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What is a finance analyst/accountant and how to become one
A finance analyst/accountant is an individual who looks at past and current financial trends to help an organization or a business gain market share and profitability. The professionals review an organization's financial data regularly, generate financial reports, and offer recommendations for increasing profits and customers.
A finance/accounting analyst also researches market conditions and consumer practices to offer recommendations for increasing investment opportunities and business success. These individuals also analyze the profits, expenses and provide reports to upper management and clients.
A finance analyst/accountant typically has a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, marketing, or a related field. However, some employers may consider applicants with comparable skills and experience. Also, many of these individuals may have a certified public accountant (CPA) license, as well as experience in sales and marketing. These individuals should possess strong communication, analytical, math, and organizational skills and be comfortable working with financial software.
A finance analyst/accountant can make up to $60,000 per year in the US, and the career field is expected to grow 6% by 2028.
What general advice would you give to a finance analyst/accountant?
Stephen Moehrle Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman of Accounting, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Most of the above remains true so the only open question is job availability. It would be unrealistic to say things are great. However, it seems that job prospects for accounting majors will be better than for those of virtually every other entry-level profession during difficult times. I have been speaking with firm leaders across the spectrum of firms and most do intend to be on campus in the fall recruiting season. Of course, they have a lot of time to learn more about the economy over the next few months, but we are cautiously optimistic. Again, I am confident that whatever the state of job availability for young CPAs-to-be, prospects will be better for accounting graduates than virtually any other profession.
They will be entering the profession at a fascinating moment in time. Of course, the technological advances assure this regardless of economic conditions. However, there are business disruption-related issues that will provide rich opportunities for making a difference. For example, audit staff will be working with clients to see them through these troubling times. Lamentably, I fear that these young professionals will learn more about the going concern determination than they desire to know. Tax staff will help clients to optimally use the tax loss carrybacks and carryforwards that are arising by the day. Entry level professionals in corporate accounting will get a day-to-day front row seat in business management through crisis. While lamentable times, these are times when young professionals can make a difference that saves jobs.
Avg. Salary $62,975
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.45%
Asian 16.99%
Black or African American 7.87%
Hispanic or Latino 10.18%
Unknown 3.92%
White 60.58%
Genderfemale 49.76%
male 50.24%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Finance analyst/accountant career paths
Key steps to become a finance analyst/accountant
Explore finance analyst/accountant education requirements
Start to develop specific finance analyst/accountant skills
Skills Percentages Reconciliations 9.09% Financial Analysis 7.69% General Ledger Accounts 4.49% Payroll 4.44% External Auditors 3.87% Complete relevant finance analyst/accountant training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New finance analyst/accountants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a finance analyst/accountant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real finance analyst/accountant resumes.Gain additional finance analyst/accountant certifications
More About CertificationsFinance analyst/accountant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific finance analyst/accountant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for finance analyst/accountants include Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Research finance analyst/accountant duties and responsibilities
- Manage the full cycle finance duties including A/P, A/R, G/L and fixed-asset accounting in accordance with GAAP standards.
- Manage all monthly accruals for outsides consultant/service providers.
- Develop transfer prices and manage manufacturing inventory in an ERP system.
- Utilize accounting principles to manage quarterly regulatory settlement accruals and reporting requirements.
Prepare your finance analyst/accountant resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your finance analyst/accountant resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a finance analyst/accountant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable finance analyst/accountant resume templates
Build a professional finance analyst/accountant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your finance analyst/accountant resume.
Apply for finance analyst/accountant jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a finance analyst/accountant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first finance analyst/accountant job
Are you a finance analyst/accountant?
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Average finance analyst/accountant salary
The average finance analyst/accountant salary in the United States is $62,975 per year or $30 per hour. Finance analyst/accountant salaries range between $47,000 and $84,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do finance analyst/accountants rate their job?
Finance analyst/accountant reviews
Reporting to a CPA Controller or CFO, always learning and not micromanaged. Treated as a professional always.
Business owners that do not know or understand compliance and GAAP, or the patience to follow the rules... generally common in small companies.
It's an office job.
Everything else. Too much anxiety, debts, low sallary (€700/month).
I like when the numbers fall in to place. I enjoy helping clients reach their financial goals. I am great with client consultations. I appreciate the chance to help plan for a client's needs.
I dislike situations where no planning had been done. I am bothered when a client has an accounting problem that could have been avoided by proper planning.
Updated January 8, 2025
