HRIS Specialist vs. HRIS Analyst: What Are the Differences?

A career in human resources can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re interested in working in HR, you may be wondering what the difference is between an HRIS specialist and an HRIS analyst. Both of these positions are responsible for managing HR data, but they have different duties and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast these two HR roles, and we provide information on what you can expect from each position.

What is an HRIS Specialist?

An HRIS Specialist is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of an organization’s human resources information system (HRIS). They work closely with HR staff to ensure that data is entered correctly and in a timely manner. They also generate reports and analytics to help HR professionals make data-driven decisions about employee recruitment, retention, and development. In addition, HRIS Specialists may provide training to new users of the HRIS, develop user manuals and documentation, and troubleshoot system issues.

What is an HRIS Analyst?

An HRIS Analyst is responsible for the maintenance and management of an organization’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS). They work with HR and IT staff to ensure that the HRIS is functioning properly and meets the needs of the organization. The HRIS Analyst is responsible for maintaining accurate employee data, developing and running reports, and training users on the system. They may also be involved in developing and implementing new features or functionality for the HRIS.

HRIS Specialist vs. HRIS Analyst

Here are the main differences between an HRIS specialist and an HRIS analyst.

Job Duties

One of the major differences between an HRIS specialist and an HRIS analyst is the type of job duties they have. An HRIS specialist has more advanced job duties than an HRIS analyst. As a specialist, they are able to use the information they collect to make strategic decisions that help improve the overall effectiveness of the human resources department.

An HRIS analyst performs basic job duties, such as data entry and answering users’ questions about the system. They also assist the HRIS specialist with projects by collecting information and providing support.

Job Requirements

HRIS specialists and HRIS analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or another related field. They also need to have experience working with HR software and databases. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many HRIS specialists and HRIS analysts pursue certifications through the American Society for Human Resource Management (ASHRM) or the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IAHRIM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use HR software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Healthcare analysts work in a variety of environments, depending on the healthcare organization they work for. Some may work in hospitals or other medical facilities, while others may work in offices and cubicles. They may also travel to different locations to meet with patients and healthcare professionals.

Hris specialists typically work in an office environment where they can use technology to access patient records and perform their duties. However, some specialists may work in outpatient care centers or nursing homes.

Skills

Both HRIS specialists and analysts use a variety of skills in their jobs, such as data entry, data analysis and customer service. However, there are some key differences in the skills each position uses.

HRIS specialists typically have strong data entry skills, as they are responsible for inputting employee information into HR systems. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with employees to collect this data. HRIS analysts use these same skills, but they also need to be able to analyze data to identify trends and issues. This might involve using Excel or other data analysis software. Additionally, HRIS analysts may need to create reports or presentations to communicate their findings to others in the organization.

Salary

The average salary for an HRIS specialist is $65,940 per year, while the average salary for an HRIS analyst is $77,346 per year. Both of these positions may see their salaries vary depending on the size of the company at which they work, their location and their level of experience.