The financial analyst job over the years has also become aggressive and challenging, especially after BCom graduation. Obtaining your very first financial analyst job is possible, with a proper mix of academic degrees, certifications, and on-the-job practice. Financial analysts form the prime category of any organisation to develop their strategy financially to achieve growth in a profit-making manner.
In fact, this blog will guide you step-by-step from a perspective of a fresh graduate BCom to becoming a very successful financial analyst. We are going to discuss the process of opportunity grabbing by traversing through a typical job description that a financial analyst has, certification selection, and in-demand skill utilization.
What usually defines a financial analyst job description?
A job description of a financial analyst gives the whole job view of what the position involves. Financial analysts analyse data in terms of trends and investment portfolio management to advise companies on sound financial decisions.
Important Roles of a Financial Analyst
- Data Analysis: Gathered and analyzed data to indicate trends and trends for opportunities.
- Predicting Outcome: Utilizing statistical models to determine the future trend of performance.
- Investment: This includes guidance in assets to invest, stocks, and general market trends.
- Budgeting: This helps the business plan and manage its budgets.
- Financial analysts are spread out in all industries: banking, technology, health care, and consulting, among others, ensuring that the skill is active at all times, according to Investopedia.
How to Become a Financial Analyst: Step-by-Step
1. Build a Good Academic Foundation
Academic background is the basic to finance concepts. BCom graduates should have covered all or most of the following during your academic career:
- Accounting Principles: know how to capture and report the accounting information.
- Economics: get familiar with the market dynamics and the macroeconomic situation.
- Business Statistics: apply the statistical methods in solving problems
Graduating with high honors and also joining activities such as finance clubs can further depict your seriousness with the discipline.
2. Obtain Relevant Certifications
Certifications are part of the journey as a financial analyst. Although your BCom degree will equip you with foundational knowledge, the specialist expertise that is offered in the form of certifications like a CFA Course, CMA and an ACCA makes all the difference.
Why CFA?
- It is recognized in more than 100 countries and 165 societies
- Fully engaged with investment management and portfolio optimization with ethics
- More avenues of employment on foreign markets
Jobs After BCom: Why Financial Analysis is Excellent
As a BCom graduate, the career avenues open up widely. The most common are in accounting, taxation, banking and finance. Financial analysis more so is because of:
1. Heavy Demand in all Industries
Financial analysts are quite essential to almost every business be it banking or health care. With their skills to read data and suggest strategic decisions, financial analysts will never fall out of date.
2. Great Paying Packages
Average salary of a financial analyst in India ranges between ₹4,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per annum. For senior positions, the salary may even range beyond ₹20,00,000. It is indeed one of the most rewarding career options after BCom.
3. Long-Term Career Growth
You can work up to the position of financial manager, investment banker, or even as a CFO as you gain experience and acquire further qualifications.
Financial Analyst Salary in India: A Detailed Breakdown
An understanding of the pay potential would be a good idea about the right career choices. Here is an accurate breakdown of financial analyst pay in the experience and expertise.
| Career Stage | Experience Level | Average Salary (₹) |
| Entry-Level | Freshers | 3,50,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Mid-Level | 3-5 Years of Experience | 8,00,000 – 12,00,000 |
| Senior-Level | 7+ Years of Experience | 20,00,000+ |
Top-tier firms like Deloitte, EY, and KPMG offer salaries on the higher end of the spectrum, as per Glassdoor.
Basic Tools and Skills a Financial Analyst Shall Possess
There are three technical tools and skills that a financial analyst has to acquire and is good at his or her profession.
Technical Skills
- Excel: Knowledge of pivot tables and how to model
- Python & SQL: Data management and advanced data analysis
- Data Visualization: How to present insights using Tableau
Soft Skills
- Applying data to the complex problem with analytical thinking.
- Presenting the results to the non-technical audience by communication.
- Time Management: Managing several deadlines at one go.
- Practical Experience as a Fresher
Here is how you can do it-
1. Internships and Freelance Projects
Apply for internships in finance firms.
Work freelance financial projects for small businesses for adding value to your portfolio.
2. Online Courses and Certifications
Take online courses for mastering financial modeling, and other sought-after skills.
FAQ: Financial Analyst Career Path
1. Is CFA necessary to become a financial analyst?
No, but it definitely increases employability and salary scope.
2. What is the entry-level salary for financial analysts in India?
Freshers can expect around ₹3,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per annum.
3. What sectors recruit financial analysts?
The top sectors are Banking, Healthcare, Technology, and FMCG.
4. Can CMA help me become a financial analyst?
Yes, CMA is very useful in work lives which demand financial decision making.
How ACCA and CMA Can Advance Your Career
ACCA: Global Qualification
Accepted in 180 countries.
Work with 7,600+ employers approved.
Have a 100% employment rate through acknowledged prep providers.
CMA: Suitable for Strategic Financial Jobs
Prepares to work in the sphere of management accounting as well as risk management.
It offers higher pay, that is nearly 30 percent more, through IMA.
Conclusion: Launch Your Financial Analyst Career
For a BCom graduate, it becomes a tad scaring to be a financial analyst. However, with the right strategy, it is something which is completely achievable. Focus on certifications, technical skills, and experience from internships to see you stand out.
Key Takeaways
- Career growth is more or less vital in certifications such as CFA and CMA.
- Financial analysts are in much demand by most industries, with good prospects for wages.
- Internships and practice will get one's first job.
CTA: Ready to Begin?
Visit ACCA Global or IMA Global for a look at the recognized certifications worldwide and take that step towards becoming a well-functioning financial analyst.
