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The HRIS Analyst: A Full...

The HRIS Analyst: A Full Guide

Written by Erik van Vulpen

5 minutes read

The HRIS analyst is a specialized role that touches on both IT and HR. In this guide, we will explain what an HRIS analyst is and what their main responsibilities and job description entails.

Content
What is an HRIS analyst?
HRIS analyst job description
HRIS analyst qualification
HRIS analyst salary
HRIS analyst certification
FAQ

What is an HRIS analyst?

An HRIS analyst occupies the unique position of being the IT and data expert in the HR field. The HRIS analyst works with the company’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS). The HRIS is a system used to collect and store data on an organization’s employees.

The HRIS manages HR data, including employee records, payroll, and time off. The HRIS analyst is in charge of maintaining the system, implementing (process) improvements, ensuring data quality, and analyzing and reporting on the data in the HRIS. The HRIS analyst is also often the go-to subject matter expert for the system used in the organization.

HRIS analyst job description

The HRIS analyst has a wide array of responsibilities that can differ per organization.

The HRIS analyst is in charge of maintaining and updating systems. With the rapid development of technology, keeping systems up to date requires an increasing amount of time.

In order to do this, the HRIS analyst should be able to translate business objectives and user needs into clearly written technical requirements. These business objectives can originate from the front-line of the organization, finance, HR, or other services. Traditionally, the management of payroll plays an important part in the HRIS analyst’s occupation.

In addition to translating business requirements, the HRIS analyst should be able to implement these requirements into existing systems or assist in choosing additional point solutions that help solve these business problems. These improvements are usually process-related improvements or policy changes that help to make the system more efficient and/or optimize the user experience.

These solutions can be implemented in the existing HRIS, or through point solutions. Where an HRIS manages many different HR processes, point solutions help to solve specific problems. They are a great tool to fix a problem or implement a new service quickly.

The HRIS analyst should also be able to manage software implementation projects. IT project management experience is therefore either a requirement or a plus. The HRIS can implement new HRIS modules or point solutions and integrate them into the bigger HR software landscape.

In addition to the above, the HRIS analyst serves as the point of contact for questions regarding the HRIS. He or she is thus the go-to subject matter expert for the system used in the organization (e.g., Workday, Oracle, or SAP).

Example job description

An example job description would look something like this. Of course, this should be adapted to the specifics of the organization.

Translate business objectives and user needs into clearly written technical requirements
Evaluate HR systems to identify points of improvement
IT project management experience to implement improvements
Partner with internal stakeholders to develop technology solutions that help to streamline and automate (new) HR processes
Implement process improvements and policy changes designed to improve efficiency and the user experience with the system
Serve as the go-to subject matter expert for the system used in the organization (e.g., Workday, Oracle, SAP)
Serve as a system administrator for HR systems and applications
Ensuring security, end-user access, and data integrity across all HR platforms
Work with HR, finance and IT to maintain and improve the HRIS, including configuration, end-user access, security, and system efficiency
Supports critical system maintenance and operational tasks within the HRIS

Interestingly, very few job descriptions include anything about reporting & analytics. Although these functionalities are often build-in, this is not the role of the HRIS analyst. Their role is more of a system admin, ensuring access, data integrity, and data security.

HRIS analyst qualification

The required qualification for the HRIS analyst will differ depending on the exact job description, the seniority of the role, and IT and project management practices in the organization. However, there are a few core qualifications for any HRIS analyst that are commonly found in a job description.

A bachelor’s (or master’s) degree in Information Technology, computer sciences, or related fields
X years of HRIS/HR system support experience required
Work experience with the HRIS used in the company (e.g., Workday, Oracle, SAP) is a plus
Experience in working in an agile delivery environment
Must understand the system development lifecycle process
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work interdependent and as part of a team

HRIS analyst salary

The HRIS analyst’s salary range differs based on location and seniority.

For example, a junior HRIS analyst in New York (NY) will have a salary ranging between $61,589 and $80,033, according to salary.com, while a senior HRIS analyst will earn between $97,695 and $127,670. Salary for the same functions in Oregon (IL) ranges between $50,142 and $65,158 and between $79,537 and $103,940 respectively.

HRIS analyst certification

There are a few HRIS analyst certification providers, the best known being the Human Resource Information Professional Certification (HRIP) provided by the International Association of Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM). For a full list of HRIS certification, check this article.

At the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) we also provide courses relevant to HRIS professionals, specifically about the identification of business issues, basic HR data analysis and visualization in Excel and Power BI, and advanced HR data science in R. These courses are highly relevant for the HRIS analyst looking to improve their business acumen, data analytics, and reporting skillset.

FAQ

What is an HRIS analyst?

The HRIS analyst is an IT expert who works with the Human Resource Information System (HRIS). The HRIS stores employee records, payroll, time off, and other data. The HRIS analyst translates business objectives into system requirements to optimize processes, improve efficiency and improve the user experience with the system. The HRIS analyst is also responsible for implementing these changes and is the go-to expert for the local HRIS (e.g., Workday, Oracle, SAP).

What does an HRIS analyst do?

The HRIS analyst translates business objectives into system requirements and implements these. This involves optimizing the efficiency or user experience of the HRIS or implementing new technical solutions. The HRIS analyst is also the go-to subject matter expert for the HR system used in the organization and works with different stakeholders to optimize HRIS configuration.

How to become an HRIS analyst?

Most HRIS analyst job openings require a bachelor’s in information technology (IT), computer sciences or related fields. Other requirements include IT project management skills, experience in agile methodologies and understanding of system development lifecycle processes.

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Erik van Vulpen

Erik van Vulpen is the founder and Dean of AIHR. He is an expert in shaping modern HR practices by bringing technological innovations into the HR context. He receives global recognition as an HR thought leader and regularly speaks on topics like People Analytics, Digital HR, and the Future of Work.