Financial Analyst Career Path Options

Where would the global economy be without financial analysts? Luckily, we never have to find out. Financial analysts play a vital role in the finance and investment industry. They are instrumental in procuring, managing and analysing financial data to create the best strategic plans for clients and companies. If it is your dream to venture down this career path as a financial analyst, you should know that ‘financial analyst’ is an umbrella term for various job profiles. You can choose to be a rating analyst, risk analyst, portfolio manager or fund manager.

Whatever option you choose, the work-related challenges will be consistent. You should be up-to-date on various domestic and international market occurrences. You will be required to have the technical and soft skills to carry out several tasks. So are you ready to know more about your future career options?

Financial Analyst Career Path Options

1. Risk Analyst

David was on the career path of a financial analyst when he became a risk analyst with HSBC Bank. He was chosen because of his sharp mind and keen awareness of business as well as industry developments. His job required him to put his analytical skills to the extreme test. He was responsible for identifying various risk factors in the markets while reducing the potential for financial loss. It is a tricky balance. Most high-reward investments come with high risks. But a sharp risk analyst like David knows how to help companies make sustainable investments.

Key responsibilities:

• Keep track of market trends and conditions
• Analyse data received through research
• Work with clients to ensure they understand the nuances of the investment industry
• Understand the specific requirements of the company or client

Qualifications needed:

You need to certify in one or more of the following credentials:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance or economics
• BBA in risk management
• MBA in finance or risk management
• CFA
• FRM

Skills:

• Good communication skills
• Finance Literacy
• Analytical thinking
• Numeracy proficiency
• Investigative abilities

Approximate annual salaries:

Source: glassdoor.co.in

Also Read – Top 9 Skills for a Financial Analyst To Reach Peak Potential

2. Fund Manager

Meet Karina. She has recently joined JP Morgan as a fund manager. It is a commonly chosen career path for financial analysts. Her job is to manage company funds for various trading activities. She is directly responsible for overseeing the performance of assets and funds, using her expertise to ensure they meet the required financial goals. As a chartered financial analyst, Karina is well-versed in how the industry works. She understands key concepts and related metrics that affect the value of an asset. Using her in-depth knowledge and skills, she can successfully manoeuvre through the complexities of the financial markets and economic trends to make strategic decisions.

Key responsibilities:

• Research viable investment opportunities and study market trends
• Pick the right assets for investments
• Monitor funds and other assets
• Carry out due diligence and comply with official regulations

Qualifications needed:

• Bachelor’s or MBA degree in finance, economics or business
• Financial analyst certifications
• CFA
• CFP

Approximate annual salaries:

source: ambition box.com

Why not pursue a Gold Standard In Finance – Chartered Financial Analyst & get a job just after passing CFA Level 1

3. Rating Analyst

Jatin is a rating analyst who has put his analytical skills to good use at S&P Global. His job is to investigate and assess various entities for their debt servicing abilities and financial stability. He carries out an analysis of companies and industries to arrive at an authentic credit rating, which gives the debt industry more transparency and integrity. It is a good career path for financial analysts who want to work in sectors like insurance and retail banking.

Key responsibilities:

• Assess the company’s sales, track record, future growth and other market factors.
• Read financial statements and reports to evaluate the fiscal conditions.
• Monitor the current economic situation to create predictions for the future.
• Look for viable investment possibilities within the market.

Qualifications needed:

• Bachelor’s or MBA degree in business or finance
• CFA

Approximate annual salaries:

Source: glassdoor.co.in

Also Read – 10 Game-Changing Ways Financial Analytics Boosts Businesses

4. Portfolio Manager

This is a very lucrative career path for financial analysts. When Priya joined Citigroup as a portfolio manager, she knew she would be working with a team of analysts and researchers to analyse various investment opportunities. She has a keen understanding of how the industry works and can assess various market movements and financial developments. Her job is challenging and competitive, as she has to make informed decisions and build a strong portfolio for her clients.

Key responsibilities:

• Analyse and pinpoint specific investment possibilities for the client.
• Implement strategies and actions that match the client’s needs.
• Decide when to buy or sell investments and assets.
• Create a diverse portfolio with minimal risk factors.

Qualifications needed:

• Bachelor’s or MBA degree in business or finance
• CFA
• CFP

Approximate annual salaries:

source: payscale.com

Confused about how to become a successful Financial Analyst with six figure salary?

Skills needed to be a financial analyst

1. Accounting skills

If you want to be in finance, you should have basic accounting skills such as knowledge of the national and international standards, codes, and regulations. You are also required to know how to calculate budgets, read financial statements and other accounting techniques.

2. Communication skills

The career path of a financial analyst requires good communication skills to convey your advice and recommendations. While you may work mostly with numbers, you need to be fluent and articulate when making presentations to clients and companies. This is an important skill, so ensure you work on it as much as your financial analyst certification.

3. Problem solving skills

You have to be a problem solver to be in this business. There are a number of challenges that arise when you are on the career path to becoming a financial analyst. You will need to use your expertise to create suitable solutions that benefit the clients and involve minimum risk.

4. Technical skills

Financial analysts must know how to use software systems such as Excel, SQL, SAP and Hyperion. As advancements are made within the finance sector, you need to update your skill set and ensure you are on the cutting edge of technology.

5. Financial literacy

When you are on the career path of a financial analyst, you need to have the ability to understand the nuances of the finance industry. You should be able to decode various financial situations and events. You also need to understand terminology and concepts which are unique to this world.

About the CFA course

Over 190,000 professionals around the world have chosen the career path of financial analyst through the CFA program. This prestigious designation carries great value in the finance field. CFA students are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum and in-depth skills training that gives them an edge in a highly competitive industry. As a chartered financial analyst, you get the opportunity to work with some of the biggest international companies and steadily rise the corporate ladder.

• The syllabus includes subjects like portfolio management, quantitative methods, ethics & professional standards and derivatives.
• Many CFA students go on to work in high-profile destinations and senior leadership roles.
• The program gives you the tools and training to take on the complex challenges of the investment sector.

About the Financial Analytics course

The digitisation of the business and finance world has led to the rise of data-centric technologies. For those who have taken on the career path of financial analyst, it is in your best interest to learn more about financial analytics. The course teaches various data-centric tools and technologies that help solve business problems, predict financial trends and create better opportunities in investment services. It will help you gain a deeper understanding of data interpretation so that you can make strategic financial decisions.

• The course includes data-oriented tools such as Python, MS Excel, SQL, Tableau and PowerBi.
• You learn how to deal with industry challenges from real-world case studies.
• It is a 3-month course that perfectly complements your MBA, CFA, CFP or any other finance qualification.

How Proschool can help your career path as a financial analyst

Ranked among the top coaching institutes in India, Proschool offers many professional courses, including the CFA program and financial analytics.

The staff has industry leaders and experts who can efficiently coach students and train them for finance-related jobs. Students are taught through active learning methods and industry-centric projects. Proschool also ensures they develop life skills and professional etiquette. If you want to be a future-ready financial analyst, Proschool ensures you achieve your goal.

Course details:

• You can take the CFA course or financial analytics program in a classroom set-up or online.
• Additional resources such as mock tests, e-videos, practice papers and prep books are available.
• Proschool has an active placement program that connects certified students with recruiters in the industry.
• Students also sit for mock interviews and are taught resume writing skills.

FAQs

How do you become a financial analyst?

You need a bachelor’s degree to join entry-level jobs in the industry. However, certifications such as an MBA, CFP, FRM or CFA can give you the boost you need to rise in the ranks and gain better opportunities.

What is the difference between financial analysis and financial analyst?

A financial analysis is a careful study of financial documents or scenarios such as ROI or financial ratios.

Financial analysts are professionals who analyse the markets, investment opportunities and company financial reports to make predictions and offer recommendations to their clients.

Conclusion

If your chosen career path is to be a financial analyst, you better start preparing yourself. You need the right knowledge, education, skills and training to ensure you gain the proficiency to pursue this profession. Financial analysts are in high demand, yet the competition is tough. With the appropriate qualifications, you can make an impact and enjoy a fruitful career.

Find out more about the CFA course and financial analytics course here.