What does a quantitative analyst do?
A quantitative analyst is trained to gather quantitative methods to help companies do business and make other related decisions. In the world of trading, quantitative analysts are in demand. It is their job as quantitative analysts to help banks value their securities. They identify cost-effective investment opportunities and measure risk. They can also work for the insurance companies to develop pricing models and assess risk evaluation strategies. Also, some quantitative analysts work on the back end to enhance computer software and to evaluate financial data.
Quantitative analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real quantitative analyst resumes:
- Manage and update early engagement processes daily through SharePoint.
- Develop C++ codes and unix shell scripts in linux environment.
- Perform extensive data and statistical analysis using advance packages like SAS to provide business solutions.
- Develop predictive models using logistic regression and CHAID to target existing and prospective customers for catalog mailing events and online campaigns.
- Create the next generation distribute C++ mortgage analytics library with Intex.
- Present the visualization of results with Google motion charts and maps to UNDP representatives
- Present the result to the company management in form of PowerPoint decks and presentation.
- Develop VBA programs/Excel macros to extract, organize, and visualize monthly tracking error volatility reports.
- Apply XML style sheet processing (XSLT) and implement Unix shell automation to some processes.
- Join stress testing for the PNC 2016 CCAR submission (under baseline, adverse, and severely adverse scenarios).
- Develop methods of assessing or measuring corporate performance in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
- Enhance functionality for portfolio optimization.
- Implement VBA application to optimize congestion bidding parameters.
- Prototyped machine learning algorithms for landing-page predictive models using python /Spark MLlib.
- Perform periodic portfolio reviews highlighting key industry drivers and risks on portfolios.
Quantitative analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Quantitative Analysts are proficient in Python, SAS, and Risk Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Detail oriented, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Quantitative Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 13%
Developed a statistical analysis tool in Python to optimize Gas emergency response staffing requirements.
- SAS, 8%
Utilized statistical analysis with SAS programming: * Multivariate analysis * Regression analysis * Time-series * Cluster analysis.
- Risk Management, 7%
Designed, developed and tested portfolio allocation optimization and risk management application modules for trading software using CAPM nonlinear methodology.
- Model Development, 5%
Lead model development and model validation related initiatives to enable enterprise-level monitoring and management of the Bank's wholesale lending portfolio.
- Statistical Models, 5%
Maintained and validated response and loss-ratio statistical models to predict potential customers for direct-mail marketing campaigns.
- C++, 4%
Developed Hybrid Probability of Default model for corporate default prediction using Merton s Structural Model and Binomial Logistic Regression using C++.
"python," "sas," and "risk management" are among the most common skills that quantitative analysts use at work. You can find even more quantitative analyst responsibilities below, including:
Computer skills. One of the key soft skills for a quantitative analyst to have is computer skills. You can see how this relates to what quantitative analysts do because "financial analysts must be adept at using software to analyze financial data and trends, create portfolios, and make forecasts." Additionally, a quantitative analyst resume shows how quantitative analysts use computer skills: "performed computer programming using sas to create analytic reporting for the marketing, sales, and business intelligence areas. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling quantitative analyst duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "financial analysts must pay attention when reviewing a possible investment, as even small issues may have large implications for its health." According to a quantitative analyst resume, here's how quantitative analysts can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "performed detailed statistical analysis that provided visibility into the investment process resulting in a more disciplined approach and improved performance. "
Math skills. quantitative analysts are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to quantitative analyst responsibilities, because "financial analysts use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities." A quantitative analyst resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "proposed and implemented a model for forecast volatility of equities based on technical and quantitative analyses. "
Analytical skills. For certain quantitative analyst responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "analytical skills." The day-to-day duties of a quantitative analyst rely on this skill, as "financial analysts must evaluate a range of information in finding profitable investments." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what quantitative analysts do: "performed descriptive analysis and data visualization to transform big data into professional reports monthly. "
Communication skills. Another common skill required for quantitative analyst responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of quantitative analysts all the time, as "financial analysts must be able to clearly explain their recommendations to clients." An excerpt from a real quantitative analyst resume shows how this skill is central to what a quantitative analyst does: "facilitated continuing communication forums with pricing model development team and end-users. "
The three companies that hire the most quantitative analysts are:
- U.S. Bank121 quantitative analysts jobs
- Bank of America107 quantitative analysts jobs
- Citi44 quantitative analysts jobs
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Compare different quantitative analysts
Quantitative analyst vs. Investment banking internship
An investment banking intern is responsible for assisting investment bankers in delivering high-quality financial services to clients while learning various investment strategies and other related banking disciplines. Investment banking interns observe the investment processes, shadow bankers on their daily operations, and contribute to identifying business opportunities based on their class knowledge to practical applications. They also conduct financial analysis, data processing for the client's account information, performing research for the stock market, and creating financial reports for meeting documents.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, quantitative analyst responsibilities require skills like "python," "sas," "risk management," and "model development." Meanwhile a typical investment banking internship has skills in areas such as "customer service," "work ethic," "oil gas," and "strong analytical." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, investment banking interns reach lower levels of education than quantitative analysts. Investment banking interns are 18.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 8.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Quantitative analyst vs. Senior finance consultant
A senior finance consultant is responsible for helping clients manage their account portfolios, recommending investment options, and monitoring their finances. Senior finance consultants should have extensive knowledge of the financial industry, especially on working with clients and inform them of current financial services and strategize financial plans according to the clients' needs and best interests. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns regarding their account performance and financial discrepancies, resolving issues to achieve the clients' long-term financial goals and objectives.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real quantitative analyst resumes. While quantitative analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "sas," "model development," and "statistical models," senior finance consultants use skills like "financial analysis," "project management," "financial services," and "strong analytical."
Senior finance consultants earn a lower average salary than quantitative analysts. But senior finance consultants earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $100,438. Additionally, quantitative analysts earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $121,890 annually.In general, senior finance consultants achieve lower levels of education than quantitative analysts. They're 14.2% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 8.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for quantitative analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Nate Peach Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics, George Fox University
Quantitative analyst vs. Analyst internship
An analyst internship is a student program where an intern is assigned to assist analyst professionals by analyzing business goals, objectives, and needs. Analyst interns assist in the planning and designing of business processes and suggest recommendations for improvement. They conduct research and analysis to support business operations and resolve issues using systems and data. They also help estimate the costs and benefits of multiple business actions and help the business organization launch new initiatives.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from quantitative analyst resumes include skills like "risk management," "model development," "statistical models," and "c #," whereas an analyst internship is more likely to list skills in "financial statements," "management system," "data entry," and "strong analytical. "
Analyst interns make a very good living in the professional industry with an average annual salary of $41,723. On the other hand, quantitative analysts are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $121,890.analyst interns typically earn lower educational levels compared to quantitative analysts. Specifically, they're 19.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 8.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Quantitative analyst vs. Investment banking analyst
An Investment Banking Analyst reviews and analyzes data for investment banking portfolios. They work with individuals and businesses to suggest potential investments for their clients.
Types of quantitative analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
