What does a business analyst do?
The business analyst, also known as a functional consultant or business analyst, is specialised in the study and exploitation of a company's information system. This function comes from the marketing professions and is increasingly in demand for processing large volumes of data.
This expert acts as a link between the operational departments and the IT department. Under the direction of the marketing director, his or her role is to analyse and process the various processes (sales, logistics, finance, production) in order to obtain results from the company's activity. The objective of the business analyst is to align the sales, logistics and production processes with the market constraints and to make the necessary corrections.
In which sectors do business analysts work?
Business analysts work in a wide range of sectors, particularly in large companies in the digital, IT and financial sectors and in auditing firms. Following a master's degree in marketing, the business analyst may move into IT or marketing functions.
What are the main tasks of a business analyst?
The business analyst has a number of tasks to perform and must find relevant solutions to the company's various needs. One of the main tasks of this expert is to analyse and monitor business results in order to establish strategic recommendations at the organisational, IT and technical levels.
As an intermediary between the various departments, he/she draws up specifications that are accessible to all to ensure that the tools are properly appropriated by the users. He or she carries out market studies to understand the environment in which the company operates, with the aim of improving and forecasting its strategic decisions. They also propose an action plan and draw up budget forecasts in order to provide relevant development guidelines.
The skills needed to be a good business analyst
The business analyst has excellent data analysis skills and masters the various IT and reporting tools. A good knowledge of the market and the sector of activity in which he/she operates is a plus. A command of a second language is also appreciated if the business analyst works in an international context.
In addition to technical skills, the business analyst must possess a number of qualities that are essential for the successful completion of his or her assignments. They must be rigorous and demonstrate a strong capacity for analysis. Working with different departments, they must be good listeners, have good interpersonal skills and be able to convince.