JOB PROFILE

What Is a Data & Business Analyst?

IN THIS JOB PROFILE

You Will Learn.

  • What is a Data & Business Analyst?
  • What are the responsibilities of a Data & Business Analyst? 
  • What qualifications does a Data & Business Analyst need?
  • What is the average salary of a Data & Business Analyst?
  • Who employs a Data & Business Analyst?
  • What skills does a Data & Business Analyst need?
  • Where the latest Data & Business Analyst jobs are and how to apply for them.
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What Is a Data & Business Analyst?

A Data & Business Analyst is responsible for examining and interpreting data to provide valuable insights that inform business decisions and strategies. They collect, analyse, and visualise data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improving efficiency and achieving organisational objectives. 

Moreover, they bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex data findings into actionable recommendations. 

Data & Business Analysts play a pivotal role in helping businesses harness the power of data-driven decision-making to enhance performance, optimise processes, and drive innovation in an increasingly digitised landscape.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Data & Business Analyst?

A Data & Business Analyst is a dynamic professional entrusted with a diverse range of responsibilities. They begin by meticulously collecting data from a multitude of sources, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. 

Once the data is amassed, they engage in a deep analytical process, using statistical techniques and data mining to uncover valuable insights, trends, and patterns. These insights serve as the foundation for informed decision-making within the organisation. 

Data & Business Analysts play a pivotal role in generating comprehensive reports and visualisations that effectively communicate their findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Moreover, they actively engage with business stakeholders to understand their needs, collaborating closely to translate these requirements into actionable data analysis and reporting strategies. The role also involves monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of digital strategies and initiatives. 

Data quality assurance is paramount, as they must ensure the data's accuracy and integrity through validation and cleansing processes. Leveraging data analytics tools and technologies, they extract actionable insights and develop recommendations to optimise business processes and drive efficiency.

In essence, Data & Business Analysts act as the vital bridge between data and business strategy, facilitating data-driven decision-making and enabling organisations to thrive in the digital era.


While working as a Data & Business Analyst, you will be required to:

  • Gather data from various sources, cleaning and transforming it, and performing in-depth analysis to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies.
  • Create detailed reports and visualisations that communicate key findings and facilitate data-driven decision-making within the organisation.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into data analysis and reporting requirements.
  • Track and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of digital strategies and initiatives.
  • Formulate data-backed recommendations and strategies to optimise business processes, improve efficiency, and achieve organisational goals.
  • Present complex data findings in a clear and accessible manner through charts, graphs, and dashboards to aid in comprehension.
  • Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity through rigorous data validation and cleansing processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Data & Business Analyst typically requires a blend of education and skills to excel in their role. A bachelor's degree in fields like computer science, data science, business analytics, or a related discipline is often preferred. 

Additionally, certifications in data analysis or business intelligence, such as Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) or Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), can enhance qualifications. 

Proficiency in data analysis tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation tools such as Tableau or Power BI is essential.

The average salary of a Data & Business Analyst within IT in the UK can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, industry, and the specific responsibilities of the role.

The salary for an entry-level Data & Business Analyst can range from £25,000 to £40,000 per year whereas senior analysts with extensive experience in data analysis and business strategy may earn salaries ranging from £60,000 to well over £100,000 per year.

The majority of Data & Business Analyst jobs are situated in diverse organisations throughout the IT & Digital sector in the United Kingdom. 

These professionals are highly sought after and can be commonly found in large multinational corporations spanning industries such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology, where they play a pivotal role in transforming data into actionable insights to inform strategic decisions. 

Consulting firms specialising in management and IT advisory services frequently employ Data & Business Analysts to provide analytical expertise to their clients. 

Furthermore, technology companies, including IT firms, software providers, and digital service companies, rely on these experts to optimise their own operations and assist clients in leveraging data for growth.

Government agencies and public sector organisations recognise the value of data-driven decision-making, while even nonprofit organisations increasingly employ Data & Business Analysts to maximise the impact of their initiatives.

What Skills Does a Data & Business Analyst Need?

A Data & Business Analyst requires a diverse skill set to effectively bridge the gap between technical data analysis and business strategy. Firstly, strong analytical skills are paramount, encompassing the ability to collect, clean, and interpret complex data sets using tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualisation software. 

Proficiency in statistical analysis and data modelling techniques is crucial for deriving actionable insights.

In addition to technical skills, excellent communication is essential. Analysts must translate data findings into meaningful business recommendations, making it imperative to convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. 

Collaboration skills are also pivotal as they often work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, marketers, and executives.

Domain knowledge in IT and Digital is vital, as understanding industry-specific trends, technologies, and regulations can inform data-driven decisions effectively. 

Adaptability and a penchant for continuous learning are required, given the rapidly evolving nature of the digital landscape.

Finally, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities enable Data & Business Analysts to identify opportunities for optimisation, growth, and risk mitigation within an organisation, making them indispensable in the modern data-driven business world.


Key skills of a Data & Business Analyst include: 

  • Data analysis - Proficiency in data collection, cleaning, and analysis using tools like Python, R, SQL, or data analytics platforms.
  • Statistical skills - An understanding of statistical techniques and methodologies to interpret data accurately.
  • Data visualisation - The ability to create clear and compelling visualisations using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualisation software.
  • Business acumen - A deep understanding of business processes and objectives to align data insights with organisational goals.
  • Problem-solving - Strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, trends, and opportunities within datasets.
  • Communication - Effective communication skills to convey complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
  • Technical proficiency - Familiarity with database management systems, data warehousing, and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.

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