Financial Analyst Job Description Sample & Template

Two Financial Analysts discussing trends found in graphs.

What skills and qualifications do Financial Analysts need?

Table of Contents

  1. Future Job Prospects for Financial Analysts
  2. Financial Analyst Salary and Benefits
  3. Education and Training Requirements
  4. Financial Analyst Job Description Sample – Free Download

1. Future Job Prospects for a Financial Analyst

Financial analysts support business and investors in making financial decisions. They analyze and predict trends to suggest ways to invest or spend money or improve operational performance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles are increasing at a 12% annual rate projected through to 2024. This is higher than the national average.
These jobs can be found in any industry and while there are general business analysts there are also industry-specific analysts focused in areas such as hospitals or banking.

2. Financial Analyst Salary and Benefits

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for a Financial Analyst is $81,760 or $39.31 per hour.
These roles can be part-time or full-time with benefits.

3. Education and Training Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in economics, analytics, mathematics, statistics or accounting is a minimum requirement.
A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, finance, mathematics, statistics, systems analysis, information technology, or other field is preferred.

Tip
It is worth your time as a Financial Analyst to gain other qualifications besides a Bachelor’s Degree or a Master’s Degree. Certificates like a CFA certification will aid you in distinguishing yourself and you will have the skills to be an effective Financial Analyst.

4. Financial Analyst Job Description Sample

Download This Job Description Template

We are seeking a skilled Financial Analyst that has a knack for spotting trends and can make actionable, data-driven recommendations to our team. Your goal is to communicate ways to increase our business ROI, whether through an increase in direct sales, profit margin, or external investments.

In this role, you will collate and analyze data to solve logistical problems for our company. You will review sales volumes and EBITDA history, and help the organization set clear performance benchmarks as part of our strategic goal-setting. You will conduct cost/benefits analysis and apply business intelligence modeling tools in order to develop a financial course of action. You will liaison with all internal and external stakeholders when necessary, presenting clear analysis based on rational facts.

You will be able to learn several proprietary databases along with holding expertise in the Microsoft suite of analytics tools. You will occasionally take on special projects targeted to specific markets that underperform. You will generate reports as needed, analyze the results, and be able to interpret these metrics in a concise and clear fashion with all audiences.

You will also have strong knowledge of GAAP accounting, along with budgets and forecasts and P&L statements. You will have experience with computer modeling and management reporting platforms.

A Bachelor’s Degree is required for this position, along with three years’ experience in a similar position.

Responsibilities

  • Reviewing numbers and figures which could include internal corporate data such as user surveys, client use data, or external data like geographic or demographic trends, stock market numbers, or other historical or real-time financial information.
  • Working to provide an actionable framework around the data that helps a business or personal investor improve.
  • Articulating an actionable framework for a successful financial portfolio.
  • Creating charts and graphs using data visualization tools, reports, data models, and business analytics.
  • Decisively draws conclusions from data and presenting it clearly to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Working closely with other departments, from administration to operations, client-business leaders and individual investors.
  • Troubleshooting problems and providing recommendations in a pleasantly methodological manner.
  • Politely and concisely engages with all internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful communication.

Required Skills

Educational

  • At minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, analytics, mathematics or other technical field.
  • A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, finance, mathematics, statistics, systems analysis, information technology, or other fields is preferred.

Technical

  • Knowledge of sophisticated computer modeling programs, statistical analysis, and other financial and business analytics software.
  • Extensive knowledge of advanced math including statistics, calculus, and linear algebra.
  • Skilled with complex spreadsheet formulas, statistical reports, database modeling, and data visualization tools.

Communication/Organizational

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communicator who is also able to practice active listening.
  • Able to interact with clients, department heads, technology users, and programmers and balance their differing needs.
  • Emotionally stable and able to function effectively under pressure.
  • Detail oriented, focused, methodical, and organized.
  • Exceptionally responsible, efficient team player.
  • Excellent communicator in writing, by phone, and in-person.
  • Patient and polite demeanor.

Benefits

  • Full-time with benefits or part-time.

How to Apply

  • Apply by forwarding your resume along with a cover letter.