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Financial Analyst

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Financial analysts are professionals who evaluate financial data, trends, and investment opportunities to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions about money. In the UK, they often work for banks, investment firms, large corporations, or accountancy firms. Their tasks include analysing financial statements, preparing reports, forecasting future performance, and making recommendations on investments or cost-cutting measures. The role requires strong maths skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. Most financial analysts hold degrees in finance, economics, maths, or related fields, and may pursue additional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Financial Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average starting salary for a financial analyst in the UK is between £28,000 and £35,000 per year, with experienced analysts earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Opportunities

There were over 16,000 advertised financial analyst positions in the UK in 2023, with strong demand in London and other major cities.

Growth Outlook

Financial analyst roles are expected to grow by around 6 percent in the UK over the next five years, reflecting ongoing demand in the finance and business sectors.

🚀 Careers in this path

Investment Analyst

Focuses on researching and evaluating financial securities and investment opportunities for institutions or clients.

Credit Analyst

Assesses the creditworthiness of individuals or companies and helps lenders decide whether to offer loans or credit.

Risk Analyst

Identifies and analyses potential financial risks faced by organisations, using statistical methods and modelling.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Study Relevant Subjects at School

Focus on subjects like Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies in your GCSEs and A-levels.

Good grades in Maths and Economics are important, as they help you develop analytical and numerical skills essential for financial analysis. Taking Business Studies can give you an early understanding of how companies operate financially. You may also consider Computer Science to help with later technical skills.

Complete a Degree in a Related Field

Pursue an undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a similar subject.

Most employers require at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant area. Courses often include modules in financial markets, statistics, and accounting. Some universities offer placement years, which can provide valuable work experience. Consider joining finance-related societies and attending career events while at university.

Gain Practical Experience

Secure Internships or Work Placements

Apply for internships or summer placements with banks, investment firms, or large corporations.

Internships provide hands-on experience in financial analysis, use of financial software, and exposure to workplace culture. They also help you build a network of contacts in the industry and can lead to graduate job offers. Start applying early, as finance internships are competitive.

Develop Analytical and IT Skills

Learn to use spreadsheets and financial analysis tools commonly used in the industry.

Employers expect you to be proficient in software like Microsoft Excel, and sometimes other tools such as Bloomberg Terminal or Python for financial modelling. There are many online tutorials and short courses available to help you build these skills.

Launch Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Schemes or Entry-Level Analyst Roles

Look for graduate opportunities at banks, investment companies, or within the finance teams of large businesses.

Graduate schemes provide structured training and development, often rotating through different departments. Entry-level analyst roles may also be available directly. Prepare a strong CV and practise interview techniques specific to finance roles, including case studies and numerical reasoning tests.

Consider Professional Qualifications

Study for professional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) qualifications.

Professional qualifications can enhance your credibility and career prospects. The CFA qualification is highly respected worldwide, while CISI is well regarded in the UK. These require passing exams and often take several years to complete, but can lead to advancement into senior analyst or management roles.

🎯 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 evaluate financial data, market conditions, and investment opportunities to support decision-making. They require similar skills in financial modelling, analysis, and understanding of economic trends within the finance sector.

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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