Business Analyst

Business Analyst job description

A skilled Business Analyst is responsible for the implementation and support of business information systems across multiple departments. They identify problems and opportunities within a company and ultimately provide solutions that help achieve the business' goals.

A Business Analyst job description should cover collaborating with financial reporting and IT teams to develop initiatives and strategies that optimise costs and improve internal and external reporting.

Business Analyst duties and responsibilities of the job

Business Analysts conduct market analyses, analysing both product lines and the overall profitability of the business. In addition, they develop and monitor data quality metrics and ensure business data and reporting needs are met. Strong technology, analytical and communication skills are must-have traits.

A Business Analyst job description typically includes:

Creating a detailed business analysis, outlining problems, opportunities and solutions for a business

Budgeting and forecasting

Planning and monitoring

Financial modelling

Variance Analysis

Pricing

Reporting

Defining business requirements and reporting them back to stakeholders

In addition to performing financial and operational modelling, a Business Analyst is expected to develop new models that underpin sound business decisions. A Business Analyst job description should recognise the streamlining and improving of internal and external reporting. The role should also call for a strong understanding of regulatory and reporting requirements as well as plenty of experience in forecasting, budgeting and financial analysis combined with understanding of key performance indicators.

The end goal is to provide financial insights that help the decision-making process, and align capital and resource allocation within the business budget. The Business Analyst should also drive fresh initiatives for financial planning and business intelligence systems.

Business Analyst job qualifications and requirements

Typically, Business Analysts require a Bachelor degree minimum. Whilst any degree is advantageous, the following subjects are useful as they’re in a similar field:

Business Studies

Business Administration

Management

Information Technology

There are also a number of industry-recognised certificates aspiring Business Analysts can acquire too. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) offers such accreditation.

The core skills of a Business Analyst job description should also include:

Experience working with senior decision makers

Strong communication/interpersonal skills

Proven analytical background

Advanced Excel skills

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Salary for Business Analyst

100000 - 140000

25th percentile

100000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

120000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

140000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Senior Business Analyst

140000

150000

160000

Program Manager

180000

195000

215000

Project Manager

140000

155000

170000

Senior Project Manager

165000

180000

200000

ERP Functional Consultant

150000

165000

185000

ERP Technical Consultant

150000

165000

185000

Change Manager

130000

140000

150000

Senior Change Manager

140000

160000

180000

Solutions Architect

150000

170000

190000

Enterprise Architect

180000

200000

220000

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

The Salary Guide from Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.