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Business

Business

Financial Analyst

Modern white structure with glass windows reflecting sky

Influence Major Decisions

Turn Data Into Direction

Shape Business Growth

Path to completion

Path to completion

Undergraduate

Bachelor in Business Administration

4 Semesters

$20k-$60K

Master of Business Administration

4 Semesters

$20k-$60K

Post-Graduate

No degrees available

Alternative Path A

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Master of Business Administration

This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.

Career Reality

Average Salary
The median annual wage for financial analysts was $99,890 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Market Demand
Employment of financial analysts is projected to grow about 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand for investment and financial planning expertise.

Work Environment
Financial analysts work in offices within corporations, banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and consulting firms. Most work full time, and longer hours may occur during reporting cycles or market volatility.

Common Employers
Investment firms, banks, corporations, insurance companies, pension funds, consulting firms, and government agencies.

Career Advancement
Advancement may include senior analyst roles, portfolio management, finance director positions, or executive leadership such as Chief Financial Officer.

Career Reality

Average Salary
The median annual wage for financial analysts was $99,890 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Market Demand
Employment of financial analysts is projected to grow about 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand for investment and financial planning expertise.

Work Environment
Financial analysts work in offices within corporations, banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and consulting firms. Most work full time, and longer hours may occur during reporting cycles or market volatility.

Common Employers
Investment firms, banks, corporations, insurance companies, pension funds, consulting firms, and government agencies.

Career Advancement
Advancement may include senior analyst roles, portfolio management, finance director positions, or executive leadership such as Chief Financial Officer.

Popular Titles


  • Financial Analyst • Investment Analyst • Corporate Financial Analyst • Junior Financial Analyst • Senior Financial Analyst • Equity Research Analyst • Budget Analyst • Portfolio Analyst • Finance Analyst •

    Financial Analyst • Investment Analyst • Corporate Financial Analyst • Junior Financial Analyst • Senior Financial Analyst • Equity Research Analyst • Budget Analyst • Portfolio Analyst • Finance Analyst •

  • Financial Analyst • Investment Analyst • Corporate Financial Analyst • Junior Financial Analyst • Senior Financial Analyst • Equity Research Analyst • Budget Analyst • Portfolio Analyst • Finance Analyst •

    Financial Analyst • Investment Analyst • Corporate Financial Analyst • Junior Financial Analyst • Senior Financial Analyst • Equity Research Analyst • Budget Analyst • Portfolio Analyst • Finance Analyst •

  • Financial Analyst • Investment Analyst • Corporate Financial Analyst • Junior Financial Analyst • Senior Financial Analyst • Equity Research Analyst • Budget Analyst • Portfolio Analyst • Finance Analyst •

    Financial Analyst • Investment Analyst • Corporate Financial Analyst • Junior Financial Analyst • Senior Financial Analyst • Equity Research Analyst • Budget Analyst • Portfolio Analyst • Finance Analyst •

Core Areas of Impact

How your skills translate into meaningful real-world change

Drive Investment Decisions

You evaluate financial data to guide investment and capital allocation decisions.

Drive Investment Decisions

You evaluate financial data to guide investment and capital allocation decisions.

Translate Numbers Into Strategy

You turn complex financial reports into clear recommendations for leadership.

Translate Numbers Into Strategy

You turn complex financial reports into clear recommendations for leadership.

Analyze Market Trends

You analyze trends, risks, and company metrics to inform business direction.

Analyze Market Trends

You analyze trends, risks, and company metrics to inform business direction.

Is this career right for you?

What is the role of a financial analyst?
A financial analyst evaluates financial data, market trends, and company performance to support investment, budgeting, and strategic business decisions.

What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes reviewing financial statements, building forecasting models, analyzing performance metrics, preparing reports, and presenting findings to management or clients.

Where do financial analysts work?
Financial analysts work in corporations, investment firms, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, consulting firms, and government agencies.

What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include Investment Analyst and Senior Financial Analyst. Career paths may lead to portfolio management, corporate finance leadership, or executive roles such as Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer.

Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits individuals who are analytical, comfortable with quantitative data, interested in markets and business strategy, and able to communicate financial insights clearly.

What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include strong earning potential, influence on financial strategy, exposure to capital markets, and clear advancement pathways within finance.

What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth may include specialization in investment analysis, advancement into finance management, or executive leadership roles within organizations.

What is the educational pathway to become a financial analyst?
Most financial analyst roles require a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or a related field. Sara Schenirer offers a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a BA in Accounting, both of which provide strong preparation in financial reporting, investment analysis, and business strategy.

While a master’s degree is not required for entry-level roles, some professionals pursue an MBA or certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation to advance into senior investment or executive finance positions.

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