Financial Analysts Job Description, Duties & Salary

Overview

Financial analysts analyze the financial situation of companies and recommend ways for these companies to manage, spend, and invest their money. They are also known as security analysts and investment analysts. The goal of financial analysts is to help their employer or clients make informed, lucrative financial decisions. They assemble and evaluate the company's financial data and assess investment opportunities. They look at the company's financial history, the direction that company wants to take in the future, the company's place in the industry, and current and projected economic conditions. Financial analysts also conduct similar research on companies that might become investment opportunities. They write reports and compile spreadsheets that show the benefits of certain investments or selling certain securities.

Banks, brokerage firms, government agencies, mutual funds, and insurance and investment companies are some of the businesses that employ financial analysts. There are approximately 347,400 financial and investment analysts employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Much Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Conventional

Enterprising

Realistic