IT Business Analyst: Jobs, Skills, Career Paths, and Salaries

An IT business analyst is a strategic problem-solver who contributes to the success of an IT department for a company. The work they do is similar to that of a business analyst, but they focus their attention on the technology systems used by an organisation. If you enjoy analysing people and systems, solving problems, crunching numbers, and keeping up to date with the latest information technology trends, an IT business analyst career may be a good fit.

Discover more about the role of IT business analyst including the skills and qualifications you need and the salary you can earn. 

What is an IT business analyst?

An IT business analyst analyses and solves problems relating to a company's technology needs. In this role, you evaluate the company's current technology and talk to stakeholders to understand how well the IT system works and what you can improve. You also recommend solutions, including upgrades and installations, that can help increase productivity and align with the organisation's goals and strategies. This requires keeping up with the latest trends in IT.

What are the responsibilities of an IT business analyst?

The responsibilities of an IT business analyst mainly deal with information technology systems, such as recommending new software or planning an implementation. Under the analyst side of the job title, you may perform cost/benefit analysis for company stakeholders deciding whether to purchase technology components. As an information technology professional, you find the right technology solutions to address the company's needs. Ultimately, you apply your understanding of business processes and technology systems to identify areas of need and how to fill them.

Although specific job duties can vary between organisations, the following list outlines some of the more common responsibilities of an IT business analyst. You may do any or all of these:

• Collect and analyse data regarding the organisation and IT users

• Oversee the implementation of IT solutions

• Carry out analysis of business operations based on IT data.

• Coordinate communication between IT and other departments, and stakeholders.

• Provide information to stakeholders creating forecasts and budgets 

• Identify risks in current and proposed IT systems

• Recommend software and hardware and areas for improvement

• Create reports

Required skills for an IT business analyst

You need technical and human skills to succeed as an IT business analyst, including research and communication. Your work can involve reading industry materials, reviewing products, and developing your understanding of computer systems. At the same time, you have to communicate your findings and recommendations. These skills can be beneficial to your career:

• Attention to detail

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Data analysis

• Negotiation

• Organisation

• Problem-solving

• Project management

• Teamwork

Steps to becoming an IT business analyst

Becoming an IT business analyst requires training and job experience relevant to the job. You may start with a foundation in information technology and add business components. Alternatively, you may begin studying the business side of the role and enhance it with technology training. Some IT business analysts are former consultants or interns with project management experience.

Education

To become an IT business analyst, you need at least a bachelor's degree in information technology, business administration, computer systems, finance, accounting, or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, like a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in technology for more advanced roles. However, a bachelor's degree can help you qualify for an entry-level position within a company, giving you the opportunity to work your way up. 

Certifications

You may not need a certification to land an IT business analyst job, but earning one may boost your job prospects. Earning a certification can set you apart from other candidates and help balance your education. For example, IT certifications can demonstrate your skills in information technology, whilst business certifications highlight your knowledge of the business side of things. Below are some certifications to consider:

• Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)

• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

• Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)

IT business analyst salary and career outlook

The job outlook and career prospects for management analysts are strong, in part because of the way these roles extend across multiple industries. 

The median annual salary for a business analyst is ₹8,75,000, with the lowest earning ₹5,00,000 per year and the highest earning up to ₹11,00,000 [1]. 

IT roles related to a business analyst (with salaries)

You may also consider IT roles similar to a business analyst career for comparison. Many of these positions share similar skills and management styles. Some roles you might consider, along with their average annual salaries, include:

• Computer network architect: ₹25,10,000

• Computer programmer: ₹4,49,662

• Database administrator: ₹8,39,577

• Database architect: ₹22,37,500

• Information security analyst: ₹6,28,596

• Systems administrator: ₹5,77,500

• Network administrator: ₹5,45,948

• Web developer: ₹4,28,000

*All salary information is sourced from Glassdoor in September 2024. 

Find a business analyst course to make a start today

Working as an IT business analyst means building on both your business and technology skills and experience. Your career as an IT business analyst starts with training. Consider a bachelor's degree like the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London. You also can pursue a graduate degree like the Master of Computer and Information Technology from Penn Engineering. If you already have a degree, you can continue building your knowledge base with certifications like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. You can find these degrees, certifications, and more on Coursera.