Other possible titles for this position
- Computer analyst
- Computer consultant
Description of the functional analyst job
The functional analyst can work for computer consulting firms, telecommunications companies, private sector computer departments or be self-employed. Their job involves proposing computer solutions to clients after analyzing their needs and system architecture. In addition to technical skills, functional analysts must have excellent communication skills and project management experience.
Main duties of the functional analyst
- Define user needs
- Write functional files
- Supervise programmers
- Take part in integration testing
- Train users
- Participate in the development of change requests
Education required to be a functional analyst
- A bachelor’s degree in computers or business data processing is recommended
- Two years’ professional experience is often required
Skills
Have experience in the following:
- Analysis methods and languages such as UML
- Relational databases and SQL programming
- Web-based architectures
- Development tools (Microsoft .Net, Java, Oracle)
- Operating systems (Windows, Unix and Linux)
- Proficiency in computer project management
Qualities
- Excellent analytical skills
- Understanding of technological issues
- Good communication skills and ability to simplify
- Team spirit
- Writing skills
- Ability to manage priorities and handle stress
Career path
The functional analyst can start by working on more complex projects, and then move up to project manager or functional architect.