Financial Analyst
Financial analysts research performance investments such as stocks, bonds, commodities and more to provide advice to companies and individuals making investment decisions. They can also advise businesses on financial management choices, such as the optimal organisational structure.
RUDDERLY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
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IMMERSIVE MENTORSHIP STRUCTURE WITH A REAL WORLD ASSIGNMENT, TO GIVE YOU A SNEAK PEAK
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KEY SKILLS
A formal accounting qualification
Interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate
Financial reporting
Analytical ability
Knowledge of IT software
Management experience
Commercial acumen
Critical-thinking skills
Financial literacy skills
Technical skills
Problem-solving skills
Budgeting
PROS
The financial services industry offers a number of positions with a potential six-figure income.
Regular business hours and good working conditions.
Suitable for people who like to follow routines.
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Very high salary.
CONS
Most financial services industry positions are fast-paced and high-stress.
Financial services is a cyclical industry.
High level of responsibility.
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)
OPPORTUNITY TYPES
GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
Companies
Freelancer
Agencies
Sell-side firms
Investment banks
Investment houses
Capital Advisor
You know and have the ability to streamline functions and passion to learn and grow.
You have strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication skills.
You are comfortable in dealing with ambiguity and the ability to work independently.
You would love to have experience working with, and presenting to, senior executives.
You have excellent communication and presentation skills; be comfortable interacting with executive-level management.
You have strong financial modeling experience.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES
Books
Podcasts
Networking Groups
Interesting Facts about the career
Facts and aspects of a financial analyst’s life
1. Perform financial forecasting, reporting, and operational metrics tracking.
2. Analyze financial data and create financial models for decision support.
3. Report on financial performance and prepare for regular leadership reviews.
4. Analyze past results, perform variance analysis, identify trends, and make recommendations for improvements.
5. Work closely with the accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
6. Evaluate financial performance by comparing and analyzing actual results with plans and forecasts. 7. Guide the cost analysis process by establishing and enforcing policies and procedures.
8. Provide analysis of trends and forecasts and recommend actions for optimization.
9. Recommend actions by analyzing and interpreting data and making comparative analyses; study proposed changes in methods and materials.
10. Identify and drive process improvements, including the creation of standard and ad-hoc reports, tools, and Excel dashboards.
11. Increase productivity by developing automated reporting/forecasting tools Perform market research, data mining, business intelligence, and valuation comps Maintain a strong financial analysis foundation creating forecasts and models
12. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is mentioned in virtually any financial analyst job description; familiarity with data query/data management tools is extremely helpful (Access, SQL, Business Objects).