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What is a Financial Analyst?

Looking for a new career but aren’t sure what to do? You’ve taken some accounting or business classes, but it doesn’t seem like the path for you. Consider becoming a financial analyst.

But first — what is a financial analyst after all?

To put it simply, a financial analyst guides people and individuals to help them make smart investment decisions for their long-term financial well-being. They can demystify the stock market and investment options while helping to put together an outlook for their client’s retirement or long-term money goals.

Financial analysts can evaluate stocks, bonds, and other opportunities for investment and help their clients understand what course of action might best meet their short- and long-term needs. They also look for trends to wisely reallocate resources, as needed, to give their clients the best returns.

How does someone become a financial analyst?

If all that sounds pretty good to you, you might want to consider becoming a financial analyst. Unsurprisingly, there are several courses of action to take to accomplish this, starting with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in finance or business, followed by certifications from standards agencies like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Some employers might require a new financial analyst to get certified to be considered for promotions in the future. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification from the CFA Institute is available for those who have a bachelor’s degree, four years of qualified work experience and can pass three exams. Those looking for more targeted work can get certified in a specialty field.

What jobs are available?

There are plenty of opportunities for financial analysts! They can work for investment houses that manage their own funds, or sell-side firms that evaluate the quality of securities in a given market and track stocks in a fund’s portfolio to determine when to buy or sell shares.

Then there are investment bankers who work with business acquisitions, initial public offerings on the stock market, or mergers.

This is also a career with plenty of room for growth!

Interested in advancing your career as a financial analyst?

Contact IFG Global today for advice on how to start making a name for yourself in the field. We have accounting and finance jobs in Calgary and across Canada.