What does a securities analyst do?
Securities analysts, also known as financial analysts, are responsible for collecting and interpreting data on securities, economies, corporate strategies, and financial markets. They provide clients with recommendations on investments based on in-depth research. This role has various duties and responsibilities that include putting out a buy, sell or hold recommendation in the financial markets, assessing the value and financial stability of companies, and meeting with company representatives to better understand their business practices. Securities analysts are also responsible for devising financial models.
Securities analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real securities analyst resumes:
- Manage test ids for testers, UAX, onshore/offshore staff, users and test center staff.
- Handpick to achieve the objectives and SLA objectives within the provisioning services division servicing internal business partners.
- Program and troubleshoot system micro controllers, card readers, alarm inputs/outputs, and manage device IP communication.
- Manage multiple firewalls; including development of access control lists, firewall monitoring, configuration and maintenance.
- Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
- Create web application using InteliJ with Java language.
- Deliver analysis reports base on SPLUNK data to customers.
- Work with various devices running Linux and Unix doing account auditing and system hardening.
- Used Splunk to consolidate, monitor and alert on any abnormal or malicious log activities.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable CND policies, regulations, and compliance documents specifically relate to CND auditing.
- Design software with training and help from beginner to advance SIEM analyst usage build directly into the application.
- Perform Unix (AIX, HPUX and Linux) security analysis, including user administration, security investigation.
- Create and maintain SharePoint space for third party and internet access forms eliminating the need for paper copies.
- Perform overt and cover investigations into theft, fraud, drug use, executive protection, and electronic debugging.
- Assist in the enforcement and oversight of PCI, ACH, FDIC, and other regulatory requirements impacting financial institutions.
Securities analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Securities Analysts are proficient in Incident Response, Security Policies, and NIST. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Securities Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Incident Response, 6%
Determine if security events monitored should be escalated to incidents and follow all applicable incident response and reporting processes and procedures.
- Security Policies, 5%
Participated in developing information security policies and procedures
- NIST, 4%
Apply appropriate information security control for Federal Information Systems based on NIST guidance.
- Windows, 4%
Monitored activity such as Windows and Linux system administration, AWS network management, and network device configuration.
- SIEM, 4%
Monitored and responded to SIEM generated incidents and other electronic notifications.
- Risk Assessments, 4%
Provide security expertise and support across the organization in risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate security procedures and products.
Most securities analysts use their skills in "incident response," "security policies," and "nist" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential securities analyst responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a securities analyst to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what securities analysts do because "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Additionally, a securities analyst resume shows how securities analysts use analytical skills: "handle data from oracle, db2, access and peoplesoft and manage scenarios using java/j2ee application. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling securities analyst duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." According to a securities analyst resume, here's how securities analysts can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "detailed and comprehensive knowledge of dod, and command policies, regulations, and procedures that govern multiple security programs. "
Problem-solving skills. securities analysts are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to securities analyst responsibilities, because "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." A securities analyst resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "provided design and access solutions for security and network issues associated with internet and remote access, encryption and cryptography implementation. "
The three companies that hire the most securities analysts are:
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Compare different securities analysts
Securities analyst vs. Information assurance engineer
Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a securities analyst are more likely to require skills like "security policies," "nist," "siem," and "security systems." On the other hand, a job as an information assurance engineer requires skills like "rmf," "iam," "acas," and "assurance support." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information assurance engineers tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,153. In contrast, securities analysts make the biggest average salary, $95,246, in the finance industry.information assurance engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than securities analysts. In fact, information assurance engineers are 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Securities analyst vs. Information systems security officer
An information systems security officer's role is to perform preventive measures to protect a company's data and systems from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the existing security measures to identify any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies, recommending and implementing changes to improve security systems, and developing new strategies and programs for data protection. There are also instances when an information systems security officer must manage and maintain information in databases, train new employees, and create new security policies, all while adhering to the company's vision and mission.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, securities analyst responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "security policies," "nist," "siem," and "security systems." Meanwhile, an information systems security officer has duties that require skills in areas such as "rmf," "isso," "security posture," and "sci." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Information systems security officers may earn a higher salary than securities analysts, but information systems security officers earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $89,615. On the other hand, securities analysts receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,246.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Information systems security officers tend to reach similar levels of education than securities analysts. In fact, they're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Securities analyst vs. Information technology security manager
An information technology security manager is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the organization's network systems to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of information from the database. Information technology security managers resolve technical issues, configure network updates, and upgrade system infrastructures to enhance optimal performance and navigation. They also install applications, inspect security breaches, and fix faulty servers to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. An information technology security manager must have excellent technical and communication skills, especially in writing reports for system findings and design networks according to business requirements.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, securities analysts are more likely to have skills like "security policies," "security systems," "database," and "security events." But a information technology security manager is more likely to have skills like "risk management," "project management," "governance," and "security program."
Information technology security managers earn the best pay in the hospitality industry, where they command an average salary of $127,504. Securities analysts earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $95,246.When it comes to education, information technology security managers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to securities analysts. In fact, they're 4.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Securities analyst vs. Access control specialist
An Access Control Specialist is in charge of implementing security protocols and systems to prevent unauthorized access into different facilities. They usually stand guard at entry points to greet and verify visitors' identity, conduct inspections to detect and collect prohibited items and work together with security teams to enforce security policies and regulations. Moreover, an Access Control Specialist may also handle and monitor security alarms and systems, respond to distress, and keep an eye on any suspicious activities.
Types of securities analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
