You might be thinking about building a global career in business, finance, or corporate strategy. If that’s the case and you’ve been researching different degree programs and their career opportunities, chances are you’ve come across the term “financial analyst.”
But… do you really know what a financial analyst does on a daily basis? What types of analysts exist, and what do you need to study to start down that path?
In this article, we break it all down: from typical responsibilities to the different kinds of financial analysts, the most effective academic routes, and the most frequently asked questions when considering this profession.
Financial analysis is at the core of many major business decisions.
So, if you’re interested in numbers, strategy, and data-driven decision-making, this might be an exciting and rewarding path with plenty of growth opportunities.
What Does a Financial Analyst Do?
A financial analyst is a professional who uses data, models, and financial statements to help organizations or clients make informed decisions.
They interpret numbers not just as figures, but as stories about performance, trends, and opportunities, and then communicate those insights to stakeholders.
Day-to-day activities can include:
- Gathering financial data from multiple sources
- Building models and projections
- Preparing reports and visualizations
- Monitoring budgets and key performance indicators
- Providing recommendations for strategy or investment
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams like accounting, sales or operations
As you can see, financial analysts help turn information into insight, which executives and teams rely on to make strategic choices.
Financial Analyst Positions: The Most Common Roles in a Company
Financial analysis isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Several specific roles fall under the financial analyst umbrella, each with its own focus and context.
Here’s a breakdown that will help you understand the landscape:
| Financial Analyst Position | What you do (day-to-day) | Typical team | Best for you if… |
| FP&A Analyst (Financial Planning & Analysis) | Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, performance reporting | Finance / FP&A | You like business partnering + planning |
| Corporate Finance Analyst | Long-term planning, capital allocation, investment evaluation | Corporate Finance | You enjoy strategy + big-picture decisions |
| Commercial/Business Finance Analyst | Pricing, margins, profitability by product/channel, sales support | Commercial Finance | You like linking numbers to growth |
| Treasury Analyst | Cash flow, liquidity, banking, FX exposure, debt tracking | Treasury | You like cash management + markets |
| Credit Analyst | Credit risk assessment, borrower analysis, limits, monitoring | Risk / Credit | You prefer risk frameworks + decision rules |
| Investment Analyst (Asset Mgmt / Research) | Company/market research, valuation, recommendations | Investments / Research | You love markets + deep company analysis |
| M&A Analyst | Valuation models, due diligence support, deal materials | M&A / Corp Dev | You want deals + intense modelling |
| Risk Analyst (Enterprise/Market) | Risk monitoring, stress testing, reporting, controls | Risk / Compliance | You like risk + governance structure |
| Financial Reporting Analyst | Closing support, reporting packs, data consistency | Controlling / Reporting | You’re detail-oriented and process-driven |
Shall we explore them further?
1 FP&A Analyst (Financial Planning & Analysis)
- What you do (day-to-day): Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, performance reporting.
- Typical team: Finance / FP&A.
- Best for you if: You enjoy business partnering and planning.
- Focus: Helping businesses plan their financial future by analyzing past performance and predicting financial outcomes.
2 Corporate Finance Analyst
- What you do: Long-term planning, capital allocation, investment evaluation.
- Typical team: Corporate Finance.
- Best for you if: You enjoy strategic decisions and big-picture financial planning.
- Focus: Supporting decisions around investments, financing, and long-term growth.
3 Commercial / Business Finance Analyst
- What you do: Pricing analysis, margin and profitability studies, sales support.
- Typical team: Commercial Finance.
- Best for you if: You like linking financial insight to business growth.
- Focus: Providing insights that directly influence revenue, pricing, and product performance.
4 Treasury Analyst
- What you do: Cash flow management, liquidity analysis, banking relationships, FX exposure, and debt tracking.
- Typical team: Treasury.
- Best for you if: You enjoy working with cash management and financial markets.
- Focus: Ensuring the company’s financial resources are managed efficiently.
5 Credit Analyst
- What you do: Credit risk assessment, borrower analysis, risk limits, and monitoring.
- Typical team: Risk / Credit.
- Best for you if: You prefer structured risk frameworks and decision rules.
This role is especially common in banks, fintechs, and companies that underwrite credit or financing products.
6 Investment Analyst (Asset Management / Research)
- What you do: Company and market research, valuation, investment recommendations.
- Typical team: Investments / Research.
- Best for you if: You love markets and deep company analisis.
- Focus: Supporting investment decisions for funds, portfolios, or institutional investors.
7 M&A Analyst
- What you do: Building valuation models, supporting due diligence, and preparing deal materials.
- Typical team: M&A / Corporate Development.
- Best for you if: You want fast-paced deal work and intense financial modeling.
- Focus: Assisting in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions.
8 Risk Analyst (Enterprise / Market)
- What you do: Risk monitoring, stress testing, reporting, and controls.
- Typical team: Risk / Compliance.
- Best for you if: You like risk management and governance structures.
- Focus: Identifying and mitigating financial risks across the organization.
9 Financial Reporting Analyst
- What you do: Support the financial close, prepare reporting packages, and ensure data consistency.
- Typical team: Controlling / Reporting.
- Best for you if: You’re detail-oriented and process-driven.
- Focus: Producing accurate financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
What Studies are Valued to Start as a Financial Analyst?
To begin a career as a financial analyst, employers typically look for a solid academic foundation combined with analytical skills and business awareness.
Relevant Degrees
Some of the most valued academic paths include:
- Business / Business Management
- Finance
- Economics
- Accounting
- Mathematics / Statistics
- Data Analytics or Business Analytics
These programs help you build the technical knowledge — such as financial accounting, corporate finance, statistics, and economics — that form the basis of financial analysis.
Skills That Employers Value
Beyond your degree, the following skills can greatly boost your employability:
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling
- Data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
- Basic SQL or data querying skills
- Strong communication and storytelling with data
- Business acumen and strategic thinking
The Value of Global Business Education
Studying in an international context or in a program taught in English gives you an edge, especially if you’re interested in global finance, multinational firms or cross-border roles. It prepares you for environments where financial reporting, communication and collaboration happen in a global language and framework.
And now… Discover our university degrees and take your first step toward a future in finance.
FAQs
If you’re considering a career as a financial analyst, it’s normal to have a few questions, especially when you’re just getting started.
Here are some of the most common doubts students have (and what you really need to know to move forward with confidence):
Do you need language skills to work as a financial analyst?
Absolutely.
English is the global language of business and finance, so strong communication skills (both written and spoken) are essential.
If you’re planning to work in international environments, multilingual abilities can be a big advantage. At CIS University, our degree programs are fully taught in English to help you build the fluency needed in real-world business settings.
What career opportunities are there for a financial analyst beyond banking?
While banking is a popular path, it’s just one of many.
Financial analysts are in demand across industries like tech, healthcare, energy, retail, and consulting.
You might work in corporate finance, FP&A, risk analysis, investment research, or even in fast-growing areas like fintech and data-driven strategy.
Finance is a versatile field with a broad range of exit opportunities.
Do you need a master’s degree or certifications to work as a financial analyst?
Not necessarily.
Many analysts begin with a strong undergraduate degree and build experience from there.
However, some roles may require or recommend certifications like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or a master’s in finance or business over time. What matters most early on is having solid technical skills, real project exposure, and a clear understanding of financial concepts.
Does accreditation matter if I want international mobility?
Yes.
Employers and institutions across countries value degrees from accredited universities.
CIS University offers American-style education with recognized academic standards, preparing students for both local and international career opportunities.
Choosing a university with global recognition helps you keep your options open, whether you’re planning to work in Spain, Europe, or anywhere in the world.
What Studies Are Valued to Start as a Financial Analyst?
Degrees such as Business Management, as well as programs related to Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Applied Statistics, are highly valued when starting a career as a financial analyst.
These academic paths provide the technical foundation needed to understand financial statements, corporate strategy, market behavior, and quantitative analysis.
Employers also place strong emphasis on programs that are practical and up to date, especially those that integrate digital tools, data analysis software, real-world projects, and case-based learning.
Studying in English can also be a significant advantage, as it prepares you to work in international environments where financial reporting and communication often happen in a global business context.
How Much Does a Financial Analyst Earn at the Start of Their Career?
Entry-level salaries for financial analysts vary depending on the country, industry, and type of company.
In Spain, a junior financial analyst typically starts between €22,000 and €30,000 gross per year, with strong potential for rapid growth, especially if they specialize or move into consulting or investment banking.
In other European countries or in the United States, starting salaries often exceed $45,000 per year, and can be significantly higher in major financial hubs. Keep in mind that compensation may also include performance-based bonuses, particularly in corporate finance, banking, or investment roles.
As experience and responsibility increase, salary progression can be substantial.
Can You Be a Financial Analyst and an Entrepreneur?
Absolutely.
Many startup founders and finance leaders in emerging companies have a background in financial analysis.
Understanding how to read financial statements, evaluate risk, manage cash flow, and assess profitability provides a powerful foundation for launching and scaling a business.
In fact, having financial expertise is a strategic advantage when starting your own venture. It helps you make data-driven decisions, communicate effectively with investors, and build a sustainable business model from day one. Entrepreneurship and financial analysis are not separate paths, they can strongly complement each other.
If you see yourself making an impact in the world of finance, whether it’s helping companies make smarter decisions, supporting sustainable growth, or exploring global markets, starting your journey as a financial analyst could be the right move. A good option, for example, is to join the investment and finance clubs that universities with an American system often offer to their students.
At CIS University, we help you build the foundation you need to succeed in this field, 100% in English and with a practical approach.
Request information and we will guide you