What does a senior systems analyst do?
A senior systems analyst is responsible for analyzing IT systems and networks, modifying existing systems for better optimization, and designing efficient technology systems from clients' specifications and business needs. Senior systems analysts regularly inspect the performance of the system networks, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy to support daily operations. They perform troubleshooting, upgrade network infrastructures, and maintain the highest security of the database. A senior systems analyst must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of system languages to mitigate system complexities and improve network processes.
Senior systems analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior systems analyst resumes:
- Lead teams in the conversion and upgrade of internal Lawson applications.
- Lead JAD session with developers and testers as part of the company's commitment to agile development.
- Accomplish efficient JAD sessions with management, SME, vendors and other stakeholders for open, pending and critical issues.
- Lead several key annual surveys and studies such as SME access to bank financing, real estate exposure, group exposure.
- Lead and participate in project kickoffs/JAD sessions to capture technical business requirements to drive design solutions.
- Manage data assurance activities including the design of ASC X12 EDI architectures and implementation of security solutions for electronic commerce.
- Design the automatic message system business components using VISIO.
- Maintain SOX compliance with user accounts and access permissions.
- Used SAS and other software for data management and reporting.
- Negotiate SLA's for different level of support to the client.
- Design the business entity objects and the database access components using VISIO.
- Work on issues like cross site scripting, data security and SOX compatibility.
- Generate the design and programming specifications of a new CICS real time automobile policy quotation system.
- Provide HTML and vendor specific software training when need in support of web design projects, graphic creation and design.
- Gain proficiency in the development of voice response, imaging, and document management applications as well as creating HTML pages.
Senior systems analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Senior Systems Analysts are proficient in Project Management, Java, and SQL Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Senior Systems Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 6%
Project Management of major business integration components (planning, documentation and specification writing, scheduling resources and issues management).
- Java, 5%
Developed CICS Transactions Gateway programs using Tuxedo to provide information to user friendly Java web based applications.
- SQL Server, 4%
Defined and documented data record characteristics for data modeling transition to SQL Server database load files under Web architecture.
- C++, 4%
Designed and developed C++ application to detect data inconsistency in submitted mutation information.
- C #, 4%
Developed Online CSV Protocol system using ASP.NET, C #, SQL and Web Services.
- Data Analysis, 3%
Performed in a variety of technical areas including systems development, data analysis, quality assurance, and develops systems documentation.
"project management," "java," and "sql server" are among the most common skills that senior systems analysts use at work. You can find even more senior systems analyst responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a senior systems analyst to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Additionally, a senior systems analyst resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "programmed numerous cobol modifications in the erp system to accommodate customer-specific data mapping requirements for edi. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform senior systems analyst duties is communication skills. Senior systems analysts responsibilities require 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." Senior systems analysts also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "created communication and audit process for global erp program. "
Creativity. This is an important skill for senior systems analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how senior systems analyst 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 a senior systems analyst: "task leader responsible for designing and developing budget and inventory systems for dod. ".
The three companies that hire the most senior systems analysts are:
- Crown Castle International48 senior systems analysts jobs
- Conagra Brands46 senior systems analysts jobs
- HCSC44 senior systems analysts jobs
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Compare different senior systems analysts
Senior 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.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior systems analyst responsibilities require skills like "c++," "technical support," "systems analysis," and "iterative development." Meanwhile a typical analyst lead has skills in areas such as "analytics," "customer service," "excellent interpersonal," and "powerpoint." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Analyst leads earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $110,488. On the other hand, senior systems analysts are paid more in the health care industry with an average salary of $108,296.analyst leads tend to reach similar levels of education than senior systems analysts. In fact, analyst leads are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Senior systems analyst vs. Senior systems software engineer
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior systems analyst resumes. While senior systems analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "project management," "c #," "data analysis," and "troubleshoot," senior systems software engineers use skills like "python," "software development," "architecture," and "c."
Senior systems software engineers may earn a higher salary than senior systems analysts, but senior systems software engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $125,048. On the other hand, senior systems analysts receive higher pay in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $108,296.senior systems software engineers earn similar levels of education than senior systems analysts in general. They're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior systems analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Matthew Burr
Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Elmira College
Senior systems analyst vs. Systems analyst programmer
A Systems Analyst Programmer provides technical expertise and recommendations in evaluating new IT software projects. They also indentify solutions and opportunities that can enhance the efficiency of business processes.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior systems analysts are more likely to have skills like "project management," "sql server," "data analysis," and "troubleshoot." But a systems analyst programmer is more likely to have skills like "database design," "javascript," "web application," and "software development."
Systems analyst programmers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $94,914. Senior systems analysts earn the highest pay from the health care industry, with an average salary of $108,296.Most systems analyst programmers achieve a lower degree level compared to senior systems analysts. For example, they're 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior systems analyst vs. Business systems senior analyst
Business systems senior analysts are responsible for resolving problems and requirements related to organizational information. They perform various duties that include determining operational objectives, designing computer programs, and improving business systems by designing modifications and studying current practices. Additionally, they are responsible for defining project requirements, maintaining user confidence and information confidentiality, and preparing technical reports. These professionals are also expected to maintain their knowledge by participating in professional associations or attending educational workshops. The skills and qualifications required for this position include previous work experience, software design and development, and problem-solving skills.
Types of senior systems analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
