A business analyst identifies business needs, analyses processes and interprets data, and recommends solutions to improve efficiency, performance, and decision-making. They act as a bridge between business teams and technical or finance functions.
What is a business analyst?
Most organisations benefit from change in order to remain as efficient and competitive as possible. Business analysts play a critical role in this process by identifying areas in which change will add value, and assessing its potential impacts. They also help to plan effective change strategies, and contribute to their successful implementation and measurement.
Business analysts are available in corporate and public sectors, financial services, public practice and shared service organisations.
How do I achieve it?
Most aspects of an organisation have a financial relevance, so a good understanding of finance is essential. Good communication and people skills enable you to work closely with employees to understand the business and their role within it, in addition to communicating change in a motivational manner.
Graduates and school leavers may be able to enter at junior or supervised roles, or after gaining relevant experience within project management. The following ACCA Strategic Professional Options exams are also extremely relevant to those considering business analysis as a career:
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
If you are considering applying for a graduate or junior position as a business analyst, explore the ACCA's huge range of career advice and top tips to ensure a strong impact in the interview and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, business analysis is well suited to accounting students. It builds on core accounting strengths such as financial awareness, data analysis, and attention to detail, and applies them to broader business improvement and decision-making.
Business analysis combines finance and strategy by using financial data, budgeting, and performance metrics to support business decisions. It helps organisations align financial insight with strategic goals and operational improvements.
Business analysts need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, alongside communication, data interpretation, and commercial awareness. Familiarity with business processes, reporting, and financial data is also highly valuable.
Yes, business analysts work across a wide range of industries including finance, technology, healthcare, retail, and consulting. Most organisations rely on them to improve processes and support data-driven decision-making.
The role can range from moderately to highly technical depending on the organisation. Business analysts often use tools such as Excel, Power BI, and sometimes SQL or other data systems to analyse and present insights.
Yes, accountants can transition into business analysis. Their experience with financial reporting, data accuracy, and performance analysis provides a strong foundation for understanding business processes and supporting strategic change.
Business analysis supports organisational change by identifying inefficiencies, gathering requirements, and helping implement new systems, processes, or strategies. It ensures changes are data-driven and aligned with business objectives.
Business analysts commonly use tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, and project management software like Jira. These tools help them analyse data, visualise insights, and communicate recommendations.
Yes, business analysis is a strong career choice with broad progression opportunities. It can lead to senior analyst roles, project management, strategy positions, or consultancy careers across multiple industries.
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