Career guide

Financial Analyst career guide

Analyse financial data to guide budgets, investments and business decisions.

What does a financial analyst do?

A financial analyst studies financial data to help a business plan, budget and make investment decisions. Roles span corporate finance (FP&A), equity research, credit analysis and investment banking.

The core is strong accounting knowledge plus Excel modelling, and the ability to turn numbers into a clear recommendation.

Typical responsibilities

Build financial models and forecasts
Prepare budgets and analyse variances
Analyse financial statements and ratios
Evaluate investments and business cases
Prepare reports and presentations for management
Track performance against plan

Skills you need

Technical skills

Accounting fundamentals and the three financial statements
Financial modelling in Excel
Ratio analysis
Valuation methods (DCF, comparables)
Budgeting and forecasting
Variance analysis

Soft skills

Accuracy and attention to detail
Commercial judgment
Presenting numbers clearly
Working to deadlines

Tools and technologies

Microsoft Excel
PowerPoint
An ERP system (for example SAP or Oracle)
Power BI or Tableau
A financial data terminal (role-dependent)

Certifications

CFA Program (Level I onwards)Intermediate
CFA Institute · Three levels; widely used in investment roles
Financial Risk Manager (FRM)Advanced
GARP · For risk-focused roles
NISM certificationsBeginner
NISM · Required by SEBI for certain securities-market roles in India

Certifications are optional for most roles; skills and projects matter more. Providers retire and rename exams regularly, so check the provider's website before you register. Last reviewed October 2026.

Financial Analyst salary

We only publish salary ranges based on verified data, and we don't have a reliable source for this role yet. Meanwhile, if you have an offer or a target CTC, work out what you would actually take home.

In-hand salary calculator Salary hike calculator

Career path

Step 1
Junior Financial Analyst
Step 2
Financial Analyst
Step 3
Senior Financial Analyst
Step 4
Finance Manager (FP&A)
Step 5
Finance Director or CFO

Titles and the time between steps vary by company and individual.

Your first 90 days of learning

First 30 days

Accounting and Excel

Revise the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement
Learn the Excel functions used in modelling
Calculate key ratios for one listed company

Days 31-60

Modelling and valuation

Build a three-statement model from an annual report
Learn DCF and comparable-company valuation
Prepare a budget-versus-actual variance analysis

Days 61-90

Case work and interview readiness

Write a one-page investment or business-case recommendation
Practise walking through a model in ten minutes
Prepare answers on accounting and valuation basics

Interview preparation

Common topics to prepare for financial analyst interviews. These are preparation areas, not questions from a specific company's interview.

Linking the three financial statements
DCF valuation basics
Key financial ratios and what they show
Working capital
Budget vs actual variance analysis
A case: evaluating an investment

Company interview guides Take the aptitude assessment Practice questions

Resume guidance

Name the models, reports or analyses you built
Show decisions your analysis supported
List qualifications and exam progress accurately (for example CFA Level I passed)
Mention ERP and BI tools you have used

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