So, you’ve got your BCom degree in hand, and now you’re wondering, what’s next? If you’re someone who enjoys working with numbers, analysing data, and making sense of financial reports, then becoming a financial analyst might be the right career move.
But how exactly do you break into this field? Do you need a special degree or extra certifications? And most importantly, what are companies actually looking for when hiring freshers?
No worries, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to land financial analyst jobs right after BCom.
If you’re serious about getting into this field, I’d highly recommend considering the CFA course. It’s one of the most respected certifications in finance and can give your resume a major boost.
Alright, let’s get into the details!
Financial Analyst Job Description
Before applying for financial analyst jobs, it’s important to know what you’ll actually be doing. A financial analyst helps companies make smart investment and financial decisions by analysing data, market trends, and business performance.
Here’s what a typical financial analyst does:
- Analysing financial statements and balance sheets
- Researching investment opportunities and risks
- Preparing reports for senior management
- Evaluating market trends and economic data
- Creating financial models to predict business performance
- Helping companies plan budgets and financial strategies
Skills You’ll Need for This Role
To succeed in this role, you’ll need a mix of technical skills and business knowledge. Here are the top skills required:
- Financial modelling and valuation
- Excel and data analytics
- Investment research and market analysis
- Understanding of financial statements
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
How to Become a Financial Analyst
If you want to land a job as a financial analyst, you’ll need the right qualifications, skills, and experience. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Get the Right Education
Your BCom degree is a great starting point, but to stand out, additional certifications can be helpful. Some top ones include:
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Best for investment and corporate finance roles.
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager): Great for risk management jobs.
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Useful for accounting-focused finance roles.
Step 2: Apply for a Financial Analyst Internship
Internships are the best way to get hands-on experience. Look for roles in:
- Investment banks
- Corporate finance teams
- Financial consulting firms
Internships also help you build connections in the industry, which can lead to full-time job offers.
Step 3: Master Financial Analysis Tools
A lot of companies expect analysts to know:
- Microsoft Excel (for financial modelling)
- Power BI or Tableau (for data visualisation)
- Bloomberg Terminal (for market research)
Knowing these tools can set you apart from other job applicants.
Step 4: Build a Strong Resume and Apply for Jobs
Your resume should highlight:
- Your education and certifications
- Internship experience
- Financial modelling and analysis skills
When applying for jobs, focus on keywords like “financial analyst jobs” to get past resume screening software.
Financial Analyst Jobs: Top Career Paths
There are different types of financial analyst jobs, and the one you choose will depend on your interests. Here’s a breakdown of the major roles:
| Job Role | What They Do | Where They Work |
| Investment Analyst | Research stocks and investments | Asset management firms |
| Risk Analyst | Identify financial risks | Banks and insurance firms |
| Corporate Finance Analyst | Manage company finances and budgets | Large corporations |
| Credit Analyst | Assess loan applications | Banks and lending firms |
If you’re not sure which one suits you best, start with a financial analyst internship and explore different areas.
Growth Opportunities
Now, let’s talk about growth because, at the end of the day, that’s important too!
| Experience Level | Job Title |
| 0-2 years | Junior Financial Analyst |
| 3-5 years | Senior Financial Analyst |
| 5+ years | Finance Manager / Director |
Salaries depend on your experience, skills, and certifications. Getting a CFA certification can help you reach higher salary brackets much faster.
Best Resources to Learn Financial Analysis
Want to build your skills for financial analyst jobs? Here are some great resources:
- Financial Analyst Career Guide (Investopedia)
- Beginner’s Guide to Financial Modelling (Corporate Finance Institute)
- Basics of Stock Market Analysis (NSE)
Watch these videos to learn more:
- Careers in Financial Analysis
- Valuation Analysing Financial Statement
Conclusion
Starting a career in financial analysis after BCom is totally possible, you just need the right skills, experience, and certifications.
One of the best ways to fast-track your career is by getting a CFA certification. You can check out the Chartered Financial Analyst Certification Program to learn more.
With the right approach, you can land high-paying financial analyst jobs and build a successful career in finance.
FAQs
- How to become a financial analyst after BCom?
Start by building financial skills, applying for internships, and earning certifications like CFA.
- What is the financial analyst job description?
A financial analyst reviews financial data, evaluates investments, and helps companies with financial decision-making.
- Do I need an MBA for financial analyst jobs?
No, an MBA is not required. Certifications like CFA or FRM are enough to start your career.
- How can I apply for a financial analyst internship?
Check job portals like LinkedIn, Naukri, and Indeed for internship listings in investment firms and banks.
- What industries hire financial analysts?
Banks, investment firms, MNCs, and even tech companies hire financial analysts.
- Is CFA better than an MBA?
CFA is more finance-focused, while an MBA covers broader business topics. It depends on your career goals.
- What tools should I learn to become a financial analyst?
Excel, Bloomberg, Power BI, and financial modelling tools are essential.
