Financial Analyst
Finance, Banking & Insurance
CIP Name: Finance Professional|CIP Code: 52.0801
SOC Codes: 11-1011, 11-1021, 11-3031, 25-1011, 13-1141, 13-2031, 13-2041, 13-2051, 13-2052, 13-2054, 13-2072
Plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations.
$101K
Median Salary
+5.3%
Job Growth
5mo-1.5yr
Training
20.3K
Jobs/Year
What Financial Analysts Do
Plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations.
Common Tasks
Chief Executives
- 1Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- 2Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
- 3Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
- 4Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.
- 5Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
What You'll Learn
principles of accountingfinancial instrumentscapital planningfunds acquisitionasset and debt managementbudgetingfinancial analysisinvestments and portfolio management
Types of Financial Analysts
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)Chief Diversity Officer (CDO)Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Chief Information Officer (CIO)Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Technical Officer (CTO)Executive DirectorExecutive Vice President (EVP)Operations Vice President (Operations VP)PresidentBusiness ManagerCenter ManagerDepartment ManagerDistrict ManagerGeneral Manager (GM)Operations DirectorOperations General Manager (Operations GM)Operations ManagerPlant SuperintendentStore ManagerAccounting SupervisorBanking Center Manager (BCM)Branch ManagerBusiness Banking ManagerCredit Administration ManagerCredit ManagerFinancial Center ManagerFinancial Planning ManagerFinancial Reporting ManagerFinancial Systems ManagerAccounting InstructorAccounting ProfessorAssociate ProfessorBusiness Administration ProfessorBusiness InstructorBusiness ProfessorInstructorManagement ProfessorMarketing ProfessorProfessorBenefits AnalystBenefits ConsultantBenefits SpecialistCompensation AnalystCompensation ConsultantCompensation SpecialistCompensation and Benefits AnalystCompensation and Benefits SpecialistEmployee Benefits SpecialistPosition Classification SpecialistBudget AnalystBudget CoordinatorBudget OfficerBudget Planning AnalystBudget and Policy AnalystCost AnalystFinancial Services OfficerFiscal AnalystFiscal Budget AnalystCredit AdministratorCredit AnalystCredit OfficerCredit RepresentativeCredit Risk AnalystCredit and Collections AnalystMunicipal Fixed Income AnalystAnalystCredit Products OfficerEquity Research AnalystFinancial AnalystInvestment AnalystPlanning AnalystPortfolio ManagerReal Estate AnalystSecurities AnalystTrust OfficerCertified Financial Planner (CFP)Financial AdvisorFinancial ConsultantFinancial CounselorFinancial Life PlannerFinancial PlannerInvestment AdvisorWealth AdvisorWealth ManagerRisk AnalystRisk ManagerRisk SpecialistCommercial BankerCommercial Loan OfficerCorporate Banking OfficerFinancial Aid AdvisorFinancial Aid CounselorFinancial Aid OfficerLoan CounselorLoan OfficerMortgage Loan Officer
Work Environment
Locations
- • Corporate finance departments
- • Banks and credit unions
- • Investment and brokerage firms
- • Insurance companies
- • Government agencies
Schedule
Most roles work full time on a set weekday schedule, but deadlines, month-end/quarter-end closes, and market events can create long hours and high time pressure.
Physical Demands
Work is primarily desk-based with long periods of sitting and computer use. Physical exertion is low, but repetitive keyboard/mouse work and sustained focus are common.
Salary & Job Outlook
Median $101,350
$52,936$168,833+
Entry Level
10th percentile
$52,936
Early Career
25th percentile
$70,616
Median
50th percentile
$101,350
Experienced
75th percentile
$136,210
Top Earners
90th percentile
$168,833+
National Employment: 6,275,600 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Organizations are relying more on data-driven budgeting, forecasting, and investment analysis to manage costs and improve returns. Growth in financial management, advising, and risk functions can also increase hiring as regulations and market complexity rise.
Skills You'll Need
Financial statement analysisBudgeting and forecastingExcel and financial modelingAttention to detail and accuracyData analysis and critical thinkingClear business writing and presentation skillsEthics and confidentialityClient service and relationship building
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong earning potential in many roles
- • Skills transfer across many industries
- • Clear advancement paths into management
- • Work is generally indoors and not physically strenuous
- • High demand for strong analytical talent
Cons
- • High time pressure and deadline-driven work
- • Can involve long hours during closes or reporting cycles
- • Work can be detail-heavy and repetitive
- • Market and economic swings can affect job stability in some sectors
- • May require licensing/certifications for certain paths (e.g., advising)
FAQ
Common Questions About the Financial Analyst Trade
Ready to Get Started?
Not Sure This Trade is Right?
Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.
Take the Career Quiz