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
Advise clients on aspects of capitalization, such as amounts, sources, or timing.Analyze financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties to identify or recommend remedies.Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.Collaborate on projects with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or public relations experts.Collaborate with investment bankers to attract new corporate clients.Conduct financial analyses related to investments in green construction or green retrofitting projects.Confer with clients to restructure debt, refinance debt, or raise new debt.Create client presentations of plan details.Determine the prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public.Develop and maintain client relationships.Draw charts and graphs, using computer spreadsheets, to illustrate technical reports.Employ financial models to develop solutions to financial problems or to assess the financial or capital impact of transactions.Evaluate and compare the relative quality of various securities in a given industry.Evaluate capital needs of clients and assess market conditions to inform structuring of financial packages.Inform investment decisions by analyzing financial information to forecast business, industry, or economic conditions.Interpret data on price, yield, stability, future investment-risk trends, economic influences, and other factors affecting investment programs.Monitor developments in the fields of industrial technology, business, finance, and economic theory.Monitor fundamental economic, industrial, and corporate developments by analyzing information from financial publications and services, investment banking firms, government agencies, trade publications, company sources, or personal interviews.Perform securities valuation or pricing.Prepare all materials for transactions or execution of deals.Prepare plans of action for investment, using financial analyses.Present oral or written reports on general economic trends, individual corporations, and entire industries.Purchase investments for companies in accordance with company policy.Recommend investments and investment timing to companies, investment firm staff, or the public.Specialize in green financial instruments, such as socially responsible mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETF) that are comprised of green companies.Supervise, train, or mentor junior team members.
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
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