Financial analysts | Data USA (2024)

FAQs

How to pass a financial analyst interview? ›

There are approximately 329,500 financial analysts employed in the United States, including quantitative analysts. They are employed in the public and private sectors. They work for banks, financial institutions, brokerage and securities firms, government agencies, corporations, and insurance companies.

An answer to this question might look like this: “I prefer working in teams. In my previous job, I worked closely with a colleague to put together a business model for a client. They asked us to build a predictive financial model to outline where their business could be three years down the road.

For anyone with a mind for business, a big-picture outlook and strong communication skills, becoming a financial analyst may be a promising career path. Financial analysts can work in a variety of industries studying economic trends, making predictions and offering recommendations for investments and other money moves.

So, instead of giving vague answers like "I'm not good at everything," pinpoint a particular area where you need improvement. For example, you might say, "I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I'm a perfectionist and I want to make sure I do everything correctly."

The average financial analyst salary in the USA is $79,247 per year or $38.10 per hour. Entry level positions start at $63,028 per year while most experienced workers make up to $104,996 per year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median financial analyst salary is around $85,000, but this number can be misleading because the average financial analyst salary is closer to $100,000 due to the extreme growth in earnings over time.

“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”

How to answer tell me about yourself for financial analyst? ›

Tell Me About Yourself Answer For: Financial Analyst

A detail-oriented financial analyst, I specialise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. Over the past 12 years, I've successfully analysed financial data, identified trends, and provided insights that have informed strategic decision-making.

Requirements: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. Proficiency in financial software such as Excel, Bloomberg, and other data management tools.

Minimum GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA required, 3.5 GPA preferred. Certifications: All are optional: Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA), Certified Public Accountant® (CPA), or MBA.

The workforce of Financial analysts in 2022 was 300,586 people, with 41.3% woman, and 58.7% men. The average age of male Financial analysts in the workforce is 37.6 and of female Financial analysts is 40.6, and the most common race/ethnicity for Financial analysts is White.

Financial Analysts often navigate high-pressure environments, balancing tight deadlines with the need for meticulous accuracy in data analysis and forecasting. Stress levels can peak during quarterly earnings reports and fiscal year-ends.

Acquiring a degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field can set you up for a career as a financial analyst. If you are looking for a wider scope of opportunity or a higher salary, getting your master's degree in finance or a master of business administration (MBA) may be helpful.