
  6. project manager,
  7. product manager,
  8. product owner,
  9. enterprise analyst,
  10. business architect,
  11. management consultant,
  12. business intelligence analyst,
  13. data scientist.

Business analysts have the specialized knowledge and skills to act as a guide and lead the business through unknown or unmapped territory, to get it to its desired destination. The value of business analysis is in realization of benefits, avoidance of cost, identification of new opportunities, understanding of required capabilities and modeling the organization. Through the effective use of business analysis, we can ensure an organization realizes these benefits, ultimately improving the way they do business.

Many other jobs, such as project management, product management, software development, quality assurance and interaction design rely heavily on business analysis skills for success.

International Institute for Business Analysis

Business analyst salaries in the US

The average base salary a Business Analyst makes in the United States ranges between $82,411 and $93,000. (Data: Indeed and BLS). The average additional cash compensation for a Business Analyst in US is $7,869. The average total compensation for a Business Analyst in US is $90,742. To know details of business analyst salaries in every state in the USA, read here.

Business analyst salaries in Canada

The average base salary a Business Analyst makes in the United States ranges between $84,998 and $146,184. (Data: Indeed and Talent). The average additional cash compensation for a Business Analyst in US is $7,869. The average total compensation for a Business Analyst in US is $72,676.

The average business analyst salary in Canada is $130,617 per year or $45.43 per hour according to Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0210-01  Average hourly earnings (including overtime) for salaried employees, by industry, annual

Entry-level positions start at $84,998 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $146,184 per year.

Entry levelExperienced
$84,998 $146,184
Table of Entry and Experienced Business Analyst Salaries in Canada

LowMedianHigh
$84,998 $130,617$146,184
Table of Low-Median-High Business Analyst Salaries in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Analysis Skills

  1. What are some common roles that require business analysis skills?

    Some common roles that require business analysis skills include:
    Business Analyst: This role specifically focuses on analyzing business processes, identifying business needs, and translating them into requirements for IT solutions or process improvements.
    Project Manager: Project managers often need business analysis skills to gather requirements, analyze business processes, and ensure that project deliverables align with business goals and objectives.
    Product Manager: Product managers use business analysis skills to understand customer needs, conduct market research, and develop strategies for creating and launching successful products.
    Systems Analyst: Systems analysts analyze and design IT systems to meet business requirements. Business analysis skills are crucial in understanding business needs and translating them into system specifications.
    Data Analyst: Data analysts use business analysis skills to analyze and interpret data, identify trends and patterns, and provide insights to drive decision-making and improve business processes.
    IT Consultant: IT consultants often require business analysis skills to understand client requirements, analyze existing business processes, and recommend IT solutions to meet their needs.
    Operations Manager: Operations managers use business analysis skills to analyze and optimize business processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
    Quality Assurance Analyst: Quality assurance analysts use business analysis skills to understand business requirements, develop test plans, and ensure that software and systems meet business needs and quality standards.
    Change Management Specialist: Change management specialists analyze the impact of organizational changes, assess stakeholder needs, and develop strategies to effectively manage change within an organization.
    Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner: Entrepreneurs and small business owners need business analysis skills to identify market opportunities, analyze customer needs, and develop business strategies for success.

  2. What are the key skills needed for roles that require business analysis skills?

    The key skills needed for roles that require business analysis skills include:
    Requirements Elicitation and Management: The ability to effectively gather, document, and manage requirements from stakeholders to ensure that business needs are accurately captured and translated into actionable deliverables.
    Data Analysis: The ability to analyze and interpret data to identify patterns, trends, and insights that can drive decision-making and support business goals.
    Process Analysis and Improvement: The ability to analyze business processes, identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, and develop strategies for optimizing processes to achieve better outcomes.
    Problem-Solving: The ability to identify and analyze business problems, develop solutions, and make recommendations to address challenges and improve business operations.
    Communication and Stakeholder Management: The ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at various levels of the organization, understand their needs, and manage relationships to ensure that business requirements are met.
    Business Domain Knowledge: A deep understanding of the industry, domain, or sector in which the role operates, including knowledge of relevant regulations, market trends, and best practices.
    Technical Knowledge: Depending on the specific role, business analysis skills may require technical knowledge in areas such as software development, data management, or IT systems.
    Project Management: The ability to plan, organize, and manage projects, including defining project scope, developing timelines, and monitoring progress to ensure successful project delivery.
    Change Management: The ability to understand the impact of organizational changes, develop change management strategies, and effectively manage change to ensure smooth adoption within the organization.
    Collaboration: The ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and build consensus among stakeholders to achieve common goals.

  3. What are some common tools and techniques used in business analysis?

    Some common tools and techniques used in business analysis include:
    SWOT Analysis: A framework used to identify and analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a business.
    Use Case Modeling: A technique used to capture and document functional requirements by describing how users interact with a system or solution.
    Process Mapping: A visual representation of business processes, used to analyze and optimize workflows, identify bottlenecks, and improve process efficiency.
    Data Flow Diagrams: Diagrams used to model the flow of data through a system, helping to identify data sources, transformations, and outputs.
    Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN): A standard graphical notation used to model business processes, capturing the flow of activities, decisions, and interactions within a process.
    Stakeholder Analysis: A technique used to identify and analyze stakeholders, their roles, interests, and level of influence, in order to effectively manage stakeholder relationships.
    Requirements Documentation: Techniques such as creating requirement documents, user stories, use cases, and mockups to clearly define and document business requirements.
    Prototyping: Creating prototypes or mockups to visualize and validate business requirements and gather feedback from stakeholders.
    Interviewing and Facilitation: Techniques such as conducting interviews, workshops, and focus groups to gather information, clarify requirements, and facilitate discussions among stakeholders.
    Decision Analysis: Techniques such as decision trees, decision matrices, and prioritization methods to evaluate options and make informed decisions based on business goals and requirements.

  4. How important are business analysis skills in today's business environment?

    Business analysis skills are highly important in today's dynamic and competitive business environment. They play a critical role in enabling organizations to identify and address business problems, uncover opportunities for improvement, and make informed decisions based on data and analysis. Business analysis skills help organizations align their business strategies, processes, and IT solutions to meet business goals and customer needs. They also contribute to successful project management, effective stakeholder management, and efficient resource utilization. In today's fast-paced business landscape, organizations need skilled business analysts who can analyze complex situations, provide insights, and drive business success through informed decision-making and efficient business processes.

  5. What are the benefits of having business analysis skills in a role?

    Having business analysis skills in a role can provide several benefits, including:
    Improved decision-making based on data and analysis.
    Better alignment of business strategies, processes, and solutions.
    Increased efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.
    Enhanced stakeholder management and communication.
    Greater ability to identify and address business problems and opportunities.
    Improved project outcomes through accurate requirements gathering and management.
    Enhanced ability to optimize business processes and drive continuous improvement.
    Increased ability to understand and meet customer needs.
    Better change management and adoption of organizational changes.
    Greater overall business success and competitiveness.

  6. What industries or sectors commonly require business analysis skills?

    Business analysis skills are applicable across various industries and sectors, including but not limited to:
    Information Technology (IT) and Software Development.
    Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance.
    Healthcare and Life Sciences.
    Retail and E-commerce.
    Manufacturing and Supply Chain.
    Consulting and Professional Services.
    Government and Public Sector.
    Energy and Utilities.
    Telecom and Communications.
    Non-profit and Social Enterprises.

  7. Can business analysis skills be applied to small businesses?

    Yes, business analysis skills can be applied to small businesses as well. Small businesses can benefit from effective business analysis in areas such as identifying customer needs, optimizing business processes, improving decision-making, and achieving operational efficiencies. Business analysis can help small businesses make informed decisions, align their strategies and operations, and drive growth and success in a competitive market.

  8. Can business analysis skills be used in agile or iterative project management approaches?

    Yes, business analysis skills can be effectively used in agile or iterative project management approaches. In fact, business analysts often play a crucial role in agile methodologies by gathering and managing requirements, analyzing and documenting user stories, facilitating communication among team members, and ensuring that solutions are aligned with business goals. Business analysis skills can help in prioritizing requirements, optimizing workflows, and delivering value to customers in agile or iterative project management approaches.

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