So, you've finished your BCom degree. Now what? If you're someone who enjoys numbers, analysing financial statements, and making sense of business data, then a financial analysis career could be the perfect fit for you.
Financial analysts play a key role in businesses by helping them make informed decisions based on financial data. But how do you break into this field? What skills do you need? And most importantly, how do you stand out?
One way to fast-track your journey is by taking a financial analysis course. But before we get into that, let’s first explore why financial analysis is a great career choice and what options are available to you after BCom.
Why Choose a Financial Analysis Career After BCom?
A financial analysis career is more than just crunching numbers. It involves understanding business trends, making predictions, and providing insights that help companies grow. Here’s why it’s one of the best career options after BCom:
- High Demand: Every business, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, needs financial analysts.
- Good Salary: Entry-level roles offer competitive pay, and experienced professionals earn even more.
- Diverse Opportunities: You can work in banking, investment firms, corporate finance, or even start your own consulting business.
- Growth Potential: With experience, you can move up to senior roles like Finance Manager, Investment Analyst, or even CFO.
Let’s now look at the best career options after BCom in financial analysis.
Career Options After BCom in Financial Analysis
Getting a job after BCom may seem intimidating at first but, you have multiple paths to enter if you choose financial analysis. Some of the most popular job roles include:
1. Financial Analyst
This is the most common entry-level role. Analysts examine financial data, create reports, and help businesses make better investment decisions.
2. Investment Analyst
If you’re interested in stocks, bonds, and financial markets, this role focuses on researching investment opportunities for clients or firms.
3. Risk Analyst
Risk analysts assess financial risks in investments and business strategies to prevent potential losses.
4. Corporate Finance Analyst
Working within a company, corporate finance analysts help in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
5. Credit Analyst
Banks and financial institutions need credit analysts to evaluate loan applications and assess financial stability.
6. Financial Planner
Financial planners work with individuals and businesses to help them manage their finances and investments.
Key Skills Required for a Successful Financial Analysis Career
To secure a finance job especially with financial analysis as your area of expertise, you need a mix of technical and soft skills:
Technical Skills:
- Financial modelling
- Excel proficiency
- Data analysis
- Valuation techniques
- Accounting principles
Soft Skills:
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
If you’re lacking in any of these areas, don’t worry. A structured financial analysis course can help you gain these skills.
What is Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)?
FP&A or Financial Planning and Analysis is a specialised area within financial analysis that focuses on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Companies rely on FP&A professionals to provide insights on profitability and cost-saving strategies.
Key Responsibilities of an FP&A Professional:\
A Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) professional plays a crucial role in helping businesses make data-driven financial decisions. Here’s a closer look at their key responsibilities:
- Preparing Budgets and Financial Reports: FP&A professionals create detailed budgets that outline expected income and expenses for a given period. These budgets serve as a financial roadmap for businesses. They also prepare reports that track actual performance against the budget, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
- Forecasting Future Revenues and Expenses: Using historical data and market trends, FP&A teams predict future revenue and costs. This helps businesses anticipate potential risks, allocate resources efficiently, and make informed financial decisions. Forecasting also allows companies to adjust their strategies based on changing market conditions.
- Analysing Company Performance: FP&A professionals assess financial statements, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational data to measure a company’s financial health. They identify trends in revenue, expenses, and profitability, providing insights that help management optimise business performance.
- Identifying Cost-Saving Opportunities: By closely monitoring expenses, FP&A teams identify areas where costs can be reduced without compromising efficiency. This may include renegotiating vendor contracts, optimising operational processes, or eliminating unnecessary expenditures to improve overall profitability.
- Assisting in Strategic Decision-Making: FP&A professionals provide financial insights that guide executive decisions. Whether it’s expanding into new markets, investing in new projects, or evaluating mergers and acquisitions, their analysis helps businesses weigh risks and opportunities before making critical choices.
Here’s a comparison between a general financial analyst and an FP&A professional:
| Role | Focus Area | Key Function |
| Financial Analyst | Market trends, investments | Valuation, investment research |
| FP&A Professional | Company operations, budgeting | Budgeting, forecasting, internal reports |
How to Get Started in Financial Analysis
Step 1: Get Certified
A degree is great, but certifications add more value. Consider:
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
Step 2: Take a Course
A Postgraduate Financial Analysis Program gives you hands-on training in financial modelling, valuation, and analytics.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
Internships and projects will boost your resume. Try:
- Interning at financial firms
- Freelancing financial analysis projects
- Building a portfolio of case studies
Step 4: Apply for Jobs
Once you have the right skills and experience, start applying on:
- Naukri
- Indeed
Best Tools for Financial Analysis
Financial analysis relies on a combination of spreadsheets, data analytics tools, and market intelligence platforms. Here are some of the most commonly used tools:
- Excel & Google Sheets: Excel is the go-to tool for financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting, while Google Sheets allows real-time collaboration for teams. Both offer essential formulas, pivot tables, and visualization features.
- Bloomberg Terminal: A must-have for investment professionals, Bloomberg Terminal provides real-time market data, stock analysis, and economic reports. It’s widely used for tracking global markets and making investment decisions.
- Python & R for Financial Modelling: Python is popular for financial forecasting, risk assessment, and automation, thanks to libraries like pandas and NumPy. R is preferred for statistical modeling and quantitative finance, especially for portfolio optimization.
Conclusion
Starting a Financial Analysis career after BCom is a smart move. There are plenty of job opportunities, great salaries, and a lot of room to grow. The key is to upskill yourself with the right Postgraduate Financial Analysis Program, gain practical experience, and stay updated with industry trends.
If you’re ready to make the leap, now’s the time to take action!
FAQs
- Is financial analysis a good career after BCom?
Yes, it’s a great career with high demand, good salaries, and growth opportunities.
- What is the best financial analysis course after BCom?
There are many courses available online. Imarticus Learning offers one of the best Financial Analysis courses.
- Do I need an MBA for financial analysis?
Not necessarily. Certifications like CFA, FRM, and relevant courses are enough.
- How much do financial analysts earn in India?
Entry-level salaries range from 4-6 LPA, while experienced professionals can earn over 15 LPA.
- What companies hire financial analysts?
Banks, investment firms, consulting companies, and even startups hire financial analysts.
- What tools do financial analysts use?
Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, Python (for data analysis), and financial modelling software.
- Where can I learn more about financial planning and analysis?
You can learn more about financial planning and analysis in online courses and also gain a basic understanding of it through online guides.
