Related job titles are: Financial Analyst, Securities Analyst, Investment Analyst, Equity Research Analyst, Credit Products Officer, Operational Risk Analyst, Planning Analyst, Research Analyst, or Real Estate Analyst.
How Much Does a Financial Analyst Make? | Financial Analyst Salary
The median yearly salary for financial analysts was $74,350 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). This median salary is simply the salary where half the employees earned more and half earned a lesser amount. Employees in the lower 10 percent had an annual salary less than $44,490, and those employees in the top 10 percent earned greater then $141,700.
What Does a Financial Analyst Do? | Job Description
Financial Adviser is one of U.S. News and World Report "100 Best Jobs of 2013."
Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments. Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities. They work in banks, pension funds, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies, and other businesses. They are also called securities analysts and investment analysts.
Financial analysts generally focus on trends affecting a specific industry, geographical region, or type of product. For example, an analyst may focus on a subject area such as the energy industry, a world region such as Eastern Europe, or the foreign exchange market. They must understand how new regulations, policies, and political and economic trends may affect investments.
Financial Adviser, Financial Analyst, and Business Analyst, Finance/Banking are three of CNNMoney.com "100 Best Jobs in America."
How to Become a Financial Analyst?
Financial analysts typically must have a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is required for advanced positions. Certification is often recommended by employers and can improve the chances for advancement. An example is the Chartered Financial Analyst certification from the CFA Institute, which financial analysts can get if they have a bachelor's degree, 4 years of experience, and pass three exams. Financial analysts can also become certified in their field of specialty.
Financial Analyst Classes and Courses | Degree Programs
Many positions require a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or statistics. Employers often require a master's in business administration (MBA) or a master's degree in finance. Knowledge of options pricing, bond valuation, and risk management are important.
Financial Analyst Jobs | Who is Hiring?
Employment of financial analysts is expected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. A growing range of financial products and the need for in-depth knowledge of geographic regions are expected to lead to strong employment growth.
Investment portfolios are becoming more complex, and there are more financial products available for trade. In addition, emerging markets throughout the world are providing new investment opportunities, which require expertise in geographic regions where those markets are.
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