• Financial analyst
• Financial planning analyst
  
  

Description

Financial analysts are responsible for gathering, analyzing and disseminating financial information in the company. They can also help evaluate economic trends and make recommendations to guide financial and investment decisions.

• Collect and analyze financial data
• Understand and assess the market's economic situation and financial state of the company
• Develop financial forecasts
• Produce and present regular reports for decision-makers
• Check the financial control process
• Prepare regulatory documents
• Conduct financial monitoring of the changes made to accounting standards and principles in order to assess the financial impacts for the company

 
Education and skills

• University degree in accounting studies (Bachelor's or Master's)
• Certification from a recognized professional accounting or financial association (CA, CMA, CGA or CFA) is usually required
• Proficiency with office software, integrated management software (e.g. PeopleSoft, SAP) and accounting software: ACCPAC, Accountant's Drill, Acomba, Simply Accounting, ProTaxprep, etc.
• Good knowledge of theories and generally accepted accounting principles

 
Qualities

• Analytically minded
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented, thorough
• Ability to draft and present written and oral reports
• Independent

 
Typical career path

Financial analyst => Controller / Treasurer => Chief financial officer

A professional designation (e.g. CFA, CA, CMA, CGA) facilitates moving up the ladder.

 
Salary

• Analysts – Large companies
  
  
  • Manager = $70,500 – $92,750
  • Senior analyst = $54,750 – $75,750
  • 1 to 3 years of experience = $42,750 – $54,000
  • Up to 1 year of experience = $34,750 – $42,000
     
• Analysts – Small and medium-sized companies
  
  
  • Manager = $60,000 – $82,750
  • Senior analyst = $49,000 – $64,500
  • 1 to 3 years of experience = $39,750 – $50,250
  • Up to 1 year of experience = $34,000 – $40,000

(Source: 2006 Salary Guide / Robert Half International)

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