How the Business Analysis role has become more critical as pay rates increase

The role of Business Analysis becomes more business critical as rates of pay increase According to leading Business Analysis recruitment specialists Certes Analysis Resources, the BA and Business Change role is continuing to increase in profile and importance across all sectors of business and the public sector. Research carried out by Certes concludes that there has been consistent and ongoing growth in the average daily rates and the average annual salaries earned by Business Analysts over the last two years.

Commenting on the research Lawrence Darvill of Certes said; ìThere has been much talk about the increasing profile of the Business Analyst role, and the BA community have been pushing for a long time for recognition of Business Analysis as a ëProfessioní. But perhaps the burning question on every BAís lips right now is, does the increased commercial importance and scope that this role is now commanding reflect in potential levels of earnings? From our research the answer would appear to be yesî. Darvill continues ìWe looked back over the last 2 years and found that between April 2004 and January 2007 BA salaries have risen by 11% and BA contract rates by a resounding 22%. In real terms this makes for an extra 4,000 per annum for permanently employed BAís and 80 per day increase on BA contractor rates.î

Until recently, the BA role has been considered by some as the poor relation of the Project Manager, in terms of status and earnings potential. But Certesí research shows that on average BA contract rates have overtaken average Project Manager rates by 7% over the last 2 years, particularly during the second half of 2006.

When asked to comment on the reasons behind this growth Darvill concluded ìThe Business Analysis role is fast merging with the whole task of Business Change, and we are seeing many businesses placing the BA role as the leading force behind their business critical and business performance critical change projects. Weíre also seeing more and more businesses now choosing to handle their Change projects in-house, where traditionally they might have outsourced to the big4 consultancies and this increased demand for highly skilled Business Analysts is pushing rates up, as skills become harder to find.î

Certes research was supported by information supplied by www.ITjobswatch.co.uk.

Certes Analysis Resources regularly conducts research into the Business Analysis staffing market, which is included, along with commentary on the profession, in their regular publication, they also host a bi annual seminar on the current issues facing the profession.