Working as a financial analyst

Financial Analysts are highly desirable in the current market, as businesses focus on what costs they can manage more effectively to drive future growth.

The ability to analyse financial data and make informed business recommendations based on your findings is the key to becoming a great financial analyst.

What qualifications do I need be a financial analyst?

To become a financial analyst, you'll require a tertiary qualification in accounting. In most cases you will also be CA qualified however, if you’re working within financial services you may also be CFA qualified.

What are the key skills for a financial analyst?

• A good mix of business and accounting abilities
• Post-qualification experience with budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Financial systems knowledge
• Highly computer literate with strong spread sheeting and reporting skills
   

What are some key attributes for a financial analyst?

Key personal attributes for a successful Financial Analyst include:

• Process improvement focus - you will be able to use your analysis to identify key areas of cost saving and/or areas where performance can be improved across the business.
• Commercially aware - you need to be confident in the recommendations you make based on your analysis and how these recommendations impact the rest of the business.
• Strong attention to detail – you will need to be highly accurate in your work and demonstrate strong attention to detail when analysing.
• Deadline-driven - you will need to be able to meet strict reporting deadlines
   

Magic CV words

'Big 4', overseas experience, process improvement, planning, reporting, analysis.

How much does a financial analyst earn?

On average, salaries for financial analysts are between circa $85-120k. 

Financial analysts career prospects

Proven financial analysts have good career opportunities and can progress to become business analysts, finance managers or commercial managers.