After reading my last article, financial analyst job description, many readers got in touch with me through email.
After discussing with them, I think many of you want to know the criteria for entry-level financial analyst jobs, salary, and resume and how to find these jobs.
I’ve done in-depth research on this topic, and you will find this article useful if you’re looking for an entry level financial analyst job description.
So, here we go.
Entry level Financial Analyst Job Description Guide
Job scenario
As per Accounting Principles’ study, the most ‘in-demand’ entry-level finance job is:
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Auditor
- Credit Analyst
- Mortgage Underwriter
See? Financial Analyst tops the list.
Apart from the job mentioned above, entry-level investment analyst Job is also in demand.
I’m a big fan of using Google and many other websites for doing research and analysis of anything … yes, anything.
So, for this post also, I’ve used Google extensively and found out what you, as an entry-level financial analyst needs to know.
First things first.
Job Description for Entry Level Financial Analyst
Responsibilities of entry level finance Job
- To provide and coordinate a comprehensive business administration service to management and analysts within the team.
- The successful candidate will be responsible for all administrative work related to that subset of deals.
- Also, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing cover for the team in the event of absence and holidays to ensure a seamless service to the team.
- General business administration role in a Financial Services Organization Data entry, data maintenance, and data quality assurance for Rating queues
- Assist analysts in creating press releases, research, and analysis Tracking all actions and publications.
- Deliver a high level of service across a high volume of transactions Identify, research and resolve issues involving data processing errors
- Preparation of financial reports.
- Bank reconciliations, financial statement preparation.
- Perform office administration, including support, as needed.
- Market research analysis.
- Explaining complex financial information to non-financial personnel.
Skills and qualifications required for entry-level finance job
- Bachelor’s degree required ideally within a Financial discipline.
- A firm administrator with excellent administrative skills
- Well developed IT skills including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong analytical skills, work ethic, independence, problem-solving ability, effective communication skills, and overall positive attitude.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong computer knowledge and skills, including in-depth expert knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task while under pressure.
- Customer service-oriented.
Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary
Entry-Level Financial Analyst Salary will be in the range of $50,000-60,000 if you are in the US.
For other countries, I would suggest you visit Salary or Payscale.
Interview Questions
There would be a telephonic round first for the entry level financial analyst. This round will be for almost 30 minutes.
If you clear the first round, you will be invited for a one-on-one interview.
The questions? They will ask you behavioral and technical questions like:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What is beta? Can you explain it in detail?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are CAPM and WACC?
- How do you calculate the cost of equity?
- What is debit and credit in accounting?
- What’s the difference between operating profit, gross profit, and net profit?
- What are the three most essential ratios to check a company’s financial strength?
- Why do you want to join our company?
- What is the difference between FCFF and FCFE?
- What is LIBOR?
- What is shareholders’ equity? How do you calculate it?
Please note that the above questions are the only representative. The interviewer can ask other questions based on the position, your role, and your resume.
Entry Level Financial Analyst Resume
So, what should I mention in my resume objective field?
You can write your resume objective like:
- To obtain a position where I can apply my skills and knowledge in a challenging and progressive environment that also allows for future advancement.
OR - Employ my experience in financial analysis in a competitive working environment to make a significant contribution to the financial stability of the firm.
In short, if you’re looking for an entry level financial analyst job, do your research, check what the eligibility criteria and skills required by employers, visit job sites like Monster, create a professional resume with no grammatical errors, prepare well for interviews and last but not the least … believe in yourself.
Learned Something? Share The Love!
I know that you have a ton of insights that I didn’t cover in this post.
I’d love to hear anything you’ve picked up since starting in financial analysis.
It doesn’t have to be an Earth-shattering insight.
Even a helpful tip would be excellent.
So leave a comment right now with something you’ve learned.
I am a bcom and ca final student..i have given 5 attempts but not able to clear the exam further i want to go in finance field only so is there any way available?
Hi Natasha,
Please read this guide and acquire skills.
Book a career coaching session to know your rewarding career path.
Join this course to gain practical financial modeling/investment banking skills.
Hi Avadut,
I m a MBA Finance with 1year experience as a accounts executive.
I want to make my career in Finance and not as a accountant. Please guide on future opportunities.
Thanks
Gurpreet Singh
Hi Gurpreet,
Read this article. Acquire skills mentioned on this page to make a rewarding career in core finance.
I am an undergraduate taking my last quarter and want to start my career as a financial analyst. I have been out of school for two years for personal reasons, but I completed CFA level II during that time. It seems to me that they all want people with experiences (although I get it) and people like me (recent graduates with no hand-on experiences) can’t find a way to dive into the field. I have two internship experiences, but they were not directly relevant to the job description (corporate sector and inter-dealer broking company). Could you give me some advice? I really want to begin my career as a financial analyst and also intend to finish up the CFA curriculum in the near future.
Hi Sam,
One way out is to start your internship with equity research or portfolio management firm. By the time you complete your CFA-III, you’ll have relevant experience too.
Hi Avadhut,
I am having 3+ years of experience as client service manager in banking industry. However, I want to shift my career from banking sales to research analyst or market research now. I have a MBA degree in marketing and HR, and doesn’t hold any degree related to Finance. Now that am interested for a career shift, kindly guide me if I need to learn any courses for the same and how do I get started. Your valuable suggestion is very important to me at this point of time as I feeling like am at cross roads without proper suggestions.
Thanks in advance,
Keerti.
Hi Keerti,
Please email me (avadhut@financewalk.com) your contact number. My associate will call you to provide career guidance.
Hello sir,
I have completed my MBA in 2009 in finance and have an experience of 4 years in banking and financial services but that was of sales profile. I want to shift to equity research or as an financial analyst profile role. I just come to know about financial modelling course I find it more relevant I will be thank full to u if u guide me over this course and further I am looking for CFA. Please reply me an explanatory reply to my queries.
Thanks n regards
Ashish Rawat
Hi Ashish,
Financial Analysis and Equity Research roles demand practical skills. If you don’t have them, you need to acquire them before you apply to companies.
Please email me (avadhut@financewalk.com) your contact number. My associate will call you to provide complete program details and career counseling.
Hi Avadhut,
I have completed MBA in Finance in 2012 and i have worked with an MNC bank for 2 years in credit operation.
i want to go in KPO industry specially in research . Please suggest.
Hi Amit,
You can try credit rating firms and KPOs which are in credit analysis. You can also apply to financial KPOs.
Hi, I have completed my BCom and currently pursuing PGDM with finance as a major subject. I have completed few NCFM modules what are the other certifications I need to do in order to get a financial analyst job
Hi Shobana,
PGDM is enough as far as qualification/ certification is concerned. Focus on building skills like reading annual reports, industry reports, Excel, financial statement analysis, ratio analysis, financial modeling, report writing, analytical and logical thinking.
Hi Avadhut,
I had completed my b.com in the year 2010. Have completed my FRM & cleared my int.CFA this year. I only have a 4month work experience in a KPO. I am looking for opportunities in equity research, but cannot find companies that hire fresher’s. Please guide.
Hi Amrita,
Please read this and this article.
Hi Avadhut,
I graduated from college with a Bachelors of Science in Finance with a Minor in Quality Management and Assurance. I’m looking to become a financial analyst. I currently work at a bank as a teller and I was wondering where would be a good place to start? Would I need to become a junior financial analyst first or go for the entry level financial analyst? I am based in Los Angeles, CA. Thank you very much.
Hi Sergio,
Try to gain experience on the buy-side or even student tun investment fund – Try for internships at investment funds.
Hi Avadhut,
Thanks for your reply and advice. Would that also apply to any analyst job like credit analyst?
For credit Analyst, I would prefer risk management at a bank or credit rating firms like Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s.
Hello Avadhut,
Recently I have decided to take a change in my career. I have extensive retail banking experience ranging from sales to branch manager.
I have no experience in financial analysis and am currently planning to take the CFA Level 1 exam in June 2015.
What is the best way to land a job as a junior/financial analyst while I pursue this certification?
Ron
Hi Ron,
Best way to land a job is to acquire skills required for the job. By taking CFA exams you’ll get the required knowledge, but you need SKILLS too. So, join a workshop that gives you hands-on training for the required skills. Where are you based?
Thanks for the prompt response. I am based in New York City. Would you happen to know of any workshops where I can build my skill?
I greatly appreciate your advice.
Hi Ron,
Go to this page and check “Classroom Training” at the bottom in the courses list.
Hi Avadhut,
I’ve appeared for my CA Final examination and I’ve done a 3 year internship in direct taxation. However, I wish to switch fields to investment banking. Your article was quite enlightening, although I’m still unsure of whether I would need any course/ degree/ internship I would require to get into this field. Was hoping you could advise me 🙂
Do let me know in case any details are needed.
Thanks.
Regards,
Ashish
Hi Ashish,
Yes, you need a training program that’ll prepare you for investment banking career. Have a look at our program details.
I have a master degree related to data analysis. I want to enter into finance domain. I just completed CFA level II this year. Except this, I haven’t relevant experience. Could you give me some advice on my career path to finance field ?Thank you
Hi Emma,
Start applying to companies which need CFA-II candidates. Your master degree in data analysis and CFA-II combination is good one, provided you’ve practical skills to analyze financial data and take decisions.
Hi,
I am Shaikh Riyaz complited my M.B.A(Finance)in AIAIMS.I have 2 years Back office Logistics Experience in TCS.But,i want looking some financial career or entry level Job in Finance then what i should do??
Hi Riyaz,
Read this guide.
Hai, I am Anoop sekhar from,Toronto.I did my MBA finance in 2004 from india and work there 2 year in Govt service and after that i did a post graduate diploma in business administration from Liverpool John Moore’s univerity UK.After that i starts working in retail managemnet field in Ireland.After 5 years i moved to canada and now preparing for CFA charter.Now i am looking for a career in financial analyst field.Can you suggest me some ideas to get a foot at the door for the same.
Thanks a lot
Anoop sekhar
Hi Anoop,
It seems you’ve changed your fields too quickly.
Try getting an internship (paid/unpaid) along-with your CFA.
Read this guide for investment banking internships. Keep in mind that you need skills or experience or sometimes both to start your career in finance.
I have completed my MBA in Finance in2014. I have completed few modules of NCFM, NISM. Now I am working with Capital Via, as a research trainee, where my job is to provide stock tips to HNI clients using technical charts. Can u kindly guide me with the growth prospects in this field
Hi Pikaso,
Which field? Can you be specific please?
The field I mentioned about is research in the field of technical analysis. I am unaware of the skills required for a technical analyst. I am in a dilemna whether to continue as technical analyst or as a fundamental analyst i.e. equity anlyst. Kindly guide me.
Hi Pikaso,
Check what you love: Fundamental or Technical Analysis.
Hi Avadhut
It is a really nice article you have put up. I only wish I would’ve read it sooner. Anyhow, I am a CFA level 1 student having completed my Bachelors in Accounts and Finance from Heriot Watt University. I already have the skills that most finance jobs require but for some reason am not able to get any. If you don’t mind, could I have your email so that you could just give me a few pointers and tips on my existing CV.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for your time.
Regards
Jitesh
Hi Jitesh,
Send your profile to my work email id: avadhut at financewalk dot com.
Hi Avadhut
I’m a B.tech Graduate and currently have a Work Exp. of 02 years in IT Domain. I am trying to get into Finance domain. I have keen interest in developing my career in Financial domain and for that, I have completed my CFA Level 1 and a course on Financial Modelling.
I would appreciate your Guidance on this.
Hi Swaraj,
You need to gain practical skills required to perform a job. You need either experience or skills to make a career in finance. Please email me your contact number. I will ask my associate to guide you.
Hi Sir,
I have completed BE in information science in 2010 and I am currently working with ICICI Bank Ltd from past 3.2 years as Customer Service Manager at present. And now I am thinking to work as a financial analyst, for that what would be good like MBA or any Distance Education. I am researching from past 15 days still not got answer how to shift my career as a financial analyst. Kindly do suggest me about the requirements for pursuing my career as a financial analyst. and is there is any age criteria in companies because I am 26 now. Kindly guide me
Hi Abhilash,
Frankly, you need both – education and skills – to succeed as a financial analyst.
MBA requires you to invest 2 years and decent money.
Please check the course page and let me know if you need any more details.
Please email me (avadhut@financewalk.com) your contact number. My associate will call you to provide complete program details and a detailed career counseling.
Hi Sir,
This is seraj, I did my MBA in finance from IIBS college Bangalore in 2011 October, after that i got selected 3 or 4 companies but unable get final call or offer letter, right now i don’t have job and i am passing through depression. I feel i lost everything, hope, emotion faith of my family, what i have to do, to get a job please help me out.
Hi Seraj,
Ask yourself why were you not selected for 3-4 companies that you mentioned.
I think the current market demands you to take some active steps. What you can do now:
1. Check which are your strong and weak areas and how will you fulfill demands of employers.
2. Join a skill enhancement program that will give you skills and confidence required in the market.
3. Many companies do not advertise their jobs, so either approach them directly or through employees in these companies.
4. Create an excellent resume that will showcase the skills required by employers . Remember to customize your resume each time you send it to an employer.
5. All the above steps will boost your confidence and it will show in the next interview.
Please remember knowledge is not enough, but application of it is important.
Regards,
Avadhut
Thank you so much Sir
Whenever i went to interview i fully prepare but some times i find uncomfortable giving answer to the question even i have knowledge.
Second thing is that before going to interview, one negativity always come in mind “i ill not be selected” i don’t know why its always came, it is just because of selected in 3 or 4 interview, i did not get the final call for joining or something called luck. Please focus on this, how can i get rid of this negative thought coming in my mind and heart. Please
Hi Seraj,
Here’re a few things you can do:
1. Remind yourself that this is a temporary feeling and not permanent. It’s absolutely normal to feel bad about the past. However, you can’t change the past and by thinking about your past, you’re only worsening your present.
2. Do this exercise: Everyday sit in a calm place, do deep breathing for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and see that you’re giving an excellent interview. You’ve to imagine as if you’ve already given a successful interview and what will you do after that. You may celebrate it with your family, party with friends etc. . By doing this exercise you’re actually convincing your mind that you will succeed in the next interview.
3. Prepare really well and focus on your performance and not on results.
4. Research about the company that you’re going for the interview. Remember, if are well prepared, it automatically brings confidence on your face and body language and it’ll show in the interview.
All the best.
Regards,
Avadhut
Hi, Myself sagar from Hyderabad. i am B.Com Graduate completed in 2001 and i have experience in admin and accounts field. Presently i am pursuing my MBA – 4th sem. Now i want to shift my career into Finance field. Please suggest me how get job in Finance field.
Hi Sagar,
1. Check job openings available on job sityes such as Naukri, Monster.
2. Check whether you have the skills mentioned in eligibility criteria.
3. If yes, apply to the openings directly.
4. If not, gain the skills through training programs.
5. Develop a roadmap for your career.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Avadhut
Thanks for your reply. I having 8 yr’s experience in admin and partial accounts not full fledged accountant. So, which course is best to start career in finance. They have any age criteria for job at entry level in finance.
You’re already doing MBA. What you need is skills in financial analysis, financial modeling, equity research and Excel. Take a look at these courses.
Regards,
I have completed my MBA in FINANCE in 2012 and I am looking forward to make a career in FINANCE.But I am hardly getting any interview calls for finance.I don’t have any idea of what to do now.Is the market down or there is any other reason for not getting calls.But guide me in this regard.
Hi Samannay,
Yes, market worldwide is down. However, there are still some things you can do.
1. Contact and meet the company people directly at their premises. Show them that you’re fit for the job. Ask for paid/unpaid internship of 3-6 months.
2. check where your college alumna are working or your batch-mates are working. Contact them and ask them whether they can refer you in their companies. Many companies do not advertise their jobs, so this strategy should work.
All the best.
Regards,
Avadhut