Financial Analyst

What Does a Financial Analyst Do?
The main duty of a financial analyst is to research the financial health of companies. They do this with a view to recommending these companies to others who wish to invest in them. They will also look at their clients' current portfolio to ensure that further recommendations are a good fit. They may even make recommendations to sell a poorly performing investment.

Daily tasks typically involve using spreadsheets, and making forecasts based on previous history, current trends, and anything which may affect a particular type of industry for good or bad e.g. The cost of crude oil rising. Depending on their seniority and nature of their employment, financial analysts may purchase securities on behalf of a client. Most financial analysts tend to specialize in a particular industry sector. All the better to keep abreast of new laws, regulations, or emerging potential investments. For this reason, they often work in teams providing a broad range of expertise between them. They may work in investment banking departments of securities or banking firms.

How to Become a Financial Analyst
A college degree is essential to become a financial analyst. Preferred disciplines include: business administration, accounting, statistics, or finance. While certification is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended if you are serious about this as a career. To become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), not only must you hold a bachelor's degree, you need three years' work experience in a related field, and must pass a set of three examinations. The essay exams cover courses such as accounting, economics, securities analysis, asset valuation, and portfolio management. You need to pass one a year for three years to qualify.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

Golden Gate University	[Monterey Bay, CA]
Programs: Accountancy - Master Accounting - Bachelor Accounting - Certificate Advanced Studies in Taxation - Graduate Certificate Finance - Master Finance - Undergraduate Certificate Request More Information >

Golden Gate University	[Sacramento, CA]
Programs: Accountancy - Master Accounting - Bachelor Accounting - Certificate Advanced Studies in Taxation - Graduate Certificate Finance - Master Finance - Undergraduate Certificate Request More Information >

Golden Gate University	[San Francisco, CA]
Programs: Accountancy - Master Accounting - Bachelor Accounting - Certificate Advanced Studies in Taxation - Graduate Certificate Finance - Master Finance - Undergraduate Certificate Request More Information >

Golden Gate University	[San Jose, CA]
Programs: Accountancy - Master Accounting - Bachelor Accounting - Certificate Advanced Studies in Taxation - Graduate Certificate Finance - Master Finance - Undergraduate Certificate Request More Information >

Golden Gate University	[Walnut Creek, CA]
Programs: Accountancy - Master Accounting - Bachelor Accounting - Certificate Advanced Studies in Taxation - Graduate Certificate Finance - Master Finance - Undergraduate Certificate Request More Information >

University of Phoenix	[Honolulu, HI]
Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal much sooner than you might expect. Programs: BS in Business/Finance Request More Information >

Rasmussen College	[Bismarck, ND]
Programs: Accounting Banking and Finance Forensic Accounting Request More Information >

Rasmussen College	[Fargo, ND]
Programs: Accounting Banking and Finance Forensic Accounting Request More Information >

Ellis MBA	[Online]
Programs: MBA/Accounting and Information Systems MBA/Finance Request More Information >

Ellis University

[Online]

Looking to take your career to another level? Ellis University gives you the opportunity to earn your undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or advanced certificate, all online, on your terms. Choose from a wide range of programs in fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, Advertising, Computer Science, Education and more.
Programs:
  A.A.S. - Accounting
  BS - Finance
  BS - Managerial Accounting
  BS - Professional Accounting
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Penn Foster Schools

[Online]

Looking for an edge in your career? Penn Foster offers affordable, career-focused distance education programs designed to give you the skills you need to launch a new career in one of today’s hottest, most in-demand fields. Study online, in print, or in combination, and take advantage of our expert faculty and friendly support staff. Program options include business, health services, technology, engineering, criminal justice, paralegal studies and many more.
Programs:
Finance and Business
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Rasmussen College	[Online]
Programs: Accounting Banking and Finance Forensic Accounting Request More Information >

University of Phoenix	[Online]
Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal much sooner than you might expect. Programs: BS in Business/Accounting BS in Business/Finance MBA/Accounting Single Courses - Finance Request More Information >

Central Pennsylvania College

[Summerdale, PA]

Earn a degree at Central Pennsylvania College and achieve your career goals. Choose from bachelor and associate degree programs in criminal justice, business administration (including healthcare administration and management), corporate communications and information technology (including cyber security). Programs allow you to focus on your specific area of interest and combine hands-on learning with high quality academics for career preparation. Professors have real-world professional experience in the subjects they teach. Our high job placement percentage speaks to the marketability of our students upon graduation. Benefit from personalized learning to build the skills you need for employment and success. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
Accounting
Business Administration - Finance Concentration
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Colorado Technical University	[Sioux Falls, SD]
Programs: Associate - Accounting Bachelor - Accounting Bachelor - Finance Request More Information >

University of Phoenix	[Salt Lake City, UT]
Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal much sooner than you might expect. Programs: BS in Business/Accounting BS in Business/Finance Request More Information >