What Does a Business Systems Analyst Do?
A business systems analyst (BSA) evaluates, designs, and improves the technological systems that support an organization’s operations. They serve as the liaison between business stakeholders and IT teams, ensuring that software and systems align with business objectives. By analyzing workflows, gathering requirements, and recommending solutions, BSAs help organizations optimize efficiency and scalability.
BSAs may assist with the implementation of new applications, troubleshoot system issues, and oversee configuration updates or enhancements. Their work is critical for aligning operational needs with the right tools and technology, reducing manual tasks, and increasing productivity across departments.
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Business Systems Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Gather, document, and analyze business and technical requirements
- Evaluate existing systems and recommend improvements or replacements
- Translate business needs into functional specifications for development teams
- Assist in software selection, testing, and implementation processes
- Collaborate with developers, QA teams, and business stakeholders
- Conduct gap analysis and process mapping
- Provide training and support for new systems or enhancements
- Ensure system documentation is up-to-date and user-friendly
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with business systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, HRIS)
- Experience with process modeling and requirement-gathering tools
- Familiarity with data mapping and system integration
- Understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Clear and effective communication across departments
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business administration, or a related field
Certifications
- Certifications are not required, but beneficial options include:
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
- IIBA Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in business or information systems
- Experience in a specific enterprise system (e.g., Salesforce, SAP, Workday)
- Familiarity with data analytics or basic programming concepts
- Prior project management experience
National Average Salary
BSA salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Business Systems Analyst is:
$98,675
Sample Job Description Templates for BSAs
ERP Business Systems Analyst
Position Overview
The ERP Business Systems Analyst is responsible for supporting enterprise resource planning platforms across finance, supply chain, and operations. They analyze workflows and configure ERP modules to improve business efficiency.
Business Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Gather requirements from departments using ERP modules (e.g., finance, manufacturing)
- Configure, test, and implement ERP solutions (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Support data migration, system upgrades, and custom reporting
- Collaborate with IT and functional teams to resolve issues and improve processes
- Maintain documentation and provide user training
Business Systems Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with ERP systems and their integration points
- Experience with business process mapping and system configuration
Soft skills
- Strong cross-functional communication
- Detail-oriented problem-solving
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, or a related field
CRM Business Systems Analyst
Position Overview
The CRM Business Systems Analyst manages customer relationship management platforms like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics. They support sales, marketing, and customer service teams by optimizing CRM workflows.
Business Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Analyze and improve CRM system functionality
- Customize fields, workflows, and automation rules in CRM
- Translate business requirements into CRM enhancements
- Ensure data quality and lead pipeline integrity
- Coordinate user training and system rollouts
Business Systems Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with CRM platforms and API integrations
- Familiarity with customer lifecycle reporting and automation
Soft skills
- Communication across technical and non-technical teams
- Customer-focused mindset
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in business, marketing, or information systems
Healthcare Business Systems Analyst
Position Overview
The Healthcare Business Systems Analyst supports clinical and administrative systems, ensuring they meet the operational and regulatory needs of healthcare organizations.
Business Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Manage EMR/EHR workflows and configurations (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and other regulations
- Gather input from clinical teams to improve system usability
- Coordinate with IT on security and data access
- Analyze healthcare data trends to support reporting needs
Business Systems Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with healthcare systems and terminology
- Understanding of regulatory requirements in healthcare IT
Soft skills
- Strong ethical judgment and discretion
- Communication with diverse medical teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in health informatics, IT, or related field
Finance Business Systems Analyst
Position Overview
The Finance Business Systems Analyst manages and improves systems that support accounting, budgeting, and compliance operations. They help align financial software with business goals.
Business Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Configure and support systems like Oracle Financials, QuickBooks, or SAP
- Develop reports and dashboards for accounting and finance teams
- Automate reconciliation, audit, and month-end processes
- Ensure SOX or GAAP compliance across systems
- Serve as liaison between finance, audit, and IT teams
Business Systems Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Financial systems experience and Excel/reporting skills
- Knowledge of accounting standards and controls
Soft skills
- Precision and analytical thinking
- Clear communication with technical and financial stakeholders
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in finance, accounting, or information systems
HRIS Business Systems Analyst
Position Overview
The HRIS Business Systems Analyst is responsible for implementing and maintaining systems that support HR functions, from onboarding to payroll and benefits administration.
Business Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Configure and manage HRIS systems like Workday, ADP, or UKG
- Support HR teams with reporting and data analysis
- Ensure compliance with labor regulations and data privacy
- Provide system training and documentation for HR users
- Collaborate with payroll, benefits, and IT stakeholders
Business Systems Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- HRIS software experience and reporting proficiency
- Understanding of HR processes and compliance
Soft skills
- Confidentiality and trustworthiness
- Organized project management and support
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in HR, business, or IT
Retail Business Systems Analyst
Position Overview
The Retail Business Systems Analyst supports systems that power in-store and e-commerce operations. They analyze sales workflows, inventory processes, and omnichannel engagement platforms.
Business Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Analyze POS systems, order management tools, and customer apps
- Coordinate data flow between inventory, e-commerce, and CRM
- Test system updates and ensure retail tech performance
- Partner with marketing and store operations teams
- Monitor data integrity across platforms
Business Systems Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with retail systems (POS, inventory, CRM)
- Experience in data reconciliation and process improvement
Soft skills
- Quick problem-solving in fast-paced environments
- Clear communication with store and tech teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in business, retail management, or information systems