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Business Systems Analyst

Also known as Business Systems Planner.

Business systems analysts study the overall business and information needs of an organisation in order to develop solutions to business and related technology problems.

A business systems analyst's role is usually undertaken prior to the system design, building and programming stages of the systems development process.

A business systems analyst's role will vary with the size and complexity of the organisation.

Some smaller organisations may combine various types of analyst, designer and programmer roles into one, while larger organisations may employ teams of specialists.

TASKS

Business systems analysts may perform the following tasks:

work closely with clients to identify business needs and the costs and benefits of implementing a computing solution
construct information technology (IT) definitions based on identified needs of the organisation
work with other IT experts to address networking and hardware needs
look at finance and budgetary matters
devise and document a general system design based on the client's anticipated requirements
negotiate options with the client

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

interested in computing and information and communications technology (ICT)
able to grasp concepts and think creatively
good interpersonal and communication skills
team leadership capabilities
able to make informed decisions on a wide range of complex business and technical issues
able to work independently

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a business systems analyst you usually have to complete a degree in information technology, information systems or business information systems. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in English or mathematics is normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Membership of the Australian Computer Society is available to those who hold, or are working towards, suitable qualifications. There is a range of membership types available, allowing progression through the various levels as a member's career develops.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

With experience and sufficient start-up money, there are opportunities for self-employment, especially on a consultancy basis. Clients are often senior managers responsible for business or functional activities within organisations.