Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Finance & Accounting

Financial Analyst

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Primary Secondary Secondary Post-16 Post-16

A financial analyst helps companies and individuals make decisions about investments and financial planning. This career involves researching financial data, preparing reports, and making recommendations based on economic trends and company performance. Financial analysts often work for banks, investment firms, insurance companies, or large businesses in their finance departments. The job requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of markets and financial statements. Many financial analysts in the UK hold a degree in finance, economics, or a related subject. Professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or membership of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) can enhance career prospects.

Financial Analyst

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Financial analysts in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £55,000 per year, with senior and specialised roles reaching up to £70,000 or more.

Job Availability

There are over 30,000 financial analyst positions across the UK, with strong demand in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

Employment Growth

The financial services sector is expected to grow by 4 percent annually, increasing the need for skilled financial analysts.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Investment Analyst

Focuses on researching and evaluating investment opportunities for clients or financial institutions, such as stocks, bonds or property.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Corporate Finance Analyst

Works within businesses to assess financial performance, support mergers and acquisitions, and help with budgeting and forecasting.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Risk Analyst

Specialises in identifying and assessing potential risks that could affect an organisation’s financial wellbeing, helping to develop strategies to manage or reduce those risks.

Build Your Academic Foundation

Achieve Strong GCSEs and A Levels

Focus on subjects such as Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies at GCSE and A Level.

To begin your journey, it is vital to earn good grades in relevant subjects, especially those that develop your analytical and numerical skills. Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies are particularly useful, as they provide the foundation for understanding finance and data analysis. Most university courses in finance or related subjects will require strong results in these areas.

Pursue a Relevant University Degree

Apply for a degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field at university.

Most financial analyst roles require a degree. Courses in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Business, or Accounting are especially relevant. During your studies, try to choose modules or projects related to financial analysis, investments, or corporate finance. Many universities also offer placement years or internships, which can be highly beneficial.

Gain Practical Experience

Secure Work Experience or Internships

Look for internships or work placements with banks, investment firms, or financial departments.

Relevant work experience is highly valued by employers. Many financial institutions, banks, and accountancy firms offer summer internships or placement years for students. These opportunities allow you to apply your academic knowledge, learn about the industry, and build a network of professional contacts. Internships can sometimes lead to graduate job offers.

Develop Technical Skills

Learn to use financial software such as Excel, Bloomberg, or other data analysis tools.

Strong IT skills are essential for financial analysts. Excel is widely used for financial modelling and analysis, while platforms like Bloomberg and Reuters provide market data. Gaining proficiency in these tools will give you an edge in both internships and graduate positions. Some universities offer training or workshops, but there are also many online courses available.

Launch Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Schemes or Entry-Level Roles

Search and apply for graduate schemes or junior analyst positions with financial institutions or large companies.

Upon graduation, look for entry-level roles such as Junior Financial Analyst, Graduate Analyst, or similar positions in banks, investment firms, consulting firms, or large corporations. Graduate schemes often provide structured training and support for professional development. Tailor your CV and cover letters to highlight your education, relevant experience, and technical skills.

Consider Professional Qualifications

Work towards qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) certifications.

While not always mandatory, professional qualifications can enhance your career prospects and expertise. The CFA programme is widely recognised in the financial industry and covers investment management, financial analysis, and ethical standards. The CISI also offers courses and certifications relevant to financial analysts in the UK. Many employers support study towards these qualifications.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Financial Analyst. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Financial Analyst and an Investment Analyst both focus on analysing financial data to guide investment decisions. They require similar skills in financial modelling, market research, and understanding of financial instruments, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree at upper second class or higher. Most degree subjects are accepted, but you may find these particularly useful:

  • economics
  • maths
  • business studies
  • accountancy
  • finance

If your degree is not related to business or finance, you could do a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration (MBA).

A course with a placement year or a summer internship with give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a senior investment and commercial banking professional degree apprenticeship. This is at level 7, which is equivalent to a master's qualification.

This will usually take about 18 to 24 months to complete. You will take professional exams as part of the apprenticeship and at the end you will be able to apply for membership of the relevant professional body.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

You could start as a graduate trainee in an investment bank or a stockbroking firm. Trainees must pass an exam that is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority. These include:

More Information

Career tips

You may find it useful to have knowledge of a specific industry for some jobs, for example experience in areas like energy, engineering or life sciences could be helpful.

Language skills, particularly French, German or Japanese, can also be useful if you're working with overseas clients and markets.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join organisations like the CFA Institute and Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an investment analyst from:

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.