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What does a business & finance analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Rebecca Sarver
What does a business & finance analyst do

A financial business analyst is also referred to as a business analyst who recommends and enforces corporate efficiency and profitability methods. Financial business analysts analyze the business model and finances of an organization. Their findings serve as the source of their suggestions to improve businesses' budgeting, management, and overall operations. They have the ability to predict the outcome of the decisions made by enterprises. The skills necessary for this job include interpersonal skills, management experience, financial reporting, and strong communication skills.

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Business & finance analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real business & finance analyst resumes:

  • Manage and maintain DCAA approve accrual record keeping system while maintaining GAAP standards.
  • Lead company in Essbase implementation and developing a centralize and standardize reporting process.
  • Develop, maintain financial models/applications (VBA Excel/Access) to automate and streamline business processes and perform financial analysis.
  • Conduct data analysis using SQL.
  • Manipulate and run labor reports weekly using Hyperion for account financial measures and assumptions.
  • Analyze huge sets of data using SQL and excel for ensuring data quality and issues.
  • Perform key measurement ratios and graphs, monthly financial statement analysis models using standard GAAP format.
  • Create new GL codes and map the old codes for the ERP migration and for structure financial reporting.
  • Work to insure the transfer from legacy systems and other programs to the new ERP system are correct information.
  • Perform monthly reconciliations within a robust control environment for the purpose of identifying substantial discrepancies.
  • Develop, monitor and investigate transactional KPIs to diminish potential losses and increase overall approval rates.
  • Analyze securities markets for different portfolio, validate trade surveillance and trade reporting to the difference stakeholders.
  • Work closely with Hyperion vendor to communicate and co-ordinate new business requirements and resolve functional and technical issues.
  • Maintain elements of domestic and/or international ledgers including the preparation and/or review of relate journal entries and reconciliations.
  • Present findings and analysis to executive level management and work collaboratively with management in decision making processes regarding the asset portfolio.

Business & finance analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Business & Finance Analysts are proficient in Financial Analysis, Business Analysis, and Shared Services. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Computer skills.

We break down the percentage of Business & Finance Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Financial Analysis, 13%

    Design and maintain revenue reporting, financial analysis and performance tracking to assist management decision making and improve understanding of issues.

  • Business Analysis, 6%

    Handled general ledger activity and prepared financial statements for several business segments within Engineering Business Analysis group.

  • Shared Services, 5%

    Provided complete end to end support for internal shared services IT billing and budget applications.

  • Financial Data, 4%

    Coordinate business planning and budgeting process, delivering financial data analysis and overall financial integrity of the business plan.

  • Strong Analytical, 4%

    Prepared weekly cash management/short-term cash flow models, long-term financial forecasts and departmental budgets utilizing strong analytical and MS excel skills.

  • Process Improvement, 4%

    Managed process improvement projects for Treasury/Finance/Operations.

"financial analysis," "business analysis," and "shared services" are among the most common skills that business & finance analysts use at work. You can find even more business & finance analyst responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a business & finance analyst to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "financial analysts must evaluate a range of information in finding profitable investments." Business & finance analysts often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created an ms access-based database with advanced query functionality using vba and sql. "

Communication skills. Many business & finance analyst duties rely on communication skills. "financial analysts must be able to clearly explain their recommendations to clients.," so a business & finance analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways business & finance analyst responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed, distributed, and tracked various forms of navair navy erp business office communications. "

Computer skills. business & finance analysts are also known for computer skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to business & finance analyst responsibilities, because "financial analysts must be adept at using software to analyze financial data and trends, create portfolios, and make forecasts." A business & finance analyst resume example shows how computer skills is used in the workplace: "implemented use of specific computer based valuation and appraisal programs to analyze financial database"

Detail oriented. For certain business & finance analyst responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a business & finance analyst rely on this skill, as "financial analysts must pay attention when reviewing a possible investment, as even small issues may have large implications for its health." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what business & finance analysts do: "authored data flow diagrams, use case diagrams and business process models with special detail to sub-processes. "

Math skills. A commonly-found skill in business & finance analyst job descriptions, "math skills" is essential to what business & finance analysts do. Business & finance analyst responsibilities rely on this skill because "financial analysts use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities." You can also see how business & finance analyst duties rely on math skills in this resume example: "conducted quantitative analysis of financial data to forecast revenue, identify future trends, and assess risk associated with projects. "

See the full list of business & finance analyst skills

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Compare different business & finance analysts

Business & finance analyst vs. Cost analyst

Cost Analysts are employees with a strong background in finance or accounting. They are in charge of collecting financial data and analyzing the entries. They study the company's expenses and prepare pertinent reports. Cost Analysts look for inconsistencies in the financial data. This way, they can assist in auditing the company's spending. Cost Analysts also look for inefficiencies. They do so by tracking item costs and department budgets and monitoring department expenses. They are also involved in budget-setting activities.

The annual salary of cost analysts is $16,356 lower than the average salary of business & finance analysts.Even though business & finance analysts and cost analysts are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require financial analysis, business analysis, and financial data in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, business & finance analyst responsibilities require skills like "shared services," "business process," "financial models," and "hyperion." Meanwhile a typical cost analyst has skills in areas such as "cost estimates," "dod," "project management," and "cost models." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Cost analysts tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $76,426. In contrast, business & finance analysts make the biggest average salary, $82,379, in the finance industry.On average, cost analysts reach lower levels of education than business & finance analysts. Cost analysts are 9.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Business & finance analyst vs. Senior technical business analyst

Senior Technical Business Analysts are experienced employees who primarily work on business improvements. They review business processes and other operations-related procedures in relation to the current business landscape. They should be familiar with the trends in the industry and how these trends affect the company. They should also be familiar with the company processes, people's capabilities, and other context-setting information related to the business. Senior Technical Business Analysts work with different departments to get a holistic view of the company. This would help them recommend action plans and next steps to address the company's challenges and ensure that the company overcomes these challenges.

A career as a senior technical business analyst brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a business & finance analyst. In fact, senior technical business analysts salary is $35,393 higher than the salary of business & finance analysts per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Business & finance analysts and senior technical business analysts both require similar skills like "business analysis," "shared services," and "strong analytical" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real business & finance analyst resumes. While business & finance analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "financial analysis," "financial data," "financial models," and "hyperion," senior technical business analysts use skills like "project management," "user stories," "scrum," and "business stakeholders."

Senior technical business analysts earn a higher average salary than business & finance analysts. But senior technical business analysts earn the highest pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $122,449. Additionally, business & finance analysts earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $82,379 annually.In general, senior technical business analysts achieve similar levels of education than business & finance analysts. They're 2.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for business & finance analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Rebecca SarverRebecca Sarver LinkedIn profile

Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College

The use of remote and virtual meetings will continue, even after COVID-19. Face-to-face meetings may still be the preferred method of contact, but the reality is that many clients who need to access services do not have reliable and consistent transportation to get to the services. Phones and computers enable more convenient meetings that are less costly in terms of time and travel. Some clients may prefer not to leave their homes.

Business & finance analyst vs. Finance analyst/accountant

In a company setting, a finance analyst/accountant is in charge of handling and monitoring financial activities, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Their responsibilities revolve around preparing financial reports, performing audits and risk assessments, and identifying any errors and inconsistencies, resolving them promptly and efficiently. They also conduct research and analysis to identify new business opportunities, evaluate the existing procedures to determine its strengths and weaknesses, and recommend solutions to optimize operations for financial growth. Furthermore, as a finance analyst/accountant, it is essential to uphold the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.

On average scale, finance analyst/accountants bring in lower salaries than business & finance analysts. In fact, they earn a $7,539 lower salary per year.By looking over several business & finance analysts and finance analyst/accountants resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "financial analysis," "financial data," and "strong analytical." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a business & finance analyst is likely to be skilled in "business analysis," "shared services," "business process," and "hyperion," while a typical finance analyst/accountant is skilled in "general ledger accounts," "payroll," "external auditors," and "account reconciliations."

Finance analyst/accountants earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $78,897. Comparatively, business & finance analysts have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $82,379.When it comes to education, finance analyst/accountants tend to earn lower degree levels compared to business & finance analysts. In fact, they're 7.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Business & finance analyst vs. Contractor-business analyst

A contractor-business analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and strategizing on efficient project management techniques to enhance productivity goals and achieve maximum performance. Contractor-business analysts conduct data and statistical analysis to determine areas of improvement and identify business opportunities that would generate more revenue resources and increase profits. They also review client accounts, measure sales performance, and design solutions by utilizing various software applications and system tools. A contractor-business analyst advises the management of necessary training for the staff to enhance services and close more business partnerships.

Contractor-business analysts tend to earn a higher pay than business & finance analysts by an average of $16,888 per year.While their salaries may vary, business & finance analysts and contractor-business analysts both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "financial analysis," "business analysis," and "financial data. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "shared services," "strong analytical," "financial models," and "hyperion" are skills that commonly show up on business & finance analyst resumes. On the other hand, contractor-business analysts use skills like project management, data entry, user stories, and bi on their resumes.The average resume of contractor-business analysts showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to business & finance analysts. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.5%.

Types of business & finance analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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