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Financial Analyst

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A Financial Analyst in the UK works to evaluate financial data, make recommendations about investments, and help organisations or clients make informed financial decisions. This role typically involves analysing financial statements, preparing reports, and monitoring market trends. Financial Analysts may work for banks, investment firms, corporations, or government agencies. The job often requires strong numeracy skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in software such as Excel. Many Financial Analysts pursue professional qualifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) to advance their careers.

Financial Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average starting salary for a Financial Analyst in the UK is around £28,000 to £35,000 per year, with experienced analysts earning upwards of £50,000 to £70,000.

Job Market Size

There are approximately 45,000 people employed as Financial Analysts and related roles in the UK as of 2023.

Job Growth

The demand for Financial Analysts in the UK is projected to grow by around 7 percent between 2022 and 2027, driven by the expansion of financial services and investment sectors.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Investment Analyst

Specialises in researching and evaluating investment opportunities, such as stocks and bonds, to help clients or companies make informed financial decisions.

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Risk Analyst

Focuses on identifying and assessing potential risks that could impact the financial health of an organisation, and recommends strategies to manage these risks.

Corporate Finance Analyst

Works within a company to analyse financial data, assist with budgeting and forecasting, and support decisions related to mergers, acquisitions, or raising capital.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Achieve Good GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on subjects such as maths, economics, and business studies to prepare for further study.

Strong grades in maths or related subjects are essential, as these will help you develop numerical and analytical skills. Consider taking A-Levels in mathematics, economics and business studies, as these are highly valued by universities and employers in the finance sector.

Complete a Relevant University Degree

Earn a degree in finance, economics, maths, accounting, or a related field.

Most financial analyst roles require at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject. Popular courses include finance, economics, business studies, or mathematics. Some universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry, which can provide valuable practical experience.

Gain Practical Experience and Skills

Undertake Internships or Placements

Apply for internships with banks, investment firms, or finance departments during or after your degree.

Internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. They can also lead to graduate job offers. Look for summer internships or year-long placements, and use your university careers service to find opportunities.

Develop Analytical and IT Skills

Gain proficiency in spreadsheet software like Excel and learn to use financial modelling tools.

Financial analysts rely heavily on Excel for data analysis and reporting. Familiarity with software such as Bloomberg or Python for financial modelling is also beneficial. Consider completing online courses or certifications to boost your skills.

Enter the Finance Sector and Progress

Apply for Graduate Schemes or Entry-Level Roles

Look for graduate schemes or junior financial analyst positions at banks, investment houses, and large companies.

Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your analytical skills and relevant experience. Many large organisations offer structured graduate schemes with training and development. Smaller firms may offer direct entry-level roles.

Pursue Professional Qualifications

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

Professional qualifications can significantly boost your career prospects. The CFA is highly regarded worldwide, while the CISI offers UK-focused finance credentials. Employers may support your studies as you work.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Financial Analyst and an Investment Analyst both primarily focus on analysing financial data to support investment decisions and recommendations. They require similar skills in financial modelling, valuation, and market analysis, making their qualifications closely aligned.

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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