Financial Analyst
On this page
- What's it like to be a Financial Analyst?
- How to become a Financial Analyst
- Latest Financial Analyst jobs
- Top skills and experience for Financial Analysts
What's it like to be a Financial Analyst?
A Financial Analyst is in charge of making financial forecasts for a company, tracking metrics and modelling business outcomes. A Financial Analyst may also analyse data to identify potential business opportunities, and create financial reports that include a company’s financial performance and financial risks. This information helps advise senior management, such as executives, to make logical business decisions.
Tasks and duties
- Analysing financial data for potential business opportunities.
- Forecasting financial trends based on performance metrics.
- Creating financial reports and presenting them to senior management.
- Modelling business outcomes and projecting financial risk.
- Helping financial teams review data in making major financial decisions.
- Helping senior management evaluate business records and investment plans.
- Developing strategies that minimise financial risk.
How to become a Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts need good analytical skills. A university degree in finance, accounting, business, or mathematics may be preferred by hirers.
- 1.
Graduate with a university degree, preferably in any of the following fields: finance, accountancy, economics, mathematics, or business.
- 2.
Consider completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to get promoted to a senior-level position.
- 3.
Look into certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) that can help you gain a competitive edge in employment, as well as reinforcing your credibility with clients.