Financial Business Analyst? Learn The Ropes Here!

The end target of every business is profit, otherwise it’s not a business. Therefore, most corporate businesses rely on sound financial data/ business analysis to make the best business decisions. A business analysis can make or mar a business. Poor business analysis has the potential of crumbling a corporate business no matter how magnificent such corporation world may be. The same way right/ sound business analysis by professional business analysts has the potential of sky rocketing a business from the bottom to the top in terms of profit, growth and other wise.

It is evident that good business analysis is the hallmark of every business, either local or corporate. The role of a financial business analyst is to generate reports summarizing financial data for use by executives, managers and other stakeholders when making business decisions. The constant rise in demand for professional business analyst especially by corporate
businesses is as a result of the need for accurate interpretations of financial data in an increasingly diverse and complex global business environment.

For starters, this occupation requires combination of business and financial skills and knowledge can be obtained through a business administration program with a specialization in accounting.

Needed Skills Required for a Corporate Financial Business Analyst Career?

It is paramount to highlight some of the basic skills that is required of an individual who wants to pursue a career in the field. Individuals who have excellent communication and documentation skills and who are detail-oriented, analytical thinkers can go far in a financial business analyst career. If you have an interest in statistics, data valuation and business, and are good with computers and software programs, a bachelor degree in business administration with a specialization in accounting can prepare you to become a highly successful financial business analyst.

Corporate Financial Business Analyst Typical Job Description:

Typical job duties for corporate financial business analysts include evaluating financial reports such as income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets and determining how a company’s finances will impact business operations. They may also facilitate decision-making by finance and operations personnel or investors by presenting data analysis and interpretation in clear, compelling ways.

Corporate financial business analysts are often required to make recommendations for action by synthesizing financial information and trends. They may predict future business activity to assist product developers or sales teams. Some financial business analysts create tools or systems, including databases and spreadsheets, to improve financial data analysis and reporting.

Other responsibilities of corporate financial business analysts include keeping financial data secure by controlling its access. They may also be required to document activity and procedures for future reference.

While many corporate financial business analysts work for corporations, others work for investment firms or the media and report on the banking and finance industry as a whole. They help others understand how new laws, regulations and developments will impact businesses in the finance and banking sector.

Corporate financial business analysts typically work in an office setting. Some may be required to travel to satellite offices or locations. A fast-paced work environment is normal in this field, and at times, analysts may work more than the standard 40 hours per week.

Potential Salary

National salary data on PayScale.com indicate that corporate business analysts in finance and banking earned an average annual income between $46,619 and $75,712 as of September 2010. Recent bachelor’s graduates typically start out toward the lower end of the range, while the top salaries generally go to financial business analysts with more experience or advanced education.

Education and Training

Entry-level corporate financial business analyst jobs require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with some relevant work experience, which can be obtained through summer jobs or internship programs while pursuing a degree, one needs to start from somewhere, at least to garner some experience.

A corporate financial business analyst career can begin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with specialization in accounting. Coursework typically includes intermediate accounting, essential business skills, accounting information systems and applied decision methods for business.

Employers can be confident that graduates of a business administration program with a specialization in accounting are able to:

• Assist the decision-making processes for various business needs.
• Apply core management skills such as organizing and planning.
• Understand and use fundamentals of statistical data analysis.
• Implement internal and public auditing knowledge in evaluating reports.
• Leverage advanced skills and expertise to succeed as a financial business analyst.

Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It’s possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use tuition assistance to further your education.