Spotlights
Analyst, Credit Products Officer, Equity Research Analyst, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Planning Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Real Estate Analyst, Securities Analyst, Trust Officer
They say it takes money to make money and investing is the most common way of doing that. From stocks and bonds to real estate and cryptocurrencies, investing is one of the most tried-and-true methods of earning profits over the long run. However, it’s also inherently risky since markets fluctuate all the time due to factors impacting companies and the economy as a whole. There are zero guarantees of reaping a return on investment, and it’s entirely possible to lose all your money.
That’s why savvy investors turn to Financial Analysts who can advise them on strategies that are right for their budget, goals, risk tolerance, and timelines. Financial Analysts study how stocks, real estate, and other investment types are doing, then try to predict future performance. Because there are so many human elements in the equation, such analysis is as much an art as it is a science.
Generally speaking, Financial Analysts focus on either the “buy-side” (for hedge funds, insurance companies, pension funds, and big companies with large amounts of capital to invest) or the “sell-side” (for financial services sales agents selling investment options). Some work strictly for media and research employers who aren’t involved in buying or selling. They may specialize in particular regions, industries, or products.
Financial Analysis is a broad career field to break into! The term Financial Analyst encompasses financial risk specialists, fund and portfolio managers, investment analysts, ratings analysts, and securities analysts. Each role varies in duties and scope of responsibility, but they’re all tied to the dynamic field of financial analysis.
- Helping employers earn profits used to benefit companies or individuals
- Being part of the world of investing, which has economic impacts on every person on Earth
- Learning how equities (stocks), bonds, real assets (real estate, commodities like gold, oil), and cryptos function as investments
Lịch làm việc
Financial Analysts work typical day schedules, with overtime or evening work necessary depending on client needs. Work is usually indoors, with some travel needed from time to time.
Nhiệm vụ tiêu biểu
- Review client financials (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow) to assess their capital needs, investment budgets, and risk tolerance
- Consider investment types and portfolios to recommend to clients
- Suggest investment remedies, debt restructuring, refinancing, and other fixes to an employer’s financial problems
- Prepare reports and presentation materials with explanatory graphics to help clients understand options
- Study companies whose stocks might be potentially good investments. Conduct site visits, as needed
- Evaluate historical real estate sales data to forecast if a property is a viable investment
- Utilize financial models and programs to aid with developing investment strategies
- Pay attention to local, national, and global economic and business trends
- Prepare and execute approved action plans for financial investments, transactions, and deals
- Work with investment bankers, accountants, PR staff, attorneys, and other relevant parties
- Evaluate existing investment performance and recommend adjustments or sales
- Seek out new opportunities to diversify, boost potential profits, and mitigate risk
- Compare securities in various industries
- Analyze data regarding prices, yields, and stability
- Collaborate as needed with governmental agencies. Ensure compliance with regulations and laws
- Help clients understand tax implications of investments
Trách nhiệm bổ sung
- Stay up-to-date by reading financial publications
- Find “green” investment opportunities
- Quảng cáo dịch vụ để thu hút khách hàng mới, khi cần thiết
- Train and mentor new analysts
Kỹ năng mềm
- Lắng nghe tích cực
- Khả năng thích ứng
- Phân tích
- Định hướng tuân thủ
- Tư duy phản biện
- Định hướng chi tiết
- Kỷ luật
- Sự nhạy bén về tài chính
- Kiên nhẫn
- Persistence
- Thuyết phục
- Lập kế hoạch và tổ chức
- Kỹ năng giải quyết vấn đề
- Skepticism
- Phán đoán đúng đắn
- Kỹ năng giao tiếp mạnh mẽ
- Làm việc theo nhóm
- Quản lý thời gian
Kỹ năng kỹ thuật
- Math and accounting skills
- Strong understanding of economics and investments
- Familiarity with applicable laws governing the securities industryNhư:
- Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010
- Investment Advisers Act of 1940
- Investment Company Act of 1940
- Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
- Securities Act of 1933
- Securities Exchange Act of 1934
- Trust Indenture Act of 1939
- Analytical software such as SAS, MATLAB, Spotfire, QlikView, Tableau, and MicroStrategy
- Other digital tools including Excel, SQL, VBA, Python, and R
- Ngân hàng
- Credit intermediation services
- Financial investment companies
- Công ty bảo hiểm
- Pension funds
- Các công ty và tập đoàn tư nhân
- Real estate brokerages
Investors rely heavily on the expertise of their Financial Analyst teams. Sound investments can equal long-term profitability and stability, which often translates to ongoing work for a company’s employees. Bad investments might cause a business to suffer significant financial losses, leading to downsizing, worker layoffs, or even bankruptcy.
Expectations run high and Financial Analysts must work hard to conduct thorough research and create accurate models to forecast the best investments for their clients’ needs. As Zippia points out, “while financial analysts are usually paid well, it comes at the cost of a healthy work-life balance in many cases.” Potentially long hours and the stress from so much pressure causes some analysts to experience burnout.
The economy has been seeing turbulent times, with investors riding a rollercoaster as stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, real estate, and crypto prices have fluctuated in unpredictable ways. Such volatility is the opposite of what most Financial Analysts want to see when it comes to wealth building, yet there haven’t been many safe harbors lately. There are relatively safe options such as savings accounts, bonds, treasury bills, and similar items, but the return on such low-risk investments may not even keep up with inflation. Meanwhile, some analysts do suggest taking advantage of lowered stock prices, advocating a “buy the dip” strategy while stocks are “on sale.”
The digitalization of currency has become a growing trend, with plenty of investors viewing cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as an intriguing alternatives to traditional investment vehicles. Indeed, venture capitalists alone sank over $33 billion in crypto and blockchain in 2021. Meanwhile, trading apps have utterly revolutionized how everyday people trade, which in turn impacts the overall market greatly.
Financial Analysts may have always enjoyed learning about money, how it works, and how it can be used to make even more money! Growing up, they might have been entrepreneurs who launched their own side hustles online or in-person. They could have enjoyed playing around with stocks and cryptos, trading via mobile apps and engaging in online forums. It’s possible they liked math, finance, economics, and programming classes in school. Others might have come to them for help or advice about investments, leading them to realize they could turn their skills into a well-paid profession one day!
- Entry-level Financial Analyst jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business, math, or a related major
- Large employers may want analysts with a master’s, such as an MBA
- Some analyst roles require an understanding of physics, applied math, and engineering principles
- There are many certifications available which can help qualify you for certain positions. These include:
- American Academy of Financial Management - Accredited Financial Analyst
- CFA Institute - Chartered Financial Analyst
- Credit Union National Association - Certified Credit Union Investments Professional
- Fi360 Inc. - Accredited Investment Fiduciary
- Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
- Institute of Business & Finance -
- Certified Income Specialist
- Certified Funds Specialist
- Investment and Wealth Institute - Certified Investment Management Analyst
- Mortgage Bankers Association of America - Certified Residential Underwriter
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society - Registered Professional Liability Underwriter
- Research Administrators Certification Council - Certified Financial Research Administrator
- Hiệp hội giám định tài chính -
- Certified Financial Examiner - Financial Analyst
- Accredited Financial Examiner - Financial Analyst
- The Institutes - Associate in Commercial Underwriting
- National Development Council - Economic Development Finance Professional
- Financial Analysts who sell products need a license through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Licensures are typically obtained after an analyst starts working
- Try to decide early on if you plan to pursue a master’s or not. It may be easier to complete both your bachelor’s and master’s at the same school
- Xem xét chi phí học phí, giảm giá và các cơ hội học bổng địa phương (ngoài viện trợ liên bang)
- Hãy suy nghĩ về lịch trình và sự linh hoạt của bạn khi quyết định nên đăng ký vào một chương trình trong khuôn viên trường, trực tuyến hay kết hợp
- Kiểm tra các giải thưởng và thành tích giảng viên của chương trình để xem họ đã làm gì
- Xem lại số liệu thống kê về vị trí việc làm và thông tin chi tiết về mạng lưới cựu sinh viên của chương trình
- Consider applying for part-time jobs in accounting or finance
- Study hard in math, finance, economics, statistics, business, physics, and computer science/programming classes
- Volunteer for student activities where you can manage money and learn practical soft skills
- Learn about the various types of Financial Analyst roles, such as financial risk specialists, fund and portfolio managers, investment analysts, ratings analysts, and securities analysts
- Review job postings in advance to see what the average requirements are. If you know which company or employer you want to work for, ask to schedule an informational interview with one of their working analysts to learn more about their jobs and their clients’ needs
- Seek out internships and cooperative experiences in college
- Keep track of the names and contact info of people who might serve as future job references
- Study books, articles, and video tutorials related to different types of investing. Participate in online discussion groups that are realistic and grounded in actual analysis
- Consider if you want to specialize in a particular region, industry, or investment type so you can tailor your education accordingly
- Tham gia với các tổ chức chuyên nghiệp để học hỏi, chia sẻ, kết bạn và phát triển mạng lưới của bạn (xem danh sách Tài nguyên > Trang web của chúng tôi)
- Knock out any relevant certifications as soon as you can to bolster credentials and make you more competitive in the job market
- Bắt đầu soạn thảo sơ yếu lý lịch của bạn sớm và tiếp tục thêm vào nó khi bạn tiếp tục, để bạn không bị mất dấu bất cứ điều gì
- Get some practical work experience under your belt before applying, if possible. Jobs related to finance, accounting, and business will look good on an application
- A master’s isn’t needed to get started working in this field, but a graduate degree may put you ahead of the competition
- Let your network know you are looking for work. Most job opportunities are actually discovered through personal connections
- Kiểm tra các cổng thông tin việc làm như Indeed, Simply Hired và Glassdoor, cũng như các trang nghề nghiệp của các công ty bạn muốn làm việc
- Quảng cáo sàng lọc cẩn thận và chỉ áp dụng nếu bạn đủ điều kiện
- Finance-related apprenticeships or cooperative experiences can help get your foot in the door. They look great on resumes plus may yield some personal references for later
- Reach out to working Financial Analysts to ask for job-seeking tips
- Move to where the most job opportunities are! The states with the highest employment level for Financial Analysts are New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and Florida
- Nhiều công ty lớn tuyển dụng sinh viên tốt nghiệp từ các chương trình địa phương, vì vậy hãy hỏi chương trình đại học hoặc trung tâm nghề nghiệp của bạn để được trợ giúp kết nối với các nhà tuyển dụng và hội chợ việc làm
- Các trung tâm hướng nghiệp cũng cung cấp hỗ trợ viết sơ yếu lý lịch và phỏng vấn giả!
- Hỏi trước các giáo viên và người giám sát cũ xem họ có đóng vai trò là tài liệu tham khảo cá nhân hay không. Đừng khiến họ mất cảnh giác bằng cách liệt kê thông tin liên hệ của họ mà không được phép
- Make an account on Quora to ask job advice questions from workers in the field
- Check out Financial Analyst resume templates to get ideas
- Điều chỉnh sơ yếu lý lịch của bạn cho phù hợp với công việc bạn đang ứng tuyển, thay vì gửi cùng một sơ yếu lý lịch cho mọi nhà tuyển dụng
- List all education, skills, training, and work history on your resume, including stats on return on investments (if applicable)
- Cân nhắc việc soạn thảo hoặc xem xét sơ yếu lý lịch của bạn bởi một người viết hoặc biên tập viên sơ yếu lý lịch chuyên nghiệp
- Financial Analyst interview questions to prepare for those interviews
- Dress appropriately for job interview success!
- Consistently earn your employers/clients a strong return on investment and build them portfolios that can weather economic storms
- Work extra hours as needed, to ensure you’re doing your best for those who’ve entrusted you with their funds
- Take your responsibilities for handling other people’s money seriously
- Understand and comply with all legal and ethical requirements
- Utilize the most up-to-date programs and techniques to maximize returns
- Learn as much as you can about the various aspects of financial analysis, while also specializing in your chosen field
- Expect to start out in entry-level roles then work your way up to positions of greater responsibility, such as portfolio manager or fund manager
- Get your FINRA license as soon as you are able, and obtain advanced certificates when you have enough work experience
- One of the most common cers is the Chartered Financial Analyst credential offered by the CFA Institute
- If you don’t already have a master’s, consider doing an MBA program at night while working
- Let your manager know when you’re ready to tackle more or larger projects
- Collaborate effectively on teams, stay level-headed and focused, and demonstrate leadership when opportunities arise
- Phát triển mạng lưới của bạn bằng cách tham gia vào các tổ chức chuyên nghiệp
Các trang web
- American Academy of Financial Management
- Association for Financial Professionals
- Viện CFA
- Credit Union National Association
- Fi360 Inc.
- Cơ quan quản lý ngành tài chính
- Học viện Tài chính và Quản lý Toàn cầu
- Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts
- Institute of Business & Finance
- Investment and Wealth Institute
- Hiệp hội Ngân hàng Thế chấp Hoa Kỳ
- National Development Council
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society
- Research Administrators Certification Council
- Hiệp hội giám định tài chính
- Các Viện
Sách vở
- Fundamental Analysis for Beginners: Grow Your Investment Portfolio Like A Pro Using Financial Statements and Ratios of Any Business with Zero Investing Experience Required, by A.Z Penn
- Investing 101: From Stocks and Bonds to ETFs and IPOs, an Essential Primer on Building a Profitable Portfolio, by Michele Cagan CPA
- Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Methods and Applications, by John J. Murph
- The Essentials of Financial Analysis, by Samuel Weaver
Working as a Financial Analyst can be stressful at times, especially when the economy is rocky and it is tougher to earn good return on investments. Oftentimes, analysts get blamed for results based on factors far beyond their control. A few related occupations to consider, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:
- Chuyên viên phân tích ngân sách
- Giám đốc tài chính
- Người bảo lãnh phát hành bảo hiểm
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Đại lý bán hàng chứng khoán, hàng hóa và dịch vụ tài chính
In addition, O*Net Online lists the below-related fields:
- Credit Analyst
- Financial Risk Specialist
- Investment Fund Manager