Financial Analyst

Financial analysts work for a variety of businesses, including investment banks. They are normally experts
in markets, economics, accounting, and compliance. These are the ultimate support members on a
financial team, spending their days poring over data and preparing reports for other, less analytical
departments. Before a business makes a major financial or investment decision, management often
consults its financial analysts to identify trends or run projections. Think of financial analysts as
future-focused accountants with sophisticated modeling techniques.

Analysts and bankers must communicate with other departments every single day, so it’s also important
to demonstrate the ability to handle interpersonal (and sometimes impersonal) communications in a
dynamic work environment. There are going to be a lot of conference calls, meetings, emergency emails,
and quick-turnaround projects for either profession.

Financial analysts should probably consider pursuing a certified public accountant (CPA) or chartered
financial analyst (CFA) designation to bolster their credentials, particularly if they want to advance up the
ladder