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Financial Analyst

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A financial analyst evaluates financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions. In the UK, financial analysts often work for banks, investment firms, insurance companies, or large corporations. Their day-to-day duties include analysing financial statements, creating financial models, preparing reports, and making recommendations based on economic and business data. Strong skills in mathematics, communication, and critical thinking are essential. Many financial analysts hold a degree in finance, economics, or a related subject, and some pursue professional qualifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Financial Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Financial analysts in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £55,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £70,000 or more.

Job Openings

There are over 5,000 financial analyst job postings in the UK each year, with the highest demand in London and other major financial centres.

Typical Working Hours

Financial analysts usually work 37 to 40 hours per week, though overtime may be required during busy periods such as financial year end.

🚀 Careers in this path

Investment Analyst

Focuses on researching and evaluating investments such as shares, bonds, and funds to help clients make informed decisions about their portfolios.

Risk Analyst

Specialises in identifying and assessing financial risks for businesses and recommending strategies to minimise those risks.

Corporate Finance Analyst

Works within a company to analyse financial data, support business planning, and assist with decisions about mergers, acquisitions, and investments.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Obtain GCSEs and A-levels

Gain good passes at GCSE (particularly in Maths and English) and relevant A-levels such as Mathematics, Economics, or Business Studies.

Strong grades in Maths and analytical subjects will provide a solid foundation for further study and demonstrate your ability to handle numerical and problem-solving tasks. Some universities and employers may prefer or require specific A-levels, so check entry requirements for your desired courses or apprenticeship schemes.

Earn a University Degree

Pursue a degree in a relevant subject such as Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Business.

A degree is typically expected for most financial analyst roles. Courses that cover topics such as financial markets, statistics, and accounting are particularly valuable. Some employers may accept a Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent with relevant work experience, but a full degree is usually preferred.

Consider Professional Qualifications

Work towards professional qualifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential or ACCA.

The CFA qualification is highly respected in the finance industry and can set you apart from other candidates. The ACCA or CIMA qualifications are also valued, especially if you are interested in accountancy or management roles. These qualifications can be pursued while working and often require passing a series of exams.

Gain Relevant Experience

Complete Internships or Work Placements

Apply for internships or year-in-industry placements with banks, investment firms, or financial departments.

Internships provide hands-on experience of financial analysis, use of industry software, and an understanding of how financial decisions are made. They also offer networking opportunities and can sometimes lead directly to graduate job offers.

Apply for Graduate Schemes

Join a graduate training scheme at a bank, investment firm, or large corporation.

Graduate schemes offer structured training and the chance to rotate through different departments, gaining broad experience. Many financial services organisations offer these schemes, and competition can be strong, so apply early and tailor your application to each employer.

Develop Analytical Skills and Industry Knowledge

Master Financial Modelling and Software

Learn to use tools such as Excel, Bloomberg, and financial modelling software.

Financial analysts rely on spreadsheets and data analysis tools to assess information and make forecasts. You can take online courses or attend workshops to improve your skills. Understanding how to build and interpret financial models is essential for most analyst roles.

Stay Informed About Financial Markets

Regularly read financial news and industry reports to keep up to date with market trends.

Understanding the broader economic context and current events is crucial. Subscribe to financial journals, follow reputable news outlets, and attend industry conferences when possible. This will help you make informed recommendations and stand out during interviews.

🎯 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

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Sample Qualifications

A Financial Analyst and an Investment Analyst both evaluate financial data to support investment decisions, providing insights on market trends and company performance. They require similar qualifications in finance, analytical skills, and understanding of financial instruments, making them closely aligned in their skill sets and responsibilities.

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

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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

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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:

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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:

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