What is a financial analyst?
As a financial analyst you’ll be analysing a lot more than figures. Business decisions require in-depth understanding of a much wider range of factors, such as economic conditions and sector trends, as well as other factors like sustainability impacts.Â
For example, your insight could support key leadership decisions such as whether to buy or sell a company’s stock based on its overall strength.
Financial analyst roles are available in corporate and public sectors, financial services, public practice and shared service organisations.
How do I achieve it?
You can enter financial analysis as a graduate in a junior or supervised role, or can move into it after gaining relevant experience. While aspiring financial analysts often benefit from holding a degree in accounting or finance, it’s also important to understand the difference between accountancy and finance. Accounting focuses on accurately recording, reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial information, while finance is concerned with managing, investing, and strategically growing an organisation’s resources. Everyone can strengthen their career prospects by completing the following ACCA Strategic Professional exams:veryone can strengthen their career prospects by completing the following ACCA Strategic Professional exams:
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
If you are considering applying for a graduate or junior position as a financial analyst, explore ACCA's huge range of study and career tips and advice for accountants to ensure a strong impact in the interview and beyond.
