Financial Analyst Job Description: Salary, Top Companies, and Future

Financial analysts significantly navigate risks and opportunities to guide companies on investment decisions and improve financial efficiency. As per a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the financial analyst job outlook is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, with a projection of over 30,700 openings each year. 

In India, a constant increase in the demand for financial analysts has already been witnessed, especially across sectors like fintech, consulting, and other services. If you are aspiring to become a financial analyst, this post on financial analyst job description, salary, requisite finance skills, and the future in this profession will educate you further. Read on!

What Does a Financial Analyst Do? 

A financial analyst looks at a company’s financial data to advise on investments and financial strategies. They help predict returns on projects, write financial reports, and gather industry research to support business decisions. To perform these duties effectively, candidates must pursue the right business analyst courses and certifications, such as the Business Analytics Certification Programme, to acquire the required knowledge and excel in their job roles.   

Take a look at the responsibilities encompassed in a financial analysts job description below:

1. Gather Information

Financial analysts collect data like stock prices, financial reports, industry research, and economic data from sources like company databases, government, and third parties. They then analyze this data to spot business and economic trends. 

Key tasks:

• Collect data from various sources.
• Analyze data to identify trends.

2. Organize Information

After collecting data, financial analysts organize it in spreadsheets. They use statistical software tools and databases to create presentations. They sort the data, apply formulas, and format it clearly to make it easy to understand.

Key tasks:

• Organize collected data in spreadsheets.
• Use tools to create reports and presentations.
• Sort data, apply formulas, and format it clearly for easy understanding.

3. Analyze Results

After organizing the data, financial analysts review past results and look for trends to compare the company’s performance with that of others in the same industry.

Key tasks:

• Review past financial results and data.
• Identify trends in performance over time.
• Compare the company’s performance with that of its competitors.

4. Make Forecasts

Financial analysts analyze past data to predict how the company will perform in the future. They forecast income, revenue, and cash flow and guide business decisions.

Key tasks:

• Analyze past data to predict future company performance
• Forecast income, revenue, and cash flow
• Help guide business decisions based on predictions

5. Make Recommendations

Financial analysts are good with numbers and use data to suggest ways to improve a company’s processes. Their advice may help increase revenue, cut costs, work more efficiently, boost customer satisfaction, or grow market share.

Key tasks:

• Use data and numbers to find ways to improve company performance
• Suggest methods to increase revenue and reduce costs
• Help improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and market share

6. Create Excel Models

Financial modeling is the process of using spreadsheets to show a company's income and expenses. It starts with linking key financial statements and can include advanced models like cash flow or buyout analysis. Analysts use these models to predict how changes inside or outside the company might affect its stock.

Key tasks:

• Use spreadsheets to show the income and expenses of businesses
• Link key financial statements and build advanced models 
• Predict how internal or external changes can affect the company’s stocks

7. Prepare Presentations

Financial analysts turn data into graphs and charts to make it easier to understand. They use these visuals in presentations and reports. They also create reports on a company’s key performance indicators (KPIs) and compare results. 

Key tasks:

• Convert data into graphs and charts for easy understanding
• Use visuals in presentations and financial reports
• Create reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and compare actual results

Also Read: Top 7 Financial Analyst Interview Questions & Answers

Types of Financial Analysts with Corresponding Duties:

Financial analysts can perform different functions in a variety of roles as mentioned in the table below:  

Also Read: Top 12 Career Options in Finance for 2025

Top Skills and Educational Qualifications for Financial Analysts

Skills Required for Financial Analysts:

Educational Qualifications Required to Become a Financial Analyst:

A financial analyst's job description includes several prominent tasks that they have to perform. These tasks require them to be qualified enough to perform their duties well:

• Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification required to become a financial analyst. Candidates must complete their 10+2 and pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance, commerce, economics, statistics, or mathematics to start their entry-level careers in this field.  

• Master’s degree

Pursuing a master’s degree is not an obligatory requirement for aspiring financial analysts. However, having a postgraduate degree like an MBA in Finance, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Financial Analysis, or a related course. 

• Certifications

Getting a professional finance certification can improve your skills in financial planning and make you more valuable to employers. While it's not always required, having a certificate such as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) gives you up-to-date knowledge and training to create better financial reports and analysis. It can also help you get promoted and earn more.

Salaries of Financial Analysts Across Top Companies

Below is a list of some of the top companies and the financial analyst salaries in India: 

Source: AmbitionBox

Also read: Financial Analyst Salary – Freshers and Experienced

Is a Financial Analyst the right career?

A financial analyst can be a demanding yet lucrative job with many career paths to choose from. As a financial analyst, you can work in investment banks, IT and consulting sectors, financial services, analytics and KPO, Banking, BPO, and more.  

In the current scenario, with the global financial services market experiencing immense growth, pursuing a financial analyst career is the best choice for bright career prospects. However, you may note that junior analysts often work long hours doing detailed financial modeling, creating client reports, and researching specific industries. 

With experience, you can move to senior positions with a change in role that involves overseeing teams and working towards meeting client needs. Portfolio Manager or Fund Manager are other roles that you can evolve to with time in different organizations, including investment banking. For individuals who love to analyze data to help make financial decisions, this is a befitting career.

Future of Financial Analysts: Trends and Career Growth

The global market for financial analysis is growing at a steady rate. As per studies, a likely 9% growth in employment opportunities is expected for financial analysts by 2033. With current trends in technology and global finance, the career prospects for financial analysts are evolving. 

These professionals are expected to have strong data analytics skills and know-how in Python, R, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and other in-demand tools. 

Furthermore, analysts with robust knowledge of sustainability metrics in asset management and corporate finance have huge opportunities to explore. Specialization in niche areas like FinTech, healthcare finance, and cryptocurrency also gives an edge to financial analysts in their career growth.    

India, being one of the largest markets for financial management, has a high demand for skilled financial analysts to perform different financial management processes. 

Financial analysis has become a coveted profession and will see a further boost in the future. India, which is already among the top markets for budding analysts, will open grounds for more professionals with more and more opportunities.

Also read: 60 Key Financial Analyst Interview Questions and Answers for Beginners and Experienced

How can upGrad help you? 

If you are ready to step into the world of financial analysis to perform various roles within the purview of a financial analyst job description, enrolling in an online business analyst certification program from world-class universities through upGrad is the best idea. upGrad offers courses that are meticulously crafted to suit the needs of the industry and help candidates acquire skills needed to navigate through business challenges and to elevate your career in this data-driven industry.

Below are some relevant courses to enroll in if you want to become a sought-after professional in this field:

• Business Analytics Certification Programme
• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI
• Master of Design in User Experience
• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps

You may also contact the upGrad team for personalized counseling and valuable insights by visiting your nearest upGrad offline center.

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