Essential Qualifications for Business Systems Analysts

Hiring a business systems analyst (BSA) for your team can be a game-changer. Finding the right person to bridge the gap between technical solutions and business strategy can bolster your bottom line and elevate your operations.

The key to hiring a BSA is having a solid understanding of what separates a great one from a good one. As you begin your search, you’ll want to consider aspects such as:

Below, we’ll explore the finer details of BSA qualifications and explain all that you need to know about finding the best candidate for your dynamic team. You can also contact us online at any time to get more information now. TriCom is always here to help you make your next excellent hire.  

What Does a Business Systems Analyst Do?

Business systems analysts, also known as BSAs, inspect their companies’ internal structures and, accordingly, devise methods to improve upon them. A BSA employs technological solutions for business-related problems. In other words, they blend an IT worker’s technical expertise with a manager’s growth-oriented mindset. They look at the smallest technological details to create big-picture, organizational change.

Their day-to-day work could consist of technical tasks, like updating software and training their co-workers on it, to macro-scale duties, like evaluating and refining workflows. It’s the type of role that requires, as Liam Neeson so famously put it, a very particular set of skills.

Essential Qualifications of a Business Systems Analyst

Like many jobs, business systems analysts possess a suite of skills that qualifies them for the position. Because BSAs engage in plenty of technical and non-technical work, you’ll want to find a candidate who’s not only great with computers but also with people.

Here are some essential skills that you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

	Basic programming knowledge: Although BSAs are not programmers themselves, they should have some familiarity with languages such as C#, JavaScript, Java, and SQL.
	Project management: The ideal person for this role will see the big picture and understand how to streamline business operations to ensure they are as efficient and refined as possible.
	Crystal-clear communication: BSAs should not only be capable of troubleshooting technical issues on their own, but they should also be able to translate their technical knowledge into clear, simple, and easily understandable language for fellow team members.
	Innovative thinking: A BSA should thoroughly understand their company’s system and, at the same time, demonstrate an ability to think outside of it. That’s because the best BSAs continually work toward improving those systems. This key component of problem-solving is beneficial for both the technical and business aspects of the job.
	Data-driven diligence: Business systems analysts work with nuanced data sets and have an adept knowledge of their companies’ internal databases. They’re able to detect patterns and formulate business strategies accordingly.

Certifications for Business Systems Analysts

The right certifications can go a long way. When it comes to hiring a BSA, there are two premier certifications that you’ll want to be on the lookout for:

• Agile Analysis Certification (AAC): The International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA) offers a course to become certified in Agile project management. If a candidate has completed this course, then it’s worth noting that they’ve displayed the aptitude to work with Agile teams.

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): The IIBA provides another certificate to business systems analysts who have completed at least 7,500 hours of hands-on experience in their field within the last decade, plus 35 hours of professional development in the previous four years. This highlights someone who is an expert within their industry.

Degrees and Educational Backgrounds

Aside from certifications, the best BSAs often have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following subjects: 

• Computer science
• Information technology 
• Economics 
• Finance
• Business administration

Throughout their collegiate careers, business systems analysts may also have completed various internships or practicums. When you interview BSAs, you can ask them about these experiences and what they took away from them.

Connect with TriCom to Find Your Next BSA

Are you ready to hire your BSA? TriCom is ready to help. We’re here to find a business systems analyst that aligns with your company’s values. One of our experienced recruiters can talk to you when you reach out to us online.

We’ll find a candidate that’s not only up to the job, but someone who also meshes well with your organizational culture. That’s because we know that it matters who you work with.