How to Become a Financial Analyst: Degree, CFA & Salary

Financial analysts evaluate financial data, build forecasts and models, and advise leaders on budgets, investments and performance. They work in corporate finance (FP&A), banking, investment firms, insurance and the public sector.

Typical responsibilities include the following. Exact duties, tools and working patterns vary by employer, industry and seniority, so always check the individual vacancy.

• Build financial models, budgets and forecasts
• Analyze financial statements and business performance against targets
• Prepare reports and presentations for management
• Evaluate investments, costs and business cases
• Support month-end, quarter-end and annual planning cycles

• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling)
• Financial statement analysis and accounting fundamentals
• ERP and planning tools such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite or Anaplan
• Data tools such as Power BI, Tableau or SQL
• Attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Clear communication of financial findings to non-finance colleagues

A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics or business is typically expected. Certifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA, FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) or CMA can strengthen an application and support progression.

• Finance Assistant or Junior Financial Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Senior Financial Analyst or FP&A Manager
• Finance Director, Controller or Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Build strong Excel and financial modeling skills
• Gain experience through internships or finance assistant roles
• Start working towards a professional certification such as CFA Level I or FMVA
• Be ready to walk through a model or budget you've built in interviews

Tailor your resume to each vacancy and put your most relevant projects, tools and results near the top. Use the same keywords the job posting uses, quantify achievements where you can (time saved, cost reduced, users supported, accuracy improved) and keep job titles, dates and certifications accurate. Link to a portfolio, GitHub profile or case study where it helps show your work.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median pay of $103,570 a year (May 2025) for financial analysts, with 7% growth projected for 2025 to 2035 and about 29,500 openings a year. Entry-level analysts earn less; senior analysts and those with the CFA charter earn more.

Entry-level financial analyst roles usually require a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics or business; employers rarely hire for the title without one. With no experience, target junior analyst, FP&A analyst, accounts payable or bookkeeping roles, use internships, and show Excel modeling and the CFA Level I exam on your resume.

Six to twelve months after graduation to land a junior analyst role; the CFA charter takes about three to four years alongside work, and senior analyst titles usually follow three to five years of experience.

Ethic Leaf works with business employers across the USA. Our consultants can help you understand what employers expect from a Financial Analyst, sharpen your resume and interview answers, and connect you with contract, contract-to-hire and permanent opportunities that match your experience and career goals.

• Do financial analysts need a CFA? Not for entry-level roles, but it can support progression into senior or investment-focused positions.
• Is coding required? Not usually, but SQL, Python or Power BI skills are increasingly valued.
• What industries hire financial analysts? Almost all of them, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, retail, banking and government.
• How much does a financial analyst make? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median of $103,570 a year (May 2025); entry-level analysts earn less and CFA charterholders often earn more.
• Can you be a financial analyst without a degree? It is rare; most employers require a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or economics. Bookkeeping, accounts payable and junior analyst roles are the usual way in without one.