Occupation · SOC 13-2051
Financial and Investment Analysts
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Median wage
$101,350
$62,410–$180,550
Projected growth
+5.7%
Average growth
Annual openings
2,110
per year
Employed (US)
340,580
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
402 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
English LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsAdministration and ManagementComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareHuman resources softwareFinancial analysis softwareBusiness intelligence and data analysis softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Representative tasks
Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditiKeep informed of industry trends and deals.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Financial data sources — locate and compile under direct supervision using information retrieval and database software in a structured analytical environment.Industry trends and market developments — identify and summarize by reviewing financial news, reports, and professional publications with guidance from senior analysts.Spreadsheet software — enter, organize, and format financial data accurately under supervision to support routine investment analysis workflows.Contract terms and fee structures — review and document client payment obligations, commissions, and billing schedules following established departmental protocols.Financial analysis software — execute predefined screening queries and export results under the direction of experienced team members.Written financial summaries — draft brief, clearly structured reports using correct English language conventions based on templates provided by supervisors.Basic quantitative calculations — apply mathematical formulas to compute returns, ratios, and simple valuations within guided spreadsheet models.Client account records — maintain accurate and up-to-date files in human resources and accounting software following compliance and data-integrity checklists.Active listening practices — demonstrate attentive note-taking and clarifying questions during client meetings and internal briefings as directed.Relevant laws and regulations — recognize and flag basic regulatory requirements affecting financial products and client accounts under senior analyst oversight.
developing
Industry deal activity and sector trends — monitor consistently using business intelligence tools and synthesize findings into weekly briefings for portfolio teams.Financial models — build and maintain multi-variable spreadsheet and financial analysis software models with limited oversight to support investment recommendations.Client fee and commission collections — manage end-to-end billing processes according to contract terms, resolving routine discrepancies independently.Investment research reports — produce well-reasoned, clearly written analyses that integrate quantitative data and qualitative judgment for internal distribution.Potential client or counterparty assessments — conduct structured interviews and financial due-diligence reviews, evaluating creditworthiness and fit using established criteria.Complex financial problems — apply critical thinking and inductive reasoning to diagnose issues in portfolio performance and propose practical solutions.Presentation software and oral communication — develop and deliver clear, data-driven briefings to small groups of colleagues and clients in professional settings.Accounting and economics principles — apply working knowledge of accrual accounting, valuation theory, and macroeconomic indicators to interpret financial statements.Regulatory and legal requirements — interpret applicable laws, government guidelines, and compliance rules affecting investment strategies and client reporting.Data integrity and analytical accuracy — verify model inputs and outputs with a high degree of attention to detail, catching errors before deliverables reach senior reviewers.
proficient
Full-scope investment analyses — execute independently across equity, fixed income, and alternative asset classes, integrating complex financial models with macroeconomic context.Non-routine valuation challenges — resolve through advanced analytical and scientific software techniques, drawing on inductive and deductive reasoning without supervisory guidance.Client promotional materials and investment proposals — craft persuasive, polished written and visual content that effectively positions strategies to sophisticated institutional audiences.Fee negotiation and contract management — lead discussions with clients and counterparties to structure commission and payment terms that align organizational and client interests.Candidate or counterparty evaluation — design and conduct rigorous assessment interviews, synthesizing qualitative and quantitative signals to make high-confidence selection decisions.Sector and market intelligence — develop and maintain a continuously updated knowledge base of industry trends, M&A activity, and competitive dynamics to inform portfolio strategy.Cross-functional financial problem solving — integrate information from accounting, legal, technology, and operations domains to address multifaceted investment challenges autonomously.Risk and judgment frameworks — apply disciplined, evidence-based decision-making processes to assess portfolio risk, validate assumptions, and recommend actionable strategies.Regulatory compliance and governance — ensure all analytical work, client communications, and reporting adhere fully to applicable legal, government, and administrative standards.Advanced data and BI platforms — leverage database management, business intelligence, and analytical software to generate proprietary insights that drive competitive advantage.
advanced
Organizational investment strategy — set overarching analytical direction, define research priorities, and align team capabilities with firm-wide financial and business objectives.Competency development programs — design and lead mentoring, training, and performance evaluation initiatives that elevate analytical talent across the department.Enterprise-level client relationships — cultivate and steward relationships with major institutional clients, negotiating complex fee structures and multi-year contractual commitments.Industry thought leadership — represent the firm at conferences, in publications, and with media to communicate authoritative perspectives on market trends and investment outlook.Cross-departmental financial governance — chair investment committees and cross-functional reviews, integrating legal, compliance, technology, and operations input into final decisions.Proprietary analytical frameworks — architect firm-specific financial models, valuation methodologies, and risk management systems that become institutional standards.Strategic talent acquisition processes — define criteria and lead high-stakes evaluation of senior analyst candidates, aligning hiring decisions with long-term organizational strategy.Regulatory engagement and policy influence — interact with government and regulatory bodies, contributing expert input to shape evolving financial law and compliance requirements.Technology and tool ecosystem — lead the evaluation, procurement, and implementation of next-generation financial analysis, BI, and data infrastructure at organizational scale.Organizational integrity and accountability culture — model and institutionalize the highest standards of dependability, ethical conduct, and attention to detail across all analytical and client-facing functions.
Also known as
55 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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