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Systems Analyst Jobs in the UK: Roles, Skills, and Career Overview (2026)
06/02/2026
Systems Analyst Jobs in the UK (2026): Roles, Skills, and Labour Market Overview
Systems analyst jobs play a foundational role in the UK’s technology ecosystem by connecting business needs with IT systems, applications, and infrastructure. These roles focus on analysing organisational requirements, improving workflows, and supporting enterprise systems such as ERP platforms, databases, and integration tools.
This article provides a structured overview of systems analyst roles in the UK, including job responsibilities, technical domains, skill requirements, and employment patterns.
What Is a Systems Analyst?
A systems analyst evaluates, designs, and improves technology systems used within organisations. These professionals assess business processes, identify inefficiencies, and help implement technology solutions aligned with operational needs.
Typical systems analyst functions include:
- Analysing existing IT systems and workflows
- Gathering and documenting technical and business requirements
- Supporting system upgrades, integrations, and migrations
- Maintaining ERP, CRM, and business platforms
- Supporting data accuracy, reporting, and system optimisation
Systems analysts often act as intermediaries between business stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring systems align with organisational objectives.
Types of Systems Analyst Roles in the UK
The systems analyst category includes several specialised job titles depending on domain and technology stack.
1. Business Systems Analyst
These roles focus on enterprise platforms such as:
- ERP systems (Oracle Fusion, Kerridge, SAP)
- Financial management systems
- Reporting and analytics tools like Power BI
Responsibilities include system configuration, workflow improvement, and reporting support.
- Application Systems Analyst
These analysts support business applications, including:
- Internal enterprise software
- Customer-facing applications
- Integration systems using APIs
They provide application support, system troubleshooting, and integration management.
- Data and Reporting Systems Analyst
These roles focus on:
- SQL queries and database management
- Data validation and reporting
- Analytics dashboards and business intelligence tools
They help organisations generate insights from structured data.
- Systems Migration Analyst
Migration analysts manage data transfer between systems, ensuring:
- Data integrity
- Compatibility between platforms
- Smooth transition from legacy systems to modern environments
- ERP Systems Analyst
ERP analysts specialise in enterprise resource planning platforms such as:
- Oracle Fusion ERP
- SAP
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Industry-specific ERP solutions
These analysts configure modules, support integration, and optimise workflows.
Key Responsibilities of Systems Analysts
Systems analyst roles typically involve both technical and operational functions.
Core technical responsibilities
- System analysis and troubleshooting
- SQL query writing and data analysis
- Integration using APIs and middleware
- ERP system support and configuration
- System testing and validation
Business-facing responsibilities
- Gathering stakeholder requirements
- Creating system documentation
- Supporting system implementations
- Providing training to system users
- Ensuring system performance and reliability
Technical Skills Commonly Required
Systems analyst roles frequently involve a combination of technical and analytical skills.
Common technical tools and platforms
Databases
- SQL
- Oracle Database
Enterprise platforms
- SAP
- Oracle Fusion ERP
- Microsoft Dynamics
Reporting and analytics tools
- Power BI
- BI Publisher
- SSRS
Integration technologies
- APIs (REST, SOAP)
- Integration platforms
Cloud and infrastructure
- Microsoft Azure
- Office 365 systems
Industries Hiring Systems Analysts in the UK
Systems analysts are employed across multiple industries, including:
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Professional services
- Government organisations
- Retail and logistics
- Technology and consulting firms
These roles support critical systems used for operations, finance, reporting, and service delivery.
Entry-Level vs Experienced Systems Analyst Roles
Entry-level roles
Entry-level systems analyst jobs may involve:
- Supporting ERP systems
- Running reports
- Data validation and analysis
- Assisting with system testing
These roles often provide pathways into broader IT careers.
Experienced roles
Experienced analysts may handle:
- System architecture support
- Integration design
- Stakeholder coordination
- Platform migrations
- Business process optimisation
These positions typically require several years of systems or application experience.
Employment Patterns and Work Environments
Systems analyst roles in the UK commonly follow these work structures:
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Office-based enterprise environments
- Contract and permanent positions
- Project-based assignments
Systems analysts often collaborate with developers, IT support teams, and business departments.
Career Progression Pathways
Systems analyst roles may lead to several related positions:
- Senior Systems Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Technical Consultant
- IT Project Manager
- Solutions Architect
- Enterprise Architect
These career paths reflect increasing responsibility in system design and enterprise IT strategy.
Labour Market Context
The demand for systems analysts is influenced by:
- Enterprise digital transformation
- Migration from legacy systems
- ERP adoption
- Data-driven decision-making
- Automation and integration initiatives
Organisations require analysts to maintain and optimise complex technology environments.
Conclusion
Systems analyst jobs remain an essential component of the UK IT workforce. These professionals help organisations evaluate, improve, and manage enterprise systems across industries. The role combines technical knowledge, analytical skills, and business understanding to support system efficiency and operational performance.
As organisations continue adopting enterprise software, cloud systems, and integrated platforms, systems analyst roles remain central to technology operations.
FAQs
What does a systems analyst do?
A systems analyst evaluates IT systems, gathers requirements, and helps improve technology solutions used by organisations.
What skills are required for systems analyst jobs?
Common skills include SQL, ERP platforms, reporting tools, integration technologies, and analytical problem-solving.
What industries hire systems analysts?
Systems analysts work across finance, government, retail, consulting, and technology sectors.
Is systems analyst a technical role?
Yes, systems analyst roles combine technical system knowledge with business process analysis.
What is the difference between a systems analyst and business analyst?
Systems analysts focus more on IT systems and technical infrastructure, while business analysts focus more on business processes and requirements.
