{"id":2394,"date":"2023-01-25T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-25T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=2394"},"modified":"2024-07-23T13:22:24","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T17:22:24","slug":"financial-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/financial-analyst","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Financial Analyst Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A financial analyst is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/is-finance-a-good-career-path\">finance<\/a> professional who guides business and economic decisions. Some financial analysts work at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/companies\/investment-banking-companies\">investment banks<\/a>, facilitating large transactions between corporations, while others track product or service performance and make recommendations to improve profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Financial Analyst?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, a financial analyst analyzes finances, but they use this analysis to help clients and companies decide how to spend money to boost profits. For example, some analysts may help clients sell stocks and bonds to increase capital, while others may facilitate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/ipo\">initial public offerings (IPOs)<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/mergers-acquisitions-good-career-path\">mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A)<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every financial analyst works with stocks or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/acquisition\">acquisitions<\/a>, though. In fact, virtually every aspect of the global economy requires financial analysts to gather, organize, analyze, and present information. For example, some analysts focus on tracking the performance of a company&#8217;s product in one specific market. They make models to predict what would happen if the company changes different aspects of its business approach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, analysts help individuals, companies, and organizations figure out what can happen if they spend or use money in specific ways and find the best possible outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"94\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation-150x94.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation-1536x966.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/financial-analyst-simulation.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">New York Jobs CEO Council Financial Analyst<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Learn about a day in the life of a financial analyst and complete work-related tasks in this free job simulation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/new-york-jobs-ceo-council\/financial-analyst-fko2\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2-3 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tExcel, financial analysis, problem solving, critical thinking, communication\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/new-york-jobs-ceo-council\/financial-analyst-fko2\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Responsibilities of Financial Analysts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common responsibilities in this career include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gather, organize, and analyze data:<\/strong> Analysts gather and analyze financial statements, historical financial trends, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/technical-analysis\">technical stock analysis<\/a> details, and the performance of similar-sized companies in the same industry.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make forecasts: <\/strong>Forecasting finances is where analysts become more like psychics than businesspeople. Using past and current data, analysts predict what could happen based on specific variables.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build models:<\/strong> Analysts create models to help predict future financial performance. For example, using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/what-is-microsoft-excel\">Excel<\/a>, an analyst may build a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/dcf-valuation\">discounted cash flow (DCF) model<\/a> to see how profitable an investment might be in the future.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present information:<\/strong> Using slideshows (also called <em>decks<\/em>) and reports, analysts communicate their findings to higher-ups and clients in a concise manner.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain relationships:<\/strong> Internally, analysts maintain strong relationships with their coworkers and with other departments so the collection of data can be a smooth process. Some analysts also maintain relationships with external clients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-do-financial-analysts-work\">Where Do Financial Analysts Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most analysts either work on the buy side or sell side of corporate finance:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Buy Side<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Sell Side<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Focuses on guiding clients&#8217; investing decisions \u2014 the clients have cash available to buy into investing options, like purchasing stocks or acquiring other companies. These clients include hedge funds, private equity firms, mutual funds, pension funds, and insurance companies.<\/td><td>Focuses on selling investments, like stocks and bonds. These analysts typically work in investment banks, private corporations, and brokerage firms. Analysts then sell these securities (stocks and bonds) to buy side organizations, like mutual hedge funds.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial analysts may also work for government agencies and private corporations. It&#8217;s also possible for analysts to specialize in certain areas like real estate, commodities, risk assessment, and foreign exchange currencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Financial Analysts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial analyst is a broad job title that applies to various careers and industries, including roles focused on investing, budgeting, and risk management.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial Planning Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A financial planning analyst is responsible for budgets and forecasting. This type of analyst may make models to predict how key performance indicators (KPIs) may change based on changes to the organization&#8217;s budget and spending habits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-150x113.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Citibank, citigroup logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">Citi Finance<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Learn how professionals manage business KPIs, financial risks, and predict credit card sales with this free job simulation from Citi.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/citi\/finance-qt4o\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 to 6 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFact finding, data analysis, communication, presentation, Basel III regulation, judgment, commercial awareness\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/citi\/finance-qt4o\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investment Banking Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/investment-banker\">investment banking analyst<\/a> facilitates transactions between large corporations, such as mergers. Analysts at investment banks may also work with client companies to source funding for long-term projects and bring private companies onto the public stock exchange through initial public offerings (IPOs).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Working at Bank of America\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">Bank of America Investment Banking<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Apply your analysis and communication skills to advise clients as part of BofA&#039;s Technology, Telecom &amp; Media Investment Banking team in this free job simulation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/bank-of-america\/investment-banking-bwp7\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4 to 5 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSWOT analysis, financial analysis, M&amp;A screening, cross-team collaboration, ECM\/DCM, financial modeling, DCF valuation, communication, presentation\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/bank-of-america\/investment-banking-bwp7\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Equity Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/private-equity\">Private equity<\/a> analysts work within private equity firms researching companies that are not publicly traded. Analysts in these firms assist in buyouts (purchasing a company outright) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/venture-capitalist\">venture capital<\/a> investments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt;&gt;MORE: <\/strong>Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/private-equity-vs-venture-capital\">difference between private equity and venture capital<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ratings Analyst&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A ratings analyst typically works in insurance or lending, assessing the credit ratings of various companies and organizations. These analysts are responsible for determining the financial stability of companies and figuring out how likely a company is to repay its debts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/what-is-research\">Research<\/a> analysts have a broad job description. Some research analysts focus on disseminating information to colleagues regarding market trends, historical performance of companies of interest, and important micro- and macroeconomic events that are affecting the markets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other research analysts may have roles more closely related to investment banking analysts and private equity analysts \u2014 doing the research but also assisting in the execution of decisions based on their findings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risk Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Risk analysts look at what risks are involved in various aspects of business and investing. This includes calculating risks that exist in the market, chances of return on investment, broad <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/economics-definition-and-overview\">economic<\/a> shifts that could create future risky situations, and the potential risk involved with business decisions like mergers and acquisitions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quantitative Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/quantitative-analyst\">Quantitative analysts<\/a> deal with the technical aspects of financial analysis. A quantitative analyst may build an algorithm to help their company or bank make faster trades on the public exchange market. On the other hand, a quantitative analyst might focus on pricing stocks and bonds based on vast amounts of risk data and historical trends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"93\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-150x93.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"J.P.Morgan bank corporation headquarters glass building concept. JP Morgan banking company symbol on front facade 3d illustration.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-1024x638.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-768x478.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-1536x957.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">JPMorgan Quantitative Research<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Explore the quantitative research and analysis behind product innovation, valuation, risk management, portfolio optimization, electronic trading, and market making in this free job simulation from JPMorgan.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/jpmorgan\/quantitative-research-11oc\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t6 to 7 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tProgramming, data analysis, Python, derivatives, critical thinking, statistics, credit, dynamic programming\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/jpmorgan\/quantitative-research-11oc\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Do Financial Analysts Make?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average salary for financial and investment analysts at all experience levels is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes132051.htm\">$108,790<\/a>, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the average financial analyst salary&nbsp; for those specializing in securities and other investment activities is $134,060, while those working in the insurance industry have average salaries of $101,120. Experience level and industry are key factors in how much an analyst can make.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even more important, though, is <em>where<\/em> the analysts work. At big investment banks on Wall Street, even analysts just beginning their careers may see big paychecks. In 2021, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2021\/08\/02\/goldman-sachs-joins-wall-street-rivals-in-boosting-junior-banker-salaries-.html\">CNBC reported<\/a> that Goldman raised first-year analyst base salaries to $110,000, and rival investment banks offer similar salaries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside those base salaries, analysts often receive other forms of compensation, such as starting bonuses, performance bonuses, commission, and profit sharing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt;&gt;MORE: <\/strong>Check out some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/best-paying-jobs-in-finance\">best-paying finance career options<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Become a Financial Analyst<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For those interested in becoming a financial analyst, what degree provides the best chances of success? Unfortunately, there isn&#8217;t a simple answer. While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/jobs-for-finance-majors\">finance<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/jobs-for-economics-majors\">economics<\/a>, and statistics degrees can give analysts a good foundation to work from, a degree in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/accounting-major-jobs\">accounting<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/business-degree-jobs\">business<\/a> can equip analysts with different skills to bring to the table. Additionally, specialized degrees in areas of interest can give analysts a way into more specialized roles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many analysts also choose to get an MBA at some point in their careers, which opens more opportunities for advancement within financial institutions. Some may even get a Ph.D. in finance, statistics, or economics to make themselves more marketable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group forage__cta-pattern is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Find your career fit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Discover if this is the right career path for you with a free Forage banking and financial services job simulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations?careers=banking%20%26%20financial%20services\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certifications&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/chartered-financial-analyst\">chartered financial analyst (CFA)<\/a> designation from the CFA Institute is the most highly sought-after certification for financial analysts. However, this charter isn&#8217;t required, and there are many other certification options available for prospective and current analysts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most common certifications include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/what-is-a-certified-management-accountant\"><strong>Certified management accountant (CMA)<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Shows the analyst has a strong understanding of accounting principles and can apply that knowledge to corporate strategy and budgeting&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Financial risk manager (FRM): <\/strong>Displays high-level knowledge of risk analysis, credit and market risk, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/investment-management-good-career-path\">investment management<\/a>, and creation of risk models<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certified financial planner (CFP):<\/strong> Signifies the analyst is skilled at giving financial advice to clients in a holistic and ethical manner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certified fund specialist (CFS): <\/strong>Proves working knowledge of mutual funds, fund analysis, and portfolio management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certified government financial manager (CGFM):<\/strong> Denotes competency in governmental <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/accounting\">accounting<\/a>, financial reporting, and managing budgets for local, state, and federal government agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certified international investment analyst (CIIA):<\/strong> Broadly recognized certification in Europe and Asia that shows the analyst understands corporate finance, fixed income and equities, portfolio management, market structures, and ethics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Licenses and Registrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Analysts who work directly with buying and selling securities must pass exams and obtain licensure with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). These exams focus on the regulatory structures of securities markets and ensure only qualified analysts and securities brokers are active.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The FINRA exams financial analysts take most commonly include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Securities industry essentials (SIE) exam:<\/strong> This introductory exam for prospective traders and analysts focuses on fundamental information like the structure of the markets, regulatory agencies, and industry ethics. This exam is often a prerequisite for other tests.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Series 7 exam:<\/strong> Also called the General Securities Representative exam, this test is the base-level test for registering with FINRA and becoming licensed to work with public markets.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Series 79 exam:<\/strong> This is a specialized exam for investment banking activities, including issuing debt, facilitating mergers, and handling corporate restructuring.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Series 86 &amp; 87 exams:<\/strong> As specialized exams for research analysts, these cover the analysis and reporting of equity securities and industry research.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At a certain point, analysts may need to register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, this is typically for analysts who&#8217;ve become advisors and have more than $100 million in assets under their control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-150x113.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Citibank, citigroup logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Depositphotos_535677528_L.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">Citi Markets and Trading<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Analyze the outcomes of an FOMC meeting and pitch a trade to your client with this free job simulation from Citi&#039;s Markets Sales &amp; Trading team.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/citi\/markets-sales-trading-0vhv\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t6 to 7 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWritten communication, market research, summarization, research, critical thinking\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations\/citi\/markets-sales-trading-0vhv\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills for Financial Analysts&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of degrees or certifications, what ultimately matters is that you have the quantitative and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/analytical-skills\">analytical skills<\/a> needed to do the job.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most valuable skills for every type of financial analyst include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Understanding the equity and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/debt-capital-markets\">debt capital markets<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Familiarity with financial models like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/capm\">capital asset pricing model (CAPM)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowledge of specific performance metrics, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/pe-ratio\">price-to-earnings ratio<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A general idea of different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/business-valuation\">business valuation<\/a> approaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Kick-start your finance career and get noticed by top companies with Forage&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/career-path\/investment-banking\">Investment Banking Career Path<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Image credit: Canva<\/em> <em>and Alexmit\/Depositphotos.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A financial analyst is a finance professional who guides business and economic decisions. Some financial analysts work at investment banks, facilitating large transactions between corporations, while others track product or service performance and make recommendations to improve profits. What Is a Financial Analyst? In general, a financial analyst analyzes finances, but they use this analysis &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/financial-analyst\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What Does a Financial Analyst Do?<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2395,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"forage_sticky_bar_enabled":true,"forage_sticky_bar_content":"Top companies are hiring now!","forage_sticky_bar_button_text":"Get seen","forage_sticky_bar_button_url":"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/simulations","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"forage_editor_id":17,"forage_reviewer_id":0,"forage_authors":[],"veps":[3645,4717],"forage_sidebar":0,"forage_related_disabled":false,"forage_toc_enabled":true,"forage_toc_level":0,"modified":"2023-12-01T11:30:00","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.5 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Does a Financial Analyst Do? - Forage<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A financial analyst helps guide decisions in corporate finance. Learn more about what financial analysts do and how to become one.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/financial-analyst\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Does a Financial Analyst Do?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A financial analyst helps guide decisions in corporate finance. 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