Financial Analyst

Financial, securities analysts and investment analysts, or personal financial advisors, collect and analyze financial information, such as economic forecasts, trading volumes and the movement of capital, financial backgrounds of companies, historical performances and future trends of stocks, bonds and other investment instruments, in order to provide financial and investment or financing advice, for their company or their company's clients.

Their studies and evaluations cover areas such as takeover bids, private placements, mergers or acquisitions. Financial analysts are employed by a wide range of establishments throughout the private and public sector, such as banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, investment companies, manufacturing firms, trust companies, utility companies and underwriting firms. Most financial and Investment analysts are employed today, primarily by brokerage houses and trust companies. Some work independently.

Financial analysts are responsible for performing some or all of the following duties:

• Evaluate financial risk, prepare financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management, and write reports and recommendations
• Plan short- and long-term cash flows and assess financial performance
• Analyze investment projects
• Advise on and participate in the financial aspects of contracts and calls for tender
• Follow up on financing projects with financial backers
• Develop, implement and use tools for managing and analyzing financial portfolio
• Prepare a regular risk profile for debt portfolios
• Assist in preparing operating and investment budgets.
• Collect financial and investment information about companies, stocks, bonds and other investments using daily stock and bond reports, economic forecasts, trading volumes, financial periodicals, securities manuals, company financial statements and other financial reports and publications
• Examine and analyze financial and investment information collected, including profiles of companies, stock and bond prices, yields and future trends and other investment information
• Provide investment advice and recommendations to clients, senior company officials, pension fund managers, securities agents and associates
• Prepare company, industry and economic outlooks, analytical reports, briefing notes and correspondence.

Favorable is the best way to describe the future in this field. With more baby-boomers retiring or working until they are over 65, with lots of financial/fiscal planning, transacting and execution to do, there will be lots of this occupational pie or specialty services to go around. A possible career-path, could include progression to management positions, such as securities manager, which is possible with experience.

Financial analysts will face keen competition for jobs, especially at top securities firms, where compensation can be lucrative. They mostly work for banks, insurance companies, mutual and pension funds, securities firms, and other businesses, helping these companies or their clients make investment decisions, and will continue to do so. With those who have an entrepreneurial flair, lots of lucrative opportunity will come knocking.

Additional sources of information include:

The Financial Planning Association, http://www.fpanet.org

Certified Financial Planner, CFP (R), certification Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., http://www.cfp.net/become

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation The American College, 270 South Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. Internet: www.theamericancollege.edu

American Academy of Financial Management http://www.financialanalyst.org

CFA Institute, http://www.cfainstitute.org

A bachelor's degree in commerce, business administration or economics and on-the-job training and industry courses and programs are usually required.

A master's degree such as business administration (MBA) (concentration in finance) or in finance may be required. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, available through a program conducted by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts in the United States, may be required by some employers.

Click here to see the full career article library.

We Have Experience Writing Winning Resumes In Your Career

Make Employers Chase You, With an Irresistible Resume and Cover Letter in Just 24-48 Hours by a Certified Resume Writer

Call Or E-mail Now To Start. You Will Be Delighted With The Results.

Professional-Resumes.com