Independent editorial resource. Not affiliated with any employer or professional body. Occupational data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–25 edition). Wages are U.S. national figures as of May 2023.
A financial analyst uses financial data to help organizations make investment and business decisions. The role spans several different industries — investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), equity research, and more — each with its own culture, hours, and career trajectory.
What financial analysts do
Common responsibilities across financial analyst roles include:
- Building and maintaining financial models (DCF, LBO, comparable company analysis)
- Analyzing financial statements and business performance
- Preparing budget and forecast models
- Researching industry trends and competitive dynamics
- Writing financial reports, memos, and presentations for management or clients
- Supporting M&A due diligence and deal analysis
- Monitoring actual results versus budget (variance analysis)
Types of financial analyst roles
Buy-side analysts
Work at investment management firms, hedge funds, or private equity firms analyzing investment opportunities for the firm’s own portfolio. Compensation at the senior level can be very high but varies enormously by firm performance.
Sell-side analysts
Work at investment banks or brokerage firms producing research reports on public companies for institutional clients. The equity research analyst path typically involves associate, analyst, and senior analyst levels. Hours during earnings season are demanding.
FP&A analysts
Work within corporations in the financial planning and analysis function. FP&A analysts build budget and forecast models, track business performance, and advise internal leadership. This is among the most accessible financial analyst paths for accounting graduates transitioning from accounting roles.
Investment banking analysts
Work at investment banks on M&A transactions, capital raises, and advisory engagements. Typically recruited directly from undergraduate programs at target schools, though experienced hires occur. Known for demanding hours, particularly during live deal processes.
Compensation
According to the BLS, financial analysts (SOC 13-2051) had a national median annual wage of $99,890 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,470; the highest 10 percent earned more than $176,230. These figures are national medians across all financial analyst types and do not capture the wide variation between, for example, a corporate FP&A analyst and a senior buy-side analyst at a successful hedge fund.
Career progression
In corporate settings (FP&A), a typical progression might look like:
- Financial Analyst / Junior Analyst
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Finance Manager / FP&A Manager
- Director of FP&A
- VP of Finance / CFO
In investment banking and sell-side research, the track is more structured by the firm and typically moves from analyst to associate to VP to director/MD over roughly 6–10 years, with significant attrition at each level.
Education and credentials
Most financial analyst roles require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. An MBA is common for mid-career advancement, particularly in investment banking and corporate finance. The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) credential, issued by the CFA Institute, is the primary professional certification for investment-oriented analysts and is widely sought in asset management and equity research.
How accounting experience leads to financial analyst roles
Accountants, particularly those who have worked in FP&A-adjacent roles or who develop strong financial modeling skills, regularly transition into financial analyst positions. Corporate FP&A teams value candidates who understand financial statements at a detailed level. Moving from a staff accountant role into an FP&A analyst role is a common transition that typically requires developing Excel modeling skills and an understanding of business drivers beyond just the accounting entries.
Frequently asked questions
Is financial analyst better than accountant?
Neither is objectively better — they are different career paths with different strengths. Financial analysts tend to earn more at senior levels, particularly in investment-oriented roles. Accountants often have more stable, predictable hours and broader industry options. The right path depends on your interests: analysis and modeling versus reporting and compliance.
Do financial analysts need a CPA?
No. A CPA is an accounting credential and is rarely required for financial analyst roles. The CFA is more relevant for investment-oriented analyst positions. Some corporate FP&A roles may list a CPA or CMA as preferred, but it is not the norm.
What is the job outlook for financial analysts?
The BLS projects employment of financial analysts to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS attributes this partly to the growth of investment activities and the need for financial expertise in corporate settings. As with all BLS projections, these are national estimates with inherent uncertainty.