The document discusses the role of a business analyst (BA). It states that a BA is a valuable person able to function competently in diverse roles due to their broad background and diverse skill set. A BA can understand business from different perspectives as well as the technological side. The key skills of a BA include business planning, systems analysis, project management, subject expertise, organization analysis, financial analysis, technology architecture, data analysis, application analysis, application design, and process analysis. Central BA roles involve business analysis planning, elicitation, requirements management, communication, enterprise analysis, requirements analysis, solution assessment, and validation. A BA helps stakeholders achieve a shared understanding of organizational needs to make recommendations and move the organization forward.