Financial analysts translate data into strategies for how organizations allocate capital, manage risk and grow. Their work supports long-term stability and expansion by guiding organizations to profitable opportunities and decisions that balance short-term performance with future objectives.
As organizations operate in more complex and global markets, financial analysts are increasingly in demand. Learn more about the skills and responsibilities of financial analysts and how Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Finance program prepares students to pursue careers as senior financial analysts across a wide range of industries.
What Does a Financial Analyst Do?
Financial analysts interpret financial data to identify patterns, opportunities and risks, and they use these insights to support decision-making for organizations and individuals. Through day-to-day decisions, such as cash management and budgeting, as well as long-term tasks such as business acquisitions or capital investments, financial analysts advise organizations on generating profit. Their responsibilities often include:
- Developing investment portfolio strategies that align with organizational or client needs
- Evaluating current and historical financial data
- Tracking economic and industry trends, such as regulatory changes or consumer behavior, that affect profitability
- Analyzing financial statements to understand liquidity, debt structure and earning potential, as well as to determine company value
- Collaborating with executives and management to assess organizational performance
- Preparing reports that inform investment or business strategy
Types of Financial Analysts
Buy-side financial analysts develop strategies for institutional investors such as hedge funds, nonprofits, insurance companies and private equity firms. Sell-side analysts work for investment banking firms and brokerages, providing research and recommendations to present to potential investors. Within these two main categories, financial analysts may have varying job titles and functions:
- Financial risk specialists identify and assess exposure to risks that affect profitability and sustainability, such as market volatility or regulatory changes.
- Fund managers oversee investment portfolios and make buy or sell decisions in alignment with client or organizational goals.
- Investment analysts assess investment programs and institutional financial, often recommending strategies for asset allocation and alternative investment options.
- Portfolio managers directly manage collections of assets, balancing performance and risk.
- Ratings analysts evaluate the creditworthiness and risk of companies or governments.
- Securities analysts assess securities markets and trends to identify high-yield assets.
- Corporate analysts support companies with budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
What Are the Steps to Become a Financial Analyst?
Financial analysts may take different depending on their industries or roles. In general, a career in financial analysis requires specific education and experience.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most entry-level financial analyst positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. An undergraduate degree in business administration is among the most common for financial analysts, but other relevant fields include finance, economics, mathematics and data analytics.
Coursework should cover financial accounting, investment principles, statistics and corporate finance to provide a base for advanced concepts. Exposure to data analysis and computer applications prepares students for technical requirements.
Gain Entry-level Experience and Key Skills
Many financial analysis professionals start their careers as interns, junior analysts or research assistants. These roles offer hands-on experience with financial modeling, reports and data collection, sometimes with structured training or mentorship.
Within these roles, focus on developing key technical abilities and soft skills. Gaining comfort with procedures and fluency with different technologies prepares you for advanced education and career progression.
Pursue Advanced Education and Obtain Relevant Certifications
Graduate education, such as an MBA in finance, supports career advancement into leadership positions by strengthening financial analysis and managerial skills. Many employers prefer candidates for advanced roles to possess a master’s degree to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and experience.
Additional licensing and certifications validate specialized knowledge. Typical paths for financial analysts include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Certified Corporate FP&A Professional
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licensing
Essential Skills for Financial Analysts
Success in financial analysis requires a balance of technical and interpersonal skills. These skills influence the quality of insights and decision-making.
Technical skills allow financial analysts to interpret data accurately and build reliable financial models. Financial analysts should possess these technical competencies:
- Financial and economic knowledge
- Data analysis
- Risk management and compliance
- Computer skills, including Excel, Python, SQL and financial software platforms
- Mathematical skills in algebra, statistics and probability
- Financial modeling
Soft skills complement technical abilities by allowing professionals to develop critical insights and communicate recommendations. Analysts should build these soft skills throughout education and professional experience:
- Communication: Clear presentation of findings to executives, stakeholders or clients improves decision-making.
- Decision-making: Analysts weigh alternatives, consider risks and recommend sound strategies.
- Attention to detail: Precision reinforces accuracy in analysis and reporting.
- Critical thinking: The ability to test the validity of information and theories and understand how results affect business strategies and goals.
Why Should You Pursue an MBA in Finance?
An MBA in finance offers opportunities to pursue advanced financial analyst roles by strengthening financial knowledge, business acumen and leadership abilities. Graduates often qualify for management positions, where responsibilities extend to overseeing teams, strategy and long-term financial planning.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for financial analysts to grow by 6% through 2034, with demand increasing as markets shift and grow both domestically and globally. An MBA in finance enables graduates to pursue competitive salaries in this field, where financial analysts earn a median annual income of $101,350, with higher wages available for management and specialized industries.
An MBA in finance also provides versatility, since finance and accounting expertise applies across healthcare, technology, government and many other industries. The skillset developed in a finance MBA gives graduates flexibility in selecting career paths aligned with their interests and switching between adjacent financial fields.
Inside Southeastern’s Online MBA in Finance Program
Offered through the John Massey School of Business, Southeastern’s online MBA in Finance degree provides students with opportunities to advance their careers while balancing professional and personal obligations. The program features 100% online coursework, multiple start dates and affordable tuition to support flexible learning, and AACSB International accreditation shows its commitment to high-quality, relevant education.
The online student experience includes one-on-one faculty support, small class sizes and remote library access. Coursework combines core business foundations with specialized financial training to prepare students for leadership in finance. Core courses strengthen skills in management, economics, finance and data analysis, while courses focus on securities investments and international financial management.
Advance Your Financial Analysis Career With Southeastern’s Online MBA in Finance
Pursuing a career as a financial analyst involves developing a foundation with undergraduate education and entry-level experience, then pursuing graduate-level education and advanced certifications. By earning an MBA in finance, professionals can compete for competitive roles and progress into senior positions.
Southeastern’s online MBA in Finance program supports advancement by combining rigorous financial and business coursework and preparing graduates to take on leadership opportunities. Explore program details and apply today to take the next step toward your professional goals.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online MBA in Finance program.