What should I study to become a financial analyst?

Day-to-day responsibilities for financial analysts include:

• Analyzing current and past financial data and performance

• Preparing reports and projections based on this analysis

• Evaluating current capital expenditures and depreciation

• Exploring investment opportunities

• Establishing and evaluating profit plans

• Identifying trends in financial performance and providing recommendations for improvement

• Coordinating with other members of the finance team to review financial information and forecasts

• Providing financial models and forecasting

With so many different day-to-day responsibilities, it's important to be well-rounded as a finance analyst. You should keep this in mind when designing a study program to become a financial analyst.

In addition to primary education, it's important to work towards any licenses, certifications, and registrations that will help you advance in your career as a financial analyst. Two main types of certification in the field are -

• The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the main licensing organization for the securities industry. A license is generally required to sell financial products, which may apply to some positions.

  Because most of the licenses require sponsorship by an employer, companies do not expect individuals to have these licenses before starting a job.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification from the CFA Institute. Financial analysts can become CFA certified if they have a bachelor's degree and several years of work experience and pass multiple exams. They also may choose to become certified in their field of specialty.