What Does a Systems Analyst Do?
A Systems Analyst evaluates an organization’s current IT systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvement and optimization. Acting as a bridge between business stakeholders and technical teams, they assess business needs, analyze system capabilities, and recommend technology-based solutions that align with company goals.
These professionals create functional specifications, map out workflows, and collaborate closely with developers, project managers, and end-users to ensure that new systems and enhancements meet performance expectations. Their work is essential for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting data-driven decision-making across departments.
Looking to Hire a Systems Analyst?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Systems Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Analyze and evaluate existing systems and business workflows
- Gather and document user requirements through interviews and process analysis
- Develop system specifications and functional documentation
- Collaborate with software developers and IT teams to implement system improvements
- Perform system testing, validation, and quality assurance
- Recommend solutions to improve performance, scalability, and user experience
- Support system integration and data migration efforts
- Monitor and assess the effectiveness of implemented solutions
- Serve as a liaison between business units and IT
- Train users and create support documentation as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in data analysis and database querying (e.g., SQL)
- Experience with system modeling tools and techniques (e.g., UML, BPMN)
- Strong understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC)
- Familiarity with enterprise software platforms (ERP, CRM, etc.)
- Knowledge of systems integration, APIs, and middleware
- Business process mapping and reengineering skills
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
Education
Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, business administration, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) – from IIBA
- PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
Recommended certifications include Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate and Oracle Business Analyst certifications.
Systems Analyst Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Agile, Scrum, or other project management methodologies
- Familiarity with enterprise reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Exposure to cloud-based business applications
- Prior experience in a specific domain (e.g., finance, healthcare, logistics)
National Average Salary
Systems analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Systems Analyst is:
$106,828
Sample Systems Analyst Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a systems analyst. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Business Systems Analyst
Position overview
The Business Systems Analyst supports organizational growth by evaluating business processes and identifying system-based solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness. This role serves as the liaison between business stakeholders and IT, translating operational needs into functional system requirements.
Responsibilities
- Gather and document business requirements for new systems or enhancements
- Analyze existing business processes and recommend system improvements
- Develop functional specifications and assist with software evaluations
- Collaborate with IT and development teams to implement solutions
- Perform user acceptance testing and validate results
- Support training, documentation, and post-implementation reviews
- Ensure that systems align with business goals and compliance standards
- Facilitate cross-departmental communication and change management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with business process modeling and workflow analysis
- Strong knowledge of ERP or CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, NetSuite, Dynamics)
- Familiarity with Agile or Waterfall development methodologies
- Proficiency in writing functional requirements and user stories
- Intermediate SQL or reporting/query tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Soft skills
- Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal communication
- Detail-oriented with excellent documentation habits
- Ability to translate complex needs into clear technical actions
- Analytical mindset with business acumen
Education
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, information systems, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
Recommended certifications include Salesforce Administrator and Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with change management practices
- Exposure to project management tools like Jira or Asana
- Familiarity with cross-functional enterprise projects
Example 2: Technical Systems Analyst
Position overview
The Technical Systems Analyst works closely with development teams to design, test, and implement technology solutions that integrate software systems and improve backend performance. This role requires strong technical aptitude and hands-on collaboration with IT teams.
Responsibilities
- Analyze and document system architecture and integration workflows
- Create functional and technical specifications for new solutions
- Support system configuration, data mapping, and transformation logic
- Work with developers and engineers to resolve system and application issues
- Conduct system performance testing and troubleshooting
- Monitor system uptime and technical service levels
- Maintain technical documentation and change logs
- Collaborate on system upgrades, migrations, and deployments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong understanding of APIs, data structures, and database systems
- Proficiency with SQL, XML/JSON, and scripting languages
- Familiarity with software development life cycle (SDLC)
- Ability to work with version control and deployment tools (e.g., Git, Jenkins)
- Experience with application monitoring tools
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and root cause analysis
- Strong written and technical communication
- Detail-oriented and technically thorough
- Comfortable working with cross-functional IT teams
Education
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related technical field
Certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
- CompTIA Linux+
Recommended certifications include AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and ITIL Foundation.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with cloud architecture and system integrations
- Background in application security or DevOps practices
- Familiarity with microservices or containerized environments
Example 3: Healthcare Systems Analyst
Position overview
The Healthcare Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing, implementing, and supporting clinical and operational healthcare systems. This role helps ensure compliance, performance, and usability across platforms used by providers and administrative teams.
Responsibilities
- Analyze workflows in clinical and administrative environments
- Support the implementation of electronic health record (EHR) and practice management systems
- Ensure systems comply with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations
- Collaborate with clinical staff to gather system requirements
- Conduct usability testing and workflow validations
- Document system configuration and processes
- Train users and provide tier-2 support for system issues
- Coordinate system upgrades and integration with third-party tools
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
- Understanding of healthcare data standards (HL7, FHIR)
- Familiarity with HIPAA regulations and audit procedures
- Intermediate SQL and data analysis experience
- Experience supporting healthcare-specific software
Soft skills
- Empathy and communication when working with clinical end-users
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Analytical thinking with attention to compliance
- Team collaboration across clinical and IT staff
Education
Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, information systems, or related field
Certifications
Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
Recommended certifications include RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) and Epic Certification.
Preferred qualifications
- Clinical or hospital system experience
- Familiarity with telehealth and mobile health platforms
- Experience with medical billing and insurance systems
Example 4: Financial Systems Analyst
Position overview
The Financial Systems Analyst designs and supports IT solutions for financial departments, ensuring systems enable accurate reporting, compliance, and budgeting. This role bridges finance and IT teams to streamline processes and enhance performance.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and improve financial system workflows and integrations
- Document requirements for ERP or accounting software enhancements
- Support implementations and upgrades of finance-related platforms
- Troubleshoot financial data and system discrepancies
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards
- Develop reports and dashboards using business intelligence tools
- Assist with end-user training and support
- Maintain detailed system and process documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with financial systems (e.g., Oracle Financials, SAP, Workday, QuickBooks)
- Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements
- Familiarity with data reconciliation and audit controls
- Proficiency in Excel, SQL, and reporting tools
- Experience with budgeting and forecasting systems
Soft skills
- Accuracy and attention to financial detail
- Ability to work with accounting teams and technical staff
- Analytical and methodical thinking
- Clear communication and documentation skills
Education
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or information systems
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – if financial process heavy
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Recommended certifications include Oracle Financials Cloud Certification and Workday Financials Certification.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with SOX compliance or financial audits
- Familiarity with treasury, AR/AP, or payroll systems
- Background in enterprise-level financial reporting