What does an information systems analyst do?

An information systems analyst specializes in conducting cost-efficient research and analysis to determine how information technology can improve a company's business process and growth. One of their primary responsibilities is to collaborate with information systems experts to develop upgrades and all-new systems, respond to inquiries and concerns, provide corrective measures, and meet the IT needs of employees all over the company. Furthermore, it is essential to run tests on systems and determine areas that need improvement.
Information systems analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information systems analyst resumes:
- Lead cross- functional team to update HTML links and conform to web page design standards.
- Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processing or to improve existing ERP system and reporting.
- Implement and manage all organizational security measures, cryptographic equipment and DoD communications security (COMSEC) keying material.
- Lead disaster recovery exercises, infrastructure hardware/software decommissioning initiatives and redeployment of legacy application retirements/migrations for Fannie Mae (client).
- Install and configure Linux Ubuntu.
- Test Java code, including Junit testing.
- Follow project throughout the entire SDLC i.e.
- Design and develop call center applications using JAVA and VBScript.
- Involve in functional testing and UAT with the development team and QA team.
- Maintain and administer the UNIX systems, troubleshoot several applications residing on these servers.
- Support users in a LAN environment with a UNIX server, AIX operating system.
- Act as liaison between the end user and vendors, Cerner, Perot, PBAR.
- Deliver exceptional support to users; resolve hardware, software, network and telecommunication issues.
- Define data requirements for testing and work with the QA team to resolve data for testing.
- Develop test plans and test strategies for system testing and UAT for multiple MMIS enhancement projects.
Information systems analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Information Systems Analysts are proficient in Project Management, Customer Service, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Information Systems Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 8%
Implement and configure database, project management, systems implementation, customize training and application development along different projects.
- Customer Service, 7%
Generate reports for customer service, sales team, production control, operations/executive/finance management team (manufacturing/purchasing/ shipping/quality assurance/accounting/marketing).
- Linux, 4%
Installed and operated Microsoft Office and Works programs, Linux Operating System, Cisco switches and routers.
- Management System, 4%
Developed and managed standardization process, purchasing, and inventory management systems on a global and divisional level.
- Technical Issues, 3%
Established highly efficient team and developed database to better organize and address technical issues.
- DOD, 3%
Worked in a networking environment that support manufacturing of DoD contracted equipment providing security clearance procedure knowledge.
Most information systems analysts use their skills in "project management," "customer service," and "linux" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential information systems analyst responsibilities here:
Creativity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an information systems analyst to have is creativity. Their role and responsibilities require that "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." Information systems analysts often use creativity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained hris inventory and key database and managed partners housing website. "
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling information systems analyst duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." According to an information systems analyst resume, here's how information systems analysts can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "developed a java budgeting application for fiscal department with oracle and vfp data sources. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for information systems analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how information systems analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an information systems analyst: "developed hr website for better communication to employees. ".
The three companies that hire the most information systems analysts are:
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
219 information systems analysts jobs
- General Dynamics107 information systems analysts jobs
- Lockheed Martin17 information systems analysts jobs
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Information systems analyst vs. Analyst lead
The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between information systems analysts and analyst lead. For instance, information systems analyst responsibilities require skills such as "technical issues," "win10," "cycle management," and "technical support." Whereas a analyst lead is skilled in "analytics," "powerpoint," "cloud security," and "strong analytical." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Analyst leads earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $110,488. On the other hand, information systems analysts are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $92,013.The education levels that analyst leads earn slightly differ from information systems analysts. In particular, analyst leads are 6.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an information systems analyst. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information systems analyst vs. Systems integrator
In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, information systems analyst responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "win10," "hr," "cycle management," and "data analysis." Meanwhile, a systems integrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "architecture," "troubleshoot," "infrastructure," and "systems integration." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems integrators may earn a higher salary than information systems analysts, but systems integrators earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $109,258. On the other hand, information systems analysts receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $92,013.In general, systems integrators achieve similar levels of education than information systems analysts. They're 0.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for information systems analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Information systems analyst vs. Information technology specialist
An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, information systems analysts are more likely to have skills like "project management," "win10," "hr," and "cycle management." But a information technology specialist is more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "database," "system software," and "switches."
Information technology specialists earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $84,905. Comparatively, information systems analysts have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $92,013.When it comes to education, information technology specialists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to information systems analysts. In fact, they're 3.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Information systems analyst vs. Software analyst
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Types of information systems analyst
Updated January 8, 2025











