Financial Analyst - Career guide

The duties of a financial analyst fall into three main categories:

1. Collect:

• Create a suitable database by gathering various financial information about companies (turnover, activity reports, income statements, annual production, stock market prices, etc.).
• Monitor financial markets and keep an eye on economic trends in the sector.
• Liaise with managers, financial directors and partners to gather all possible useful information.

2. Analyse:

• Interpret the data collected by using it in precise financial models.
• Conduct market research.
• Assess the consistency between a company’s share price and its actual financial data.
• Attempt to predict future stock market trends.

3. Advise:

• Write company reports and summary notes for executives, traders and portfolio managers.
• Provide recommendations to management regarding the purchase or sale of shares, investments to consider, etc.
• Assess the level of financial risk and propose the best strategies to adopt.

They always work within a company:

• Bank;
• Insurance company;
• Investment fund company;
• Stockbrokerage firm;
• Or in an audit and consulting firm.

Financial analysts generally follow a few markets or specialise in a particular sector (raw materials, luxury goods, automotive, trading, etc.). They spend most of their time in front of a screen, monitoring the financial markets and analysing various data.

When working for a bank or trading company, they may also spend part of their time in the trading room, surrounded by colleagues and other employees.

Advantages:

• Starting salaries are generally higher than in other finance-related professions.
• The work is very dynamic; it is impossible to get bored with the frequent changes in the financial markets!
• There are many career prospects.

Disadvantages:

• You need to be able to handle the stress of making important financial decisions.
• The work can sometimes be complex; it is essential to have a good affinity with numbers and financial analysis.

• Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analysis
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management

• Master’s degree in Finance
• Master’s degree in Accounting and Auditing
• Master’s degree in Law and Fiscal Expertise

The ISC Paris has also designed the Master of Science MSc Finance and Risk Management, taught entirely in English, which trains students to become financial analysts. The latter, offered on the Paris campus, is available as an initial course or a work-study programme.

Financial analysts can become management control managers. In this role, they assist company management in managing its economic activities. They develop collaborative dashboards, monitor provisional budgets and supervise all relevant teams.

The experience they gain over the years can qualify them for the position of chief financial officer or chief administrative and financial officer (DAF). They are then responsible for the company’s financial and administrative policy.

After a career in business, many senior professionals choose to set up their own business. They choose to become self-employed and advise their clients (companies) on the most attractive investments to make.