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Financial analysts provide analysis and guidance to businesses by gathering financial information, analyzing it and making recommendations.
Financial analysts assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions with money to invest. Also called securities analysts and investment analysts, they work for investment banks, insurance companies, mutual and pension funds, securities firms, the business media and other businesses, helping them make investment decisions or recommendations.
Financial analysts read company financial statements and analyze commodity prices, sales, costs, expenses and tax rates in order to determine a company’s value and to project its future earnings. Financial analysts generally focus on a specific industry, region or type of product.
How long will it take?
A bachelor’s or graduate degree is required for financial analysts. Most companies require financial analysts to have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, statistics, or economics. A master’s degree in finance or business administration also is desirable.
At AC, you can complete the first two years of such a degree.
How much can you earn?
Median annual earnings, including bonuses, of wage and salary financial analysts were $66,590 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Many financial analysts work at the headquarters of large financial institutions, most of which are based in New York City or other major financial centers. About a third work in the finance and insurance industries, including securities and commodity brokers, banks and credit institutions and insurance carriers. Others work throughout private industry and government.
AC can help you get there!
