Financial Analyst Careers Information
How does a large company with hundreds of employees and millions of dollars in assets spread throughout its operations know what it is really worth? What should be its next financial step? Financial analysts are the people employed to answer these questions.
Financial Analyst Careers & Degrees
- American Intercontinental University: Online
Grand Canyon University: Online
Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
Using complex mathematical formulas and sophisticated software to handle the large amounts of data, financial analysts calculate a company’s worth and advise it on its investments.
Financial analyst careers tend to specialize in an industry, such as automotive, or a region, such as the southeastern United States and can be further divided by specific job.
Portfolio and fund managers supervise a group of financial analysts who each may work on a specific aspect of a business’s investments or mutual/hedge funds.
Risk managers calculate business strategies to evaluate the respective levels of risk and possible return.
Ratings analysts study a company’s financials to rate how likely it is to be able to pay its debts and earn money. A ratings analyst may work in-house or for a third party company that provides these ratings to client companies.
Financial Analyst Careers Path
All financial analysts need at least a Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or accounting with courses taken in mathematics and statistics. Advanced degrees in business or finance may be required for upper level positions. Some states require financial analysts to obtain a license. Since each business and field presents unique challenges, many financial analysts regularly attend continuing education seminars to keep up with changes in the industry.
Financial Analyst Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Excellent mathematical and computer skills, detail oriented, good with data, good communicator, able to work under pressure, willing to work odd hours and travel.
Financial Analyst Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary, including bonuses, for financial analysts is $66,590 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $50,700 and $90,690. Bonuses tied to company earnings can make up a significant part of an analyst’s take home pay.
Financial Analyst Careers: Job Outlook
The number of available jobs for financial analysts in the coming years is expected to continue growing at fast rate. With the high salaries, however, competition is likely to be strong, especially for positions in the best companies. Those financial analysts with strong experience and a history of correct predictions are likely to do the best, as are those with advanced degrees such as an M.B.A.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Research Analyst
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Financial Auditor
- Management Analyst
- Options Trader
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos259.htm
