How To Become A Financial Analyst (2024)

A financial analyst is a skilled professional who assesses and interprets financial data to provide insights and recommendations for informed decision-making. Their expertise involves analyzing market trends, company performance, and economic indicators to guide investment strategies, risk assessment, and financial planning. Financial analysts play a crucial role in helping individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate the complex landscape of finance and investments.

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To embark on a career as a Financial Analyst, candidates must successfully complete their 12th-grade education from a recognized board. Subsequently, pursuing a bachelor's degree in fields like finance, economics, accounting, or related disciplines becomes imperative. While entry-level positions can be explored at this stage, opting for a master's degree can significantly enhance professional opportunities. The depth of expertise and experience within the Indian financial industry is believed to influence the remuneration of a financial analyst, with an average annual pay of Rs. 4.5 LPA in the country. The spectrum ranges from a starting salary of Rs. 2.1 LPA to the highest compensation of Rs. 12.1 LPA.

A diverse array of courses is available for aspiring financial analysts. Noteworthy options include BCom, BBA, BSc in Finance, and MBA programs. In order to bolster credibility and showcase proficiency, candidates are advised to acquire industry-relevant certifications such as the CFA. This not only enhances their standing but also provides evidence of their knowledge and capabilities.

For those aiming to major in subjects conducive to a financial analyst career, several esteemed institutions stand out. These include SRCC, LSR, Woxsen University, Loyola College, and NMIMS Mumbai. Aspiring students can gain entry to these programs through various entrance tests like IPU CET, JNU EE, CAT, MAT, and CMAT, known for their rigorous evaluation of candidates.

About Financial Analyst Course

Particulars
Details
Course name
Financial Analyst
Course Industry
Commerce, Finance and management
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree with 50% pass
Job Opportunities
Charities, financial institutions, manufacturers, retailers, international enterprises, and organisations from the public and private sectors.
Average Salary
Rs.8 Lakhs per annum

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil specific eligibility requirements in order to work as financial analysts in India. The following are the normal eligibility requirements:

  • Education - Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a closely related discipline is needed for applicants. A competitive advantage may come from having a master's degree.
  • The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification is well-respected in the financial sector. To demonstrate their knowledge and increase their possibilities, candidates should pursue this or other pertinent credentials.
  • Work experience is a requirement for many Financial Analyst roles. Candidates can look for entry-level positions to enhance their abilities and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

Qualifications Required

In India, there are no formal educational prerequisites for working as a financial analyst. To become a Financial Analyst, candidates might seek a bachelor's degree in any stream. However, it is recommended to have degrees in finance and similar subjects. These are the general requirements.

  • Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, or a similar discipline.
  • They ought to successfully complete the CFA certification, which has three levels: CFA 1, CFA 2, and CFA 3.
  • For greater job advancement, candidates can also choose a master's degree, such as an MBA. They can select specialities like marketing, HRM, analytics and data science, retail management, and operations management.

Steps To Become a Financial Analyst

Candidates must follow the steps outlined in the following points in order to become a Financial Analyst in India.

  • Complete class 12 - Candidates must pass class 12 in any stream with at least a 50% grade point average. They ought to concentrate on things like accountancy and economics.
  • Earn a bachelor's degree – Applicants must work towards a bachelor's degree in a discipline linked to finance. Some of the most popular courses chosen by candidates include BCom and BBA. To pursue these degrees in prestigious universities, applicants must pass entrance exams.
  • Choose a master's degree - For greater professional advancement and competitive salary, candidates can opt for a master's degree, such as an MBA in Finance.
  • Participate in an internship - Through an internship, candidates can learn how the finance industry operates properly. Through internships, students learn useful skills and become job-ready.

Financial Analyst Courses
Candidates who want to work as financial analysts have access to a wide variety of courses. Some of the most popular courses include BCom, BBA, BSc in Finance, and MBA. The following table lists the specifics for a few of the best courses.

Particulars
B.COM
BBA Finance
MBA Finance
Average Salary (Rs.)
Rs. 20,000 – 45,000 per month
Rs. 4 - Rs. 5 LPA
Rs. 6 - Rs. 7 LPA
Course Fees
Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 65,000
Rs. 2 - Rs. 5 L
Rs. 4 - Rs. 20 L
EligibilityClass 12
Class 12
Graduation from any stream
Entrance Exams
CUET, IPU CET, NPAT, AIMA UGAT, SUAT
SAT, IPU CET, NPAT, CUET
APICET, MAHCET, UPSEE, TSICET
Top CollegesDelhi University, Calcutta University, Mumbai University
NMIMS, Amity University Mumbai, BITS School of Management, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
Christ University, Woxen School of Business, PIBM Pune, Amity University
Top Recruiters
Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young, PWC
TCS, Accenture, HDFC Bank, EY
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Barclays, KPMG

Entrance Exams For Financial Analysts
If candidates want to study finance or a closely related field at prestigious universities, they must take entrance tests. IPU CET, DUET, JNU EE, CAT, XAT, MAT, and CMAT are a few of the most well-known tests.

Skills Required To Become a Financial Analyst

Candidates must acquire a variety of abilities in order to successfully fulfil the duties of a financial analyst. The table below lists some of the top abilities.

  • Analysing finances mathematical abilities
  • Detail-oriented Problem-solving skills and financial market expertise
  • Technical Expertise
  • Talents in communication
  • Business Acumen and Time Management

Advantages of Working as a Financial Analyst

The following are a few advantages that financial analysts can make use of.

  • By cultivating strong bonds with management teams, financial analysts gain credibility in the financial sector.
  • They are employed in a number of different sectors, including banking, finance, technology, advertising, retail, and e-commerce.
  • They provide data-driven insights that aid in corporate growth.
  • Compared to other professionals in the same area, financial analysts experience a high level of job satisfaction and job security.

Financial analyst salaries

In India, a financial analyst has an average annual pay of INR 4.5 LPA. A financial analyst's starting pay is INR 2.1 LPA, and the highest pay can vary with the individual’s experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What qualifications are necessary to succeed as a financial analyst?
A financial analyst should have a number of key skills, including technical competency, attention to detail, quantitative skills, and problem-solving aptitude.

Ques. What job prospects are there in India for financial analysts?
In a variety of industries, including banking, investing and consulting businesses, insurance organisations, and corporate finance departments, financial analysts can find employment. They might also search for various roles in these circ*mstances.

Ques. What is a financial analyst's monthly salary in India?
Financial analysts in India make between INR 33,547 and INR 34,809 per month.

Disclaimer: This content was authored by the content team of ET Spotlight team. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article.

How To Become A Financial Analyst (2024)

FAQs

How To Become A Financial Analyst? ›

Acquiring a degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field can set you up for a career as a financial analyst. If you are looking for a wider scope of opportunity or a higher salary, getting your master's degree in finance or a master of business administration (MBA) may be helpful.

What is the best way to become a financial analyst? ›

Acquiring a degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field can set you up for a career as a financial analyst. If you are looking for a wider scope of opportunity or a higher salary, getting your master's degree in finance or a master of business administration (MBA) may be helpful.

How do I become a financial analyst from scratch? ›

Most financial analyst positions require you to have at least a bachelor's degree. Companies tend to prefer candidates who major in a topic related to economics, finance or accounting. The coursework offers a broad understanding of business, accounting and investments to prepare you for your future career.

Is it hard to get hired as a financial analyst? ›

In this highly competitive job market, a master's degree gives an applicant a boost. A successful career as a financial analyst requires strong quantitative skills, expert problem-solving abilities, adeptness in logic, and above-average communication skills.

How do I pass a financial analyst interview? ›

How to prepare for a financial analyst interview
  1. Review the job description. ...
  2. Research the company. ...
  3. Review key concepts. ...
  4. Prepare for challenging interview questions. ...
  5. Consider your response to simple interview questions. ...
  6. Make a list of questions to ask.
Jan 26, 2023

What GPA do you need to be a financial analyst? ›

Minimum GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA required, 3.5 GPA preferred. Certifications: All are optional: Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA), Certified Public Accountant® (CPA), or MBA.

What skills are needed for a financial analyst? ›

top 10 financial analyst Skills on Resumes with High Match Rate
  • Communication Skills.
  • Leadership.
  • Attention to Detail.
  • Interpersonal Skills.
  • Work Independently.
  • Collaborate.
  • Motivated.
  • Fast.

Can I be a financial analyst without a degree? ›

Financial Analyst Degree and Educational Requirements. There is no specific degree required for a career as a financial analyst, but finding a job will probably be easier if you have a bachelor's degree, and most companies require it. Nearly all financial analysts start with an internship or entry-level position.

What is the highest paid financial analyst? ›

Top companies for Financial Analysts in United States
  • Google. 4.3 $114,532per year. 5,450 reviews27 salaries reported.
  • Capital One. 3.9 $97,064per year. 10,561 reviews16 salaries reported.
  • Houlihan Lokey. 3.8 $86,276per year. ...
  • Boeing. 3.9 $83,078per year. ...
  • Northrop Grumman. 4.0 $81,744per year. ...
  • Show more companies.

What salary should I ask for as a financial analyst? ›

Financial Analysts earned an average salary of $116,770 in 2022.

What is the hardest part of being a financial analyst? ›

The need to manage risk

Financial analysts need to be able to manage risk effectively. This means being able to identify and assess risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. Despite these challenges, analysts play a significant role in the finance sector.

What is the average age for financial analyst? ›

The workforce of Financial analysts in 2021 was 273,293 people, with 41.4% woman, and 58.6% men. The average age of male Financial analysts in the workforce is 37.6 and of female Financial analysts is 40.6, and the most common race/ethnicity for Financial analysts is White.

What is the hardest finance job to get? ›

1. Investment Banker. Roles in investing banking are highly sought after. For investment bankers, it's often a higher competition to land a role in one of the largest firms.

What should an entry level financial analyst know? ›

Technical training, financial literacy, accounting knowledge, and analytics training are among the hard skills required for Financial Analysts. They should also possess soft skills such as critical thinking, clear communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

What is a good answer to what is your weakness? ›

Examples of weaknesses you might want to cite during your interview include: Getting caught up in details. Unable to let go of projects. Trouble saying “no” to others.

What is your greatest weakness as a financial analyst? ›

Lack of self-confidence

A lack of self-confidence can make you hesitate to make important decisions. If you lack confidence, explain how you are working to overcome this, such as setting achievable goals, constantly training yourself and surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people.

What degree do most Financial Analysts have? ›

Becoming a financial analyst generally requires a bachelor's degree open_in_new, though a master's in finance or business administration may be beneficial when seeking advanced roles.

What is the highest paid financial analyst job? ›

High Paying Financial Analyst Jobs
  • Commercial Finance Analyst. Salary range: $52,000-$195,000 per year. ...
  • Financial Reporting Consultant. Salary range: $119,000-$146,000 per year. ...
  • Financial Operations Analyst. ...
  • Fixed Income Analyst. ...
  • Sox Analyst. ...
  • Asset Liability Analyst. ...
  • Private Equity Associate. ...
  • Corporate Financial Analyst.

Is CFA worth it for financial analyst? ›

According to the CFA Institute, this credential "is the professional standard of choice for more than 31,000 investment firms worldwide."1 It can be especially helpful if you don't have an undergraduate degree in finance, economics, or accounting, and your goal is a job or career in the finance industry.

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