Career path
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts turn raw numbers into decisions — should we invest here, cut costs there, or change course? They sit at the intersection of finance, data and strategy.
What the work involves
A typical week mixes building financial models, analysing performance against budget, forecasting revenue and costs, and presenting recommendations to managers or investors. Some analysts focus internally (FP&A — financial planning and analysis); others work on the sell side or buy side evaluating companies and markets. The common thread is making a clear case from evidence.
Skills that matter
You will lean on strong spreadsheet and modelling skills, an eye for the story behind the numbers, and the ability to communicate findings concisely. Knowledge of accounting fundamentals helps you trust your inputs. Many analysts add SQL or a BI tool to pull their own data rather than waiting on someone else.
Switching in
Common backgrounds include accounting, economics, data analysis and business operations. A finance or related degree opens doors, but demonstrable modelling skill and commercial judgement increasingly carry as much weight.
- Build a portfolio model from public company data
- Learn the difference between accounting profit and cash flow
- Practise turning a model into a one-page recommendation
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a financial analyst and an accountant?
Accountants focus on recording and reporting what has happened accurately and compliantly. Analysts focus on interpreting those numbers to guide future decisions. The roles overlap and people often move between them.