Job description

Financial analysts make investment recommendations to individuals and businesses. They follow economic trends, evaluate current and historical financial data, and assess the value of individual companies. They may specialise in a geographical region, type of product or one of 11 stock sectors like healthcare or energy.

Duties

    • Follow the news, international trade and markets for relevant developments
    • Analyse current and historical financial data to forecast future conditions
    • Monitor economic, industrial and corporate changes using information from a variety of sources
    • Study all regulations, policies, political situations, culture and languages specific to your specialty area
    • Visit companies and conduct on-site interviews to better gauge the value and potential of each business
    • Interpret data on price, yield, stability and other factors affecting investment programmes
    • Prepare plans of action for investment after analysing all available information
    • Recommend investments and best time to invest to clients, investment firm staff and the public
    • Compile technical reports and create financial models
    • Communicate all elements of investment decision-making to supervisors and clients
    • Purchase investments for companies according to their needs and policies
    • Network with industry contacts to gather information and seek out new clients for securities firms

Skills and qualities

Data and financial analysis software
Information retrieval software
Economics
Mathematics
Foreign languages
Reading comprehension
Critical thinking
Decision-making
Selective attention
Problem-solving
Communication
Teamwork
Initiative
Time management
Stress tolerance

Job outlook

Projected growth
The projected growth rate of employment in the US from 2018 to 2028, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme. The national average growth rate for all professions is 5%.

6%

New jobs
The number of jobs projected to become available in the US between 2018 and 2028, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme.

20.3k

Automation risk
The probability of computerisation, based on data published in ‘The Future of Employment’, a 2013 working paper by Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne.

23%

Career progression

Financial analysts usually begin by specialising in a certain investment area. Once you've gained experience, you can advance to selecting a mix of investments as a company's portfolio manager. Earning a master's degree in finance increases your chances of attaining more challenging and lucrative positions, like fund manager.

Working conditions

Average hours

40h/ week

Typical schedule

Full Time

Frequent overtime work

Most financial analysts work full time, splitting time between the office and visiting clients or companies. Since the bulk of office hours consists of phone calls and client or staff meetings, analysts do a lot of their research after work or on weekends. Some devote as much as 50–70 hours total a week to their job.

Financial analysts work in a variety of financial institutions, including banks, pension funds, mutual funds, securities firms and insurance companies. Many jobs reside in New York City and other major financial cities. You will work in a fast-paced environment, frequently under stress from deadlines.

Salary

Bottom 10%

$53k

Median

$86k

Top 10%

$170k

Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.

Qualifications and training

Education level

Undergraduate

Bachelor’s degree in a finance-related subject

Study time

4 years

Most financial analyst jobs require a bachelor's degree in economics, finance, accounting or another related field. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification from the CFA Institute is recommended for advancement in the field. You’ll need four years of experience before you can qualify to take the three required certification exams.

Selling financial products requires a licence from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It typically requires sponsorship from the employer, so it won't be required until after you start your new job.

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Perfect career wave

Search for jobs

Find financial analyst vacancies near you