Top 8 financial analyst jobs & who's hiring

Are you interested in exploring the top financial analyst jobs and finding out who is currently hiring?

Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the world of financial analysis, uncover the responsibilities of financial analysts, identify necessary skills, highlight senior analyst advancement opportunities, and provide insights into the average salaries for entry-level positions.

Finance analysts help organizations in various sectors, such as banking, consulting, insurance, and corporate finance, make informed financial decisions.

A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field is usually required for a financial analyst position, but advanced education such as a master's degree or relevant certifications can also be beneficial. While work experience is not always expected for entry-level positions, internships can provide valuable experience. Certain skills are also necessary across all these roles, such as analytical skills, good communication, and attention to detail.

Overall, the salary range for entry-levelfinancial analyst positions is typically between $50,000 and $70,000, although it can vary based on job title and job description.

Let’s jump in and look at specific positions in financial analysis!

1. Financial analyst

Average salary: $64,213 per year

This role involves analyzing financial data to support decision-making and provide insights into an organization's financial performance. You'll review financial statements, assess revenue and expenses, and identify trends and opportunities for improvement. This requires good analytical skills.

Responsibilities: Conducting financial modeling, forecasting, annual budgeting, performing financial risk assessments, and evaluating investment opportunities.

Senior financial analyst roles involve more complex financial analysis, strategic planning, and leadership responsibilities.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field

Required skills:

Proficiency in financial analysis, modeling, and valuation
Strong knowledge of accounting principles and investment analysis
Ability to analyze and interpret financial data
Attention to detail
Effective communication for presenting financial insights and collaborating with business partners
Attention to detail for accurate financial analysis and reporting
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking

2. Data analyst

Average salary: $65,534 per year

As a data analyst, your role involves working with data sets to extract meaningful insights and support decision-making. Your day-to-day activities will include collecting, cleaning and analyzing data, and identifying patterns, trends, and correlations.

Responsibilities: Ensuring data accuracy, performing statistical analyses, creating visualizations to present findings, financial modeling, forecasting, and evaluating performance metrics

Senior roles handle more complex analyses, provide guidance to junior analysts, and play a more strategic role in decision-making.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field

Required skills:

Proficiency in data analysis tools (SQL, Python, R) and spreadsheet software (MicrosoftExcel)
Solid understanding of statistical concepts and techniques
Effective communication for conveying complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders
Attention to detail for data integrity and accuracy

3. Financial services representative (FSR)

Average salary: $51,405 per year

As a financial services representative (FSR), your role involves providing clients with personalized financial guidance and solutions. You'll assess clients' financial needs, goals, risk tolerance, and recommend suitable financial products and services.

Responsibilities: Building relationships with clients, opening accounts, processing transactions, addressing inquiries or concerns, and staying updated on market trends, regulations, and product offerings to provide accurate and timely information.

Senior roles involve managing larger client portfolios and providing comprehensive financial advice.

Required skills:

Math
Knowledge of financial products and investment principles
Excellent communication for understanding clients' needs and explaining financial concepts
Building and maintaining strong client relationships
Active listening for understanding clients' concerns and goals

4. Financial planning analyst

Average salary: $64,220 per year

As a financial planning analyst, your role involves analyzing financial data and creating comprehensive plans to assist clients in achieving their financial goals. You will gather and assess financial information, develop budgets, and create financial projections.

Responsibilities: Monitoring financial performance and profitability, conducting market research, and staying updated on financial regulations

Senior roles handle more complex financial planning projects, lead finance teams, and have greater responsibilities in strategic decision-making.

Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)

Required skills:

Financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting proficiency
Knowledge of investment principles, retirement planning, tax laws, and risk management
Proficiency in financial software and tools
Effective communication for explaining complex financial concepts to clients
Attention to detail for accuracy in financial plans and projections

5. Budget analyst

Average salary: $63,554 per year

As a budget analyst, your role involves analyzing financial data and developing budgets for organizations. You'll review financial information, track expenses, manage cash flow and forecast future budget needs.

Responsibilities: Conducting budget variance analyses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, providing recommendations for budget adjustments, and preparing financial reports for month-end and presentations

Senior roles handle more complex budgeting tasks, lead projects, and have greater responsibilities in financial decision-making.

Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field

Required skills:

Financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
Knowledge of accounting principles, financial software, and spreadsheet tools
Effective communication for collaborating with stakeholders and presenting budget information
Attention to detail for working with complex financial data

6. FP&A analyst

Average salary: $64,290 per year

As an FP&A (financial planning and analysis) analyst, your role involves analyzing financial data, preparing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making. You'll analyze financial performance, monitor key metrics, and identify trends or areas of improvement.

Responsibilities: Budgeting, financial modeling, variance analysis, and preparing reports

Senior positions involve more complex financial analysis, strategic planning, and leadership responsibilities.

Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field

Required skills:

Financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial software, and spreadsheet tools
Attention to detail and the ability to ensure accuracy in financial analysis and reporting
Effective communication for presenting financial insights and collaborating with stakeholders

7. Credit analyst

Average salary: $56,821 per year

As a credit analyst, your role involves assessing the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans or credit. You'll analyze financial data, review credit histories, and evaluate the potential risks associated with extending credit.

Responsibilities: Conducting financial statement analysis, assessing creditworthiness, determining credit limits, and recommending appropriate loan terms

Senior positions involve managing larger credit portfolios, overseeing credit policies, procedures, and making strategic credit decisions.

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field

Required skills:

Proficiency in financial analysis, credit evaluation, and risk assessment
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial ratios, and credit analysis techniques
Attention to detail
Ability to interpret financial statements
Effective communication for client interaction, explaining credit decisions, and collaborating with team members
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and the ability to work independently

8. Healthcare financial analyst

Average salary: $64,721 per year

As a healthcarefinancial analyst, your role involves analyzing financial data within the healthcare industry to support decision-making and financial planning. You'll review financial statements, assess revenue and expenses, and analyze healthcare costs.

Responsibilities: Budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling specific to healthcare organizations, conducting financial feasibility studies, and assessing reimbursement strategies

Senior roles involve more complex financial analysis, strategic initiative planning, and leadership responsibilities within the healthcare finance domain.

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field, plus some experience in the healthcare industry

Required skills:

Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling in the healthcare context
Strong knowledge of healthcare finance, reimbursement methodologies, and regulatory compliance
Attention to detail and familiarity with healthcare financial software and tools
Effective communication for presenting financial insights and collaborating with healthcare professionals and stakeholders

Who’s hiring financial analysts on Handshake?

Your financial analyst job awaits

If you’ve got a knack for numbers, great analytical skills, and a sharp eye for details, a financial analyst job might be a great choice for you. You might even land one without a college degree! To get started in a rewarding career as a financial analyst, head over to Handshake for more information and resources to help kick-start your journey today.

Be sure to download our app, create your profile, and sign up for job alerts to stay updated on the latest openings in your area. Whether you're interested in entry-level positions or more advanced roles, there are various job types available to suit your aspirations.

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Top 8 financial analyst jobs & who's hiring