A Quick Overview of Financial Analyst Jobs?

Answer 1

Financial Analysts Do the Leg Work Needed to Conduct & Analyze Business Deals.

Financial analysts gather, analyze and report all financial information about potential business deals. Banking and investing firms use this information to prepare a plan of action that can help them prepare for a potential business deal.

Most Financial Analysts Work Long Hours For Financial Firms.

For example, some analysts work long hours for larger banking firms as junior analysts. These financial analysts prepare detailed industry sector reports and company profiles that banks uses to make investment and lending decisions. Other financial analysts work long hours as senior analysts for private financial advisement firms. These analysts provide many services such as providing investment advice and conducting research on certain securities that can help investors make a more informed investing decision.

A Financial Analyst's Salary Can Vary Considerably.

For example, junior analysts who are just starting out in the industry can earn between $55,000 to $65,000 a year. Senior analysts can earn between $80,000 to $120,000 a year. These figures do not include potential bonuses that are used to retain top-quality analysts. As a result, a financial analyst can earn a six-figure salary by performing his job extremely well.

General Requirements:

The general requirements to become a financial analyst are relatively straightforward. For example, many industry experts suggest students who want to become a financial analyst obtain a college degree in a demanding discipline such as economics, mathematics, or statistics that develop your analytical and communication skills. This is true because the skills learned from these disciplines can be used to develop research techniques that can help you meet the industry's demanding work load.

Advanced Requirements:

Some jobs require financial analysts to obtain certain certifications or licenses. For example, most firms that employ senior financial analysts require applicants to hold a Certified Financial Analyst Certification. This certification is available from the CFA Institute after passing three comprehensive exams that test your analyzing and critical thinking skills. Financial analysts may obtain this certification after working in the industry for at least four years.

Finally, financial analysts who offer legal advice or advice about securities may need to obtain a license through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This license can be obtained while you are employed with a firm by requesting that your employer sponsor you for the license.