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What is a business functional analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Rebecca Sarver,
Jana Carpenter

A business functional analyst belongs to the category of computer systems analysts. They help the company or organization maximize and effectively utilize its software and computer systems based on the specifications and requirements of the business operations.

They participate in writing and validating system functions, troubleshooting systems, identifying weaknesses, and overseeing product development. They analyze the existing policies and software systems to evaluate and produce feasible and cost-effective solutions and implement the necessary modifications to improve system performance. The preparation of technical documents such as user manuals is also part of their responsibilities.

Pursuing this career requires at least an undergraduate degree in computer science or a technology-related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business or computer science. Knowledge in programming languages such as ETL and SQL is a great advantage. Analytical, organizational, and comprehension skills are essential qualities for this position. On average, a business functional analyst earns about $42.54 an hour or $88,492 a year.

What general advice would you give to a business functional analyst?

Rebecca SarverRebecca Sarver LinkedIn profile

Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College

Listen more than you talk. There is so much to be learned from clients, seasoned human service workers, and the community that you work within. By listening and observing versus always feeling compelled to speak, you will learn job skills, people skills, and your clients' needs.
ScoreBusiness Functional AnalystUS Average
Salary
7.0

Avg. Salary $89,264

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 23.83%

Black or African American 8.76%

Hispanic or Latino 9.80%

Unknown 4.92%

White 52.50%

Gender

female 50.51%

male 49.49%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Business functional analyst career paths

Key steps to become a business functional analyst

  1. Explore business functional analyst education requirements

    Most common business functional analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.7 %

    Master's

    22.7 %

    Associate

    5.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific business functional analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java11.94%
    Business Process9.91%
    ERP4.22%
    UAT4.16%
    Test Cases3.86%
  3. Complete relevant business functional analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New business functional analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a business functional analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real business functional analyst resumes.
  4. Research business functional analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Manage integrated functionality & technology dependencies, usability, reliability, performance and support requirements of legacy CRM and web applications.
    • Train the business team on Sharepoint.
    • Provide SME knowledge to analyst and technical team on ordering business.
    • Provide cross functional diagrams through the use of Visio to represent user/system interaction.
  5. Get business functional analyst experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a business functional analyst. The most common roles before becoming a business functional analyst include business analyst, functional analyst team lead and senior business analyst.
  6. Prepare your business functional analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your business functional analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a business functional analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable business functional analyst resume templates

    Build a professional business functional analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your business functional analyst resume.
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
    Business Functional Analyst Resume
  7. Apply for business functional analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a business functional analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first business functional analyst job

Zippi

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Average business functional analyst salary

The average business functional analyst salary in the United States is $89,264 per year or $43 per hour. Business functional analyst salaries range between $65,000 and $122,000 per year.

Average business functional analyst salary
$89,264 Yearly
$42.92 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do business functional analysts rate their job?

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Business functional analyst reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

-interacting with end users or customers - delivering successful products or services

Cons

Managing projects or leading large projects as this makes the BA role difficult to do well


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Challenges, problem-solving,communicating with differnet individuals

Cons

some daily monotonous aspects of job.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Cons

Distance from technology

Pros

Sitting in between business and data. Helped leadership to build strategy.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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