Graduation with a B.Com degree opens up a world of career opportunities, not to mention the world of financial analysis. Businesses still expand and globalise even more, and their skills in financial analysis continue to increase. If you're worried about how to begin such a career in financial analysis after pursuing your B.Com in India, this guide provides actionable insights and industry data to help navigate you on the right journey.
What is Financial Analysis?
Financial analysis is the process by which financial data is accessed to make strategic business decisions. It is an integral function in banking, investment, insurance, and consulting. Financial analysts will determine how viable, stable, and profitable a business or project is, making informed choices for stakeholders.
Why become a Financial Analyst?
The career of a financial analyst has a huge potential for growth, and honestly speaking, this job is both rewarding as well as intellectually stimulating. A LinkedIn report of 2024 states that the growth of the demand for financial analysts is 20% year on year in India. Almost every business regardless of scale had now turned toward data-based decisions, and therefore financial analysis had been proved necessary for most businesses now.
(Source: LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024)
How to Get Started with a Financial Analysis Career
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Solid Foundation
Your B.Com degree sets the ball rolling regarding an understanding of financial concepts, accounting principles, and business operations. Deepen your roots with courses that are focus on:
- Financial Accounting
- Cost accounting
- Corporate finance
- Economics
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Financial Analysis Course
Professional financial analysis courses bridge this gap between study and practical use in the market. Specialised courses like:
- Financial modeling
- Investment analysis
- Risk management
Check out one of the best finanical analysis courses offered by Imarticus Learning.
Some course recommendations in India:
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- NSE Academy's Financial Analysis Certification
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Financial Analyst Certification Courses: A Game-Changer
The detailed Financial Analyst Certification courses add value to your resume, but they also cater to the needs of the new age skills. CFA or FRM is considered one of the internationally recognized certificates and is highly sought after by employers. It was found by the CFA institute that these professionals earn around 54% higher salary than non-certified people.
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Financial Analyst Jobs for Freshers
It is tough to start as a fresher in financial analysis, but opportunities are ample if you possess the right skills. The entry-level roles include the following:
- Junior Financial Analyst
- Research Associate
- Investment Analyst Trainee
Salary Expectations
Payscale estimates the average salary of a financial analyst fresher in India at ₹3,50,000–₹5,00,000 per annum.
With experience and certifications, this figure can rise sharply to ₹8,00,000–₹12,00,000.
(Source: Payscale)
- Financial Analyst Skills Required for Success
This calls for the fusion of technical and soft skills to succeed in the field. Here are some financial analyst skills that are a must to stand out in the field:
- Technical Skills:
Financial Modeling: You have to develop an elaborate spreadsheet to predict a company's financial performance.
- Data Analysis Tools
Proficiency in using Excel, SQL, and data visualisation software such as Tableau.
- Accounting Knowledge
Familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Soft Skills
Like Analytical Thinking: the ability to interpret complex financial data; Communication Skills, communicating results to the stakeholders; Problem-Solving, presenting solutions based on the analysis.
- The Career Path of a Financial Analyst: Fresher to Expert
The financial analyst career path usually involves the following progression:
- Entry-Level Analyst: Acquisition of experience in data collection and reporting.
- Senior Analyst: Complex financial modeling and decision-making.
- Managerial Roles: Managing teams and working on higher-level strategies.
- C-Suite Positions: Move to roles like CFO.
Freshers Financial Analyst Jobs
- Major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are the biggest hubs for freshers in financial analyst jobs.
- Top recruiters are: JP Morgan Chase Deloitte KPMG HDFC Bank
Pro Tip: Use job portals like Naukri, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to stay updated on openings. Tailor your resume to highlight certifications, internships, and skills relevant to financial analysis.
Why Pursue Financial Analyst Certification Courses?
Certifications are often the deciding factor for employers when hiring. Let’s delve into the benefits of pursuing financial analyst certification courses:
- Global Recognition: Certifications like CFA and FRM are recognised worldwide.
- Skill Enhancement: Training courses emphasise practical application toward real-life situations.
- Networking Opportunities: There is ample provision for networking, along with mentorship, through industry leaders in such programs.
Role of the Financial Analysis Courses in Career
Participating in a course related to financial analysis opens avenues for a successful career. Let's see how:
- Specialisation: Specialised programs, like investment banking and portfolio management, provide for focus in niche areas.
- Hands-On Training: Work on live projects to gain practical experience.
- Career Support: Many courses offer placement assistance.
Check out this success story of how Shalu Kumari secured a rewarding position after successfully completing the 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 course
Future Trends in Financial Analysis
The field of financial analysis is changing with the adaptation of technology. Keeping abreast of these trends can work in your favour:
- Artificial Intelligence: AI changed the landscape of financial prediction.
- Big Data Analytics: Concentrate large data sets to gain more precise insights.
- Sustainability Analysis: Setting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.
Conclusion
The career path of a financial analyst is dynamic and rewarding. Completing financial analyst certification courses will boost employability. Freshers can look forward to exciting growth opportunities in entry-level financial analyst jobs. The necessity of acquiring both technical and soft financial analyst skills for the development process is immense. A specialised financial analysis course can fast-track your career.
Starting your professional career in financial analysis is quite possible after completing your B.Com in India with proper planning. Emphasis should be given to solid foundation, certification, and practical experience. The day you put in will bring a tremendous amount of success to the top of the high-demand sector.
