Finance Analyst Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a finance analyst. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a finance analyst.
Who Is a Finance Analyst?
Finance Analysts are one of the most in-demand professions in the financial services industry. A finance analyst’s primary responsibility is to sift through data in order to identify opportunities or assess outcomes for corporate choices or investment recommendations. Finance analysts can work at all levels of a company, from junior to senior, and it’s a niche that often leads to other opportunities.
To develop predictions regarding businesses, sectors, and industries, financial analysts study macroeconomic and microeconomic situations as well as company fundamentals. They frequently make recommendations, such as purchasing or selling a company’s shares, depending on the company’s overall performance and outlook.
An analyst must be up to date on current events in their industry, as well as prepare financial models to forecast future economic circumstances for a variety of variables.
Finance analysts do not all analyze the stock or bond markets or assist their employers with investment decisions. Companies may also hire an analyst to examine numerical data to determine the cost-effectiveness of various marketing strategies. Finance analysts who track individual franchisees or groups of franchises within a geographic region are common in businesses that use the franchise model. Analysts figure out where the strengths and weaknesses are and profit from it.
Finance Analyst Job Description
Below are the finance analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Monitor operational KPIs, financial forecasting, and reporting are tasks to accomplish.
- Create financial models for decision assistance by analyzing financial data.
- Prepare frequent leadership reviews by reporting on financial performance.
- Analyze previous data, perform variance analysis, detect trends, and offer improvement recommendations.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting by working closely with the accounting staff.
- Compare and analyze actual results with plans and forecasts while evaluating financial performance.
- Establish and enforce policies and processes that guide the cost analysis process.
- Make recommendations for improvement based on trend and forecast analyses.
- Recommend actions based on data analysis and interpretation, as well as comparison analyses; research proposed method, and material improvements.
- Create standard and ad-hoc reports, tools, and Excel dashboards, as well as identify and promote process changes.
- Develop automated reporting/forecasting solutions to boost productivity.
- Create forecasts and models on a solid financial analytical foundation.
Practically every job description for a financial analyst mentions Microsoft Excel proficiency; experience with data query/data management technologies is also incredibly beneficial (Access, SQL, Business Objects)
Qualifications
- 0-3 years of experience in company finance or a related field
- Financial modeling strategies are something you should know if you want to be successful.
- Excel formulae and functions are second nature to you.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics (BA, BS, or B.Com) is necessary.
- Analytical and data-gathering abilities
- Business sense is important.
Highly preferred qualifications are:
- 3-5 years of experience in company finance or a related field
- MBAs are put you ahead of other candidates.
- Major areas such as finance, accounting, economics, and statistics are preferred.
- FMVA or similar designations are preferred.
- Proven job experience in a role that requires a lot of numbers
- Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills
- Self-motivated individual with strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Excel expertise is required.
Essential Skills
- Communication abilities
This skill set relates to a soft talent that can be used in a wide range of careers; nevertheless, in the financial industry, it can be a critical component of skill development. Interpersonal skills can help finance analysts engage with colleagues and investors, interpret nonverbal communication cues, present projects, and collaborate with teammates on analytical assignments. Finance analysts must have strong communication skills because they have a direct impact on interpersonal abilities. As a finance analyst, effective communication can entail being direct when sending emails, leaving phone messages, communicating with an investor about crucial financial facts, and managing professional and business relationships using nonverbal communication.
- Ability to solve problems
This could entail effectively solving financial equations or resolving a company’s debt concerns. Similarly, an analyst’s ability to come up with inventive solutions to financial challenges that occur may have an impact on a company’s potential to attract investors.
- Knowledge in accounting
Accounting skills can include any broad knowledge you’ll need to work effectively in the finance industry. Accounting principles, standards, and techniques, as well as budgeting, cost analysis and reduction, managing cash flow and a general ledger, reconciling bank statements, and a basic understanding of accounting programs and the mathematical formulas used in these calculations, are all examples of general accounting skills.
- Ability to use technology
Finance analysts frequently use sophisticated accounting and bookkeeping software, and prior experience with systems such as Hyperion, SAP, SQL, QuickBooks, and other software packages can be extremely useful in this sector. Technical abilities can also include the ability to learn new software or tools that a financial analyst may need to perform effectively.
- Ability to lead and manage
Finance analysts may be in control of entire finance departments or teams on occasion, and an employer may require good leadership qualities. Many managers may possess qualities such as effective team communication, professional mentorship, and leading collaboration.
- Organizing abilities
Finance analysts may be needed to maintain track of financial data as well as current company operations, therefore this soft skill might be beneficial. Being able to arrange an organization’s records, information, numbers, and financial data is a valuable ability.
- Analytical abilities
An effective finance analyst has the capacity to anticipate, plan, prioritize, rank, and spot financial difficulties. A finance analyst who possesses these talents may assess and solve problems by using strategic planning and analysis of financial resources, markets, and products to assist their firm in making solid financial decisions.
- Knowledge of finance
A financial analyst’s capacity to comprehend financial circumstances, often known as financial literacy, is another soft skill required of them. Financial analysts can benefit from the knowledge of current financial events such as the current investment market, interest rates among lenders, and other financial current events.
- Ability to think critically
Problem-solving and critical thinking are two talents that are frequently combined. Finance analysts may need to have strong critical-thinking abilities to assist them to locate the finest assets for their firm, deciding whether to sell an asset or purchase new financial software to help their company keep track of its finances. Essentially, a finance analyst must be able to think through financial issues before making major judgments in order to be successful in the work.
How to become a Finance Analyst
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
A future finance analyst’s first step in achieving his or her ambitions is frequently earning a bachelor’s degree. While general economics, statistics, and other related courses may be useful in the subject of financial analysis, a more focused degree may be preferable. A Bachelor of Science in Financial Services, for example, is a good choice for people who want to work in financial analysis.
- Obtain certifications and licenses
Many bachelor’s degree holders begin their careers in accountancy, investment banking, or banking. While extra qualifications may not be required at the start of a professional’s career, many professionals gain licenses and designations later on.
To protect consumers from fraudulent or unfair acts, any corporation or company selling financial goods must follow strict standards. Some finance analyst careers require selling financial products, therefore licensure is a vital aspect of how to become a financial analyst, depending on your state. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) mandates that all organizations that fall under its jurisdiction register and follow its rules. These stipulate that financial analysts must be FINRA-licensed. As a result, many businesses prefer financial analysts who are already licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Employers frequently advise finance analysts to acquire the CFA Institute’s Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) certificate. While it is not required by law, this additional credential can help financial analysts succeed in their careers. Even if new finance analysts do not meet the requirements for certification right away, they can work toward it while gaining experience in the sector.
The following are the prerequisites for the Chartered Finance Analyst certificate, according to BLS:
– A finance or accounting bachelor’s degree is required.
– Four years of qualifying job experience is required.
– The three CFA Institute tests must be passed in order to graduate.
- Obtain on-the-job experience
To become a financial analyst, it’s clear that you’ll need a good education as well as the necessary qualifications and certifications. Beyond these phases, potential financial analysts should gain as much work experience in the financial business as possible and work their way up.
When employing potential financial analysts, firms do look for appropriate work experience. Job seekers with experience in finance, economics, or accounting may have a significant advantage over others.
- Obtain an accounting master’s degree (Optional)
While on-the-job experience is required, finance analysts can supplement their resumes with other qualifications. Obtaining a master’s degree is a popular choice for many people who want to better their expertise and pique the interest of potential employers. A Master of Science in Accounting degree is an optional step that may help analysts stand out in the job market. A general master of business administration is pursued by many professionals (MBA).
Students typically need 30 to 60 credits in addition to a bachelor’s degree to achieve a master’s degree in accounting. Advanced auditing, advanced financial accounting and reporting, managerial methodologies, strategic analysis, and other relevant disciplines are among the topics covered in this graduate degree program.
- Get a Job
After earning a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, you can look for jobs as a junior finance analyst or as an entry-level financial analyst. These positions are frequently supervised by an experienced analyst who will teach you the ropes of the industry. Analyzing revenue statements, managing files, processing financial statements for clients, and analyzing plans and predictions are all responsibilities you’ll experience in these professions. While junior analysts may be able to develop, advancement usually necessitates obtaining a certification or obtaining a master’s degree.
Where to Work as a Finance Analyst
Investment Banks
Investment banking analysts are frequently involved in analyzing if particular corporate transactions, such as initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), are possible based on corporate fundamentals. Analysts evaluate current financial conditions and rely largely on modeling and forecasting to give recommendations on whether a particular merger is good for an investment bank’s client or whether a customer should invest venture money in a company.
Banks
Local banks and huge financial institutions are fully aware that their industry is risky. As a result, financial analysts are most commonly employed by banks. They employ their financial knowledge and research abilities to assess lending risk, among other things. They also assist banks in identifying new investment opportunities.
Insurance Companies
Insurance is another area that is well-versed in risk. Financial analysts in this field can assist businesses in screening applications and assessing claims. They assist insurers in managing risk and providing consumers with the appropriate policies by creating accurate cash flow models and delivering market trend reports.
Industries
Financial advisors are used by nearly every industry, from manufacturing to technology to consumer goods. An expert analyst can assess a company’s financial performance and provide guidance on everything from operational improvements to product launches. Analysts in this position are often expected to generate reports and make suggestions to management on financial matters. Working for a company as a corporate financial analyst has the advantage of allowing you to work in an area or organization that you are passionate about.
Government
Government agencies, particularly those specializing in macroeconomics, are always in need of financial analysts. By studying data and economic patterns, professionals in these jobs aid government investments. Analysts are occasionally called upon to assist in the detection of fraud and other criminal behavior, which makes this sector distinct.
Finance Analyst Salary Scale
A Finance Analyst in Nigeria earns roughly 427,000 NGN per month on average. Salaries range from 205,000 NGN to 670,000 NGN (lowest to highest) (highest).
Salary for Financial Analysts varies greatly depending on experience, skills, gender, and region.
As of November 29, 2021, the average Finance Analyst I salary in the United States was $60,486; however, the range frequently ranges between $54,997 and $66,741. Schooling, certifications, supplemental abilities, and the number of years you’ve worked in your area all go into salary ranges.