What Does a BI Analyst Do?
A BI analyst helps organizations make smarter decisions by transforming raw data into meaningful insights. They gather, analyze, and interpret complex data sets to support business strategy, identify trends, and uncover areas for improvement. By working with cross-functional teams, BI analysts help bridge the gap between data and decision-making.
BI analysts use tools like SQL, Excel, Power BI, or Tableau to design dashboards, automate reporting, and track key performance indicators (KPIs). They play a key role in data governance and may assist in database optimization, ensuring high data quality and accessibility for stakeholders across departments.
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Business Intelligence Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Collect and analyze data to identify trends, opportunities, and inefficiencies
- Create dashboards, visualizations, and standard reports using BI tools
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define data requirements and KPIs
- Maintain data accuracy, cleanliness, and security standards
- Translate business needs into technical specifications for analysis
- Perform ad hoc queries and present findings to business leaders
- Assist in developing predictive models and forecasting tools
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Advanced Excel, SQL, and database querying skills
- Proficiency in BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Looker)
- Experience with data modeling and ETL processes
- Understanding of data governance and reporting compliance
- Ability to design and implement dashboards and KPIs
Soft skills
- Analytical mindset and problem-solving ability
- Strong communication and data storytelling skills
- Attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
- Ability to collaborate across departments and manage priorities
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business analytics, computer science, statistics, or a related field
Certifications
- Certifications are not required, but may include:
- Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
- Tableau Desktop Specialist
- Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in analytics, business, or data science
- Experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, AWS, Google BigQuery)
- Familiarity with Python or R for statistical analysis
- Prior experience in a specific industry such as healthcare, finance, or retail
National Average Salary
BI analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst is:
$102,588
Sample Job Description Templates for Business Intelligence Analysts
Marketing BI Analyst
Position Overview
The Marketing BI Analyst supports data-driven marketing strategy by analyzing campaign effectiveness, customer journeys, and lead generation trends. They partner with marketing teams to deliver actionable insights that increase ROI and audience engagement.
Business Intelligence Analyst Responsibilities
- Track and report on digital marketing campaign performance
- Segment audiences and analyze customer behavior trends
- Integrate data from Google Analytics, CRM, and email platforms
- Build dashboards for KPIs like conversion rate, CAC, and ROI
- Support A/B testing strategies and multichannel attribution
Business Intelligence Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Google Analytics, HubSpot, and Tableau/Power BI
- Experience with marketing attribution models and SQL
Soft skills
- Creative problem-solving and curiosity
- Ability to present insights to non-technical stakeholders
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in marketing, analytics, or business
Financial BI Analyst
Position Overview
The Financial BI Analyst delivers insights that guide budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. They translate large volumes of financial data into reports that support strategic decisions across accounting, FP&A, and executive teams.
Business Intelligence Analyst Responsibilities
- Analyze revenue streams, costs, and financial KPIs
- Develop reports to track forecasts, variances, and budgets
- Work with ERP and financial reporting platforms
- Create models for scenario analysis and cash flow planning
Business Intelligence Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced Excel, SQL, and financial modeling experience
- Familiarity with SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite
Soft skills
- Accuracy and accountability in handling sensitive financial data
- Strong time management under tight deadlines
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in finance, accounting, or economics
Healthcare BI Analyst
Position Overview
The Healthcare BI Analyst supports clinical and operational decision-making by analyzing patient data, care outcomes, and regulatory compliance metrics. Their insights help improve patient care and optimize resource use.
Business Intelligence Analyst Responsibilities
- Create dashboards on patient volumes, outcomes, and costs
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and healthcare data regulations
- Work with EMRs and health data warehouses
- Partner with clinicians and administrators to define reporting needs
Business Intelligence Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with healthcare BI tools (Epic, Cerner, Tableau)
- Knowledge of healthcare terminology and clinical workflows
Soft skills
- Strong ethical standards and attention to privacy
- Collaborative approach with cross-disciplinary teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in health informatics, public health, or analytics
Sales BI Analyst
Position Overview
The Sales BI Analyst empowers sales teams by providing data insights into pipeline performance, lead conversion, and customer trends. They enable smarter targeting and more efficient sales cycles.
Business Intelligence Analyst Responsibilities
- Monitor sales performance against quotas and targets
- Build dashboards tracking leads, conversions, and win/loss rates
- Analyze CRM activity and sales funnel bottlenecks
- Support territory planning and incentive compensation models
Business Intelligence Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Salesforce reporting, Excel, and BI tools proficiency
- Experience in pipeline forecasting and sales analytics
Soft skills
- Business acumen with a sales-focused mindset
- Effective communication across sales and strategy teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in business, sales, or analytics
Operations BI Analyst
Position Overview
The Operations BI Analyst enhances process efficiency through data-driven insights in logistics, production, and resource management. They support continuous improvement through real-time reporting.
Business Intelligence Analyst Responsibilities
- Analyze operational KPIs like throughput, downtime, and costs
- Collaborate with supply chain and manufacturing stakeholders
- Support automation initiatives with data validation and testing
- Monitor ERP system data for accuracy and optimization
Business Intelligence Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- SQL, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and Excel
- Knowledge of Six Sigma or lean process methodologies
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and root cause analysis
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in operations, industrial engineering, or analytics
Retail & E-commerce BI Analyst
Position Overview
The Retail & E-commerce BI Analyst delivers insights that optimize product performance, merchandising, and customer experience across online and physical retail platforms.
Business Intelligence Analyst Responsibilities
- Analyze customer behavior, conversion rates, and LTV
- Track inventory turnover, product margins, and seasonal trends
- Use web analytics to monitor site traffic and performance
- Collaborate with merchandising and marketing teams on strategy
Business Intelligence Analyst Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in e-commerce tools (Google Analytics, Shopify data, Tableau)
- Understanding of SKU performance, pricing strategies, and A/B testing
Soft skills
- Customer-first mindset and analytical creativity
- Agility in responding to rapid retail trends
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in e-commerce, business, or marketing analytics