What does an information systems consultant do?
Information system consultants, sometimes known as information system analysts, design and manage an organization's information system. They have to develop policies and procedures for information systems. In most organizations, they play an advisory role on issues such as security, quality assurance, and system expansion. However, they also have to analyze computer system capability specifications, procedures, and issues with automating or upgrading existing systems.
Information systems consultant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information systems consultant resumes:
- Create proposals and lead a team of 15 consultants to train and coach new ERP team members.
- Implement GE Centricity EMR software on a VMware virtual server network and manage all hardware and software.
- Manage and complete VMWare migration project with iSLA savings of $258K in '08 and $941K in '09.
- Collaborate with customer on defect prioritization and manage resource allocation during system test and UAT.
- Support and enhance replacement tracking system on mainframe in COBOLII, DB2.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and analyze computer relate issues.
- Evaluate ERP system suppliers and tutor staff on new accounting system procedures
- Address laundry list of outstanding problems with the MSA payroll and personnel system.
- Clean up and rewrite much of the front end HTML to meet validation requirements.
- Analyze business requirements to ensure client's needs are met by the ETL design.
- Design and code batch process using COBOL to extract financial information and feed DB2 database.
- Evaluate formal and informal operating systems; MVS, Unix, MS/DOS, and manual systems.
- Train users to develop and maintain their own Microsoft SharePoint applications for use with their projects.
- Create HCM, payroll, benefits and timekeeping reports, upon request, using various ADP applications.
- Develop UNIX scripts to call store procedures for generating financial reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Information systems consultant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 35% of Information Systems Consultants are proficient in Data Analysis, Cycle Management, and Business Process. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Information Systems Consultants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Analysis, 35%
Developed MS Access application providing custom data analysis and reporting for use in purchasing and operational decisions.
- Cycle Management, 14%
Monitor property accountability procedures for replenishment and life cycle management equipment.
- Business Process, 13%
Created annual information systems plans and budgets for clients, and re-engineered their business processes to better utilize information systems technology.
- Project Management, 10%
Provided technical and strategic consulting services for Value Added Retailers software conversion effort along with Project Management techniques.
- Data Warehouse, 2%
Designed, developed and implemented the telemarketing leads administration system data warehouse using Oracle 8i warehouse tools.
- SQL Server, 2%
Integrated web-input form web-application to SQL Server using stored procedures, and callable RMI methods and objects.
Most information systems consultants use their skills in "data analysis," "cycle management," and "business process" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential information systems consultant responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an information systems consultant to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what information systems consultants do because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Additionally, an information systems consultant resume shows how information systems consultants use analytical skills: "work closely with internet team to develop applications/solutions to facilitate hr related data collection from the intranet. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling information systems consultant duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." According to an information systems consultant resume, here's how information systems consultants can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "conducted verification testing for cms 1000 ver.1.02, which added ethernet sub initiated communications capability to the software package. "
Creativity. This is an important skill for information systems consultants to perform their duties. For an example of how information systems consultant responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an information systems consultant: "developed unix scripts that automated the process for posting inventory transactions for general ledger. ".
The three companies that hire the most information systems consultants are:
- Cigna3 information systems consultants jobs
- Booz Allen Hamilton2 information systems consultants jobs
- Occidental Petroleum2 information systems consultants jobs
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Compare different information systems consultants
Information systems consultant vs. Senior consultant, information technology
A senior consultant of information technology is primarily responsible for developing strategies and procedures to optimize a company's information technology systems and infrastructure. It is their duty to assess existing networks and systems to identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop solutions in problem areas, perform risk assessments, and provide advice on how to achieve the best information technology practices. Furthermore, as a senior consultant, it is essential to lead the efforts and serve as a role model for the workforce, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information systems consultant are more likely to require skills like "cycle management," "lan wan," "software applications," and "c++." On the other hand, a job as a senior consultant, information technology requires skills like "architecture," "client facing," "healthcare," and "shared services." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Senior consultants, information technology really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $117,869. Comparatively, information systems consultants tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $101,816.senior consultants, information technology tend to reach higher levels of education than information systems consultants. In fact, senior consultants, information technology are 5.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Information systems consultant vs. Consultant/team lead
Consultant team leads analyze background documentation, project documents, financial reports, etc., to prepare an initial report about the projects they are working on. They gather data through interviews, research, and surveys to design proposals meant to create an inclusive environment for everyone. These leaders work with clients to improve their organization's performance by coordinating their teams and identifying their needs. They also lead a team of consultants and discuss the techniques that help their clients improve their quality of living.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that information systems consultant responsibilities requires skills like "data analysis," "cycle management," "lan wan," and "software applications." But a consultant/team lead might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "product knowledge," "liaising," and "bi."
Consultants/team lead earn a lower average salary than information systems consultants. But consultants/team lead earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $112,433. Additionally, information systems consultants earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $101,816 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Consultants/team lead tend to reach similar levels of education than information systems consultants. In fact, they're 3.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for information systems consultants in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Brian Simmons
Associate Provost, Columbia International University
Information systems consultant vs. Systems manager
A systems manager is responsible for monitoring the operations of the information technology department, evaluating staff performance, developing strategic procedures to maximize productivity, and identifying business opportunities that would generate more revenues and profitability for the company. Systems managers inspect company networks to ensure the efficiency of the technology systems, conducting regular diagnostic tests, and installing upgrades to boost optimization. A systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command in programming languages and system codes to maintain the security of the company's database.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, information systems consultants are more likely to have skills like "data analysis," "cycle management," "business process," and "data warehouse." But a systems manager is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "patients," "data entry," and "client facing."
Systems managers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $116,351. Comparatively, information systems consultants have the highest earning potential in the health care industry, with an average salary of $101,816.Most systems managers achieve a similar degree level compared to information systems consultants. For example, they're 3.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information systems consultant vs. Systems analyst
A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.
Types of information systems consultant
Updated January 8, 2025
