Sales Business analyst

Business analysts investigate and analyse business activities and use information technology (IT) to make them more efficient. For example, they may help a business save time and money by producing an integrated IT system that deals with orders, payments, despatch and stock control.
The role of a business analyst can vary greatly depending on the employer and type of organisation. They usually work on a project basis and their job title can vary from one organisation to another.
A business analyst usually works between 37 and 40 hours a week, from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Additional hours, including weekend and evening work, may be needed to meet deadlines.
Salaries range from approximately £17,000 to over £60,000 for senior jobs.
A business analyst should:
have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a good understanding of the business environment
be able to listen to and interpret their clients' needs
have project management skills
have an interest in business and IT.
Business analysts are employed across all industry sectors, from financial and retail, to non-profit making organisations, local government and the health sector. Employers range from management consultancies to software houses and IT service or solution providers.
There are job opportunities throughout the UK, with a higher concentration in south-east England and London. There are also opportunities overseas.
Business analysts are usually educated to degree level. Many have relevant work experience and vocational skills, perhaps gained as part of a sandwich course.
One of the most common routes into the work is to be promoted from other departments in the organisation. Evidence of analytical and business skills is required, as well as an aptitude for IT.
Most training is on the job and includes in-house training courses combined with external qualifications. Professional qualifications can be obtained from various organisations, including the British Computer Society (BCS), and the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS).
The career structure varies from one organisation to another. Business analysts can choose whether to specialise in a technical, hands-on role, move into people management or work within another IT-related area, such as security.