A business analyst consultant works with clients to help them understand and document business requirements. These requirements can be part of an IT-related project or a process improvement initiative. As a business analyst, or BA, you typically work for a consulting firm that charges clients an hourly rate for your time based on a negotiated contract. A BA travels to customer sites to meet directly with clients and view business operations firsthand. You conduct surveys, perform statistical analyses and tests, make IT recommendations, suggest changes to certain processes, and create new systems.