Description

Corporations and businesses typically have a responsibility to shareholders and owners to use earned income in a way that builds company wealth. A financial analyst carefully studies marketplace trends, demographics and microeconomic factors to help the company make smart investments. The financial analyst may also provide advice to companies on issuing their own bonds, splitting stock and other areas of concern.One of the most important roles for a financial analyst is to fully understand how and where a company has invested its resources, as well as how secure and viable that financial outlay will be going forward. An analyst needs to not only understand how current investments affect the company, but also how those investments and future financial interactions will impact short- and long-term growth. The analyst is expected to provide information on the company's current financial position and make recommendations to company decision-makers. For instance, the analyst may inform an executive board about whether expansion may be high risk or help the company decide on issuing bonds to cover capital improvements. The analyst may also provide advice and analysis on protecting a company's wealth in the short term during economic downturns.A financial analyst typically has at least a bachelor's degree in finance, business or a related field, although additional education is common. Additionally, most employers look for candidates with both practical experience and a proven track record of success within this field.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Financial Analyst with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conduct financial analysis and modeling to support business decision-making and identify areas for improvement. Analyze financial data, such as revenue, expenses, and investments, to provide insights and recommendations.
  • Assist in the preparation of financial reports, budgets, and forecasts. Collaborate with team members to gather and analyze data, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Monitor and evaluate financial performance, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities. Regularly review financial statements and key performance indicators to assess the financial health of the organization.
  • Support the development and implementation of financial systems and processes.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Financial Analyst, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient in financial analysis techniques to interpret complex financial data and provide meaningful insights to support strategic decision-making.
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial statements, and financial modeling to conduct accurate and detailed financial analysis.
  • Advanced Excel skills with expertise in creating complex financial models, performing scenario analysis, and analyzing large datasets.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate financial analysis findings to stakeholders and influence business decisions.

Essential Skills For Financial Analyst

1

Forecasting

2

Project Management

3

Data Analysis

4

SQL

Skills That Affect Financial Analyst Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Forecasting

5%

Project Management

9%

Data Analysis

2%

SQL

8%

Career Prospects

For a Financial Analyst job role with 0-3 years of work experience in Australia, there are several alternative roles to explore. Here are four options to consider:

  • Junior Financial Analyst: A position that allows for further development of financial analysis skills and gaining exposure to different industries and sectors.
  • Investment Analyst: A role focused on conducting research and analysis to identify investment opportunities and make recommendations to portfolio managers.
  • Budget Analyst: A position that involves preparing and monitoring budgets, analyzing variances, and providing recommendations for cost control and optimization.
  • Risk Analyst: A role centered around identifying and assessing potential risks to an organization's financial performance, developing risk mitigation strategies, and monitoring risk exposure.

How to Learn

The job role of a Financial Analyst in Australia is projected to experience positive growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities in this field are expected to increase steadily. The demand for qualified financial analysts is likely to rise due to evolving financial markets, regulatory changes, and increased focus on risk management. The latest data points from Google indicate promising prospects with numerous job openings anticipated in the future. As the economy grows and investment activities expand, the demand for financial analysts is expected to remain strong, offering ample opportunities for individuals pursuing this career path in Australia.