A Day in the Life of a Finance Analyst

We caught up with Vendula to chat about how her career as a finance analyst is going and her typical working day. Read on to learn about what a finance analyst does and whether it’s the career path for you.

What does a finance analyst do?

Finance analysts have client-facing jobs. They help their clients by advising them on sensible decisions for what they can do with their money. As a finance analyst, you could work for a consulting agency where you enter a company as an outside advisor which means having many clients that you work with throughout your career. Alternatively, you could work for an in-house team where you support your employer and deal with only their financial decisions.

We started by asking Vendula to reflect on what she’s learned whilst working as a financial advisor.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting your job?

You don't need to have a manager's job title to be a leader. Make sure you find a mentor who supports your own career goals who isn’t pushing you to only follow what is the best for the company.

The working conditions of a finance analyst

A finance analyst’s working conditions depend on whether you’re in an in-house team or working as a contractor. As a contractor, your job involves going to other businesses and supporting them which might involve longer commutes or traveling for some time. As an in-house member of staff, you support the company and may be able to settle more in the area as there is often less travel involved.

It's important as a financial advisor to understand what your client needs, whether you’re a contractor or not. This means having clear communication with the client so you can provide the best recommendations for their finances as possible.

Vendula is part of an in-house team working for a bank. We asked Vendula about what it’s like working as a finance analyst in a bank.

What has been the highlight of working as a finance analyst?

The access to learning portal where I can search and start learning any finance or banking courses I want.

What was one thing that you didn’t expect when working at the company?

My biggest surprise is that you actually don't even need finance or business knowledge to start working in the bank. I am surrounded by people who studied graphic design, biology and chemistry, and yet somehow these people made it to Tier 1 bank.

A typical day in the life of a finance analyst

Working as a finance analyst involves planning your day around meetings and other tasks you have to do. Much of the work that a finance analyst does is based around data. This involves analysing that data, for example current financial trends, and organising it. A finance analyst then relates the findings of the data back to the client’s own finances and produces tangible suggestions for what the client should do to make the most of the assets that they have.

We asked Vendula to take us through what a typical day in the life of a finance analyst is like, from the tasks she completes to the learning material she accesses.

What is the first thing you do when you start working?

I start at 9am and complete few tasks which have early day deadline

What would you typically do throughout the morning?

Around 9:30am I would check my emails and plan my calls, tasks and training for the rest of the day. Usually, I would grab a tea and speak with my mentor about career/trainings/life generally.

What does a standard afternoon include?

Most of my work tasks should be done so I have a time for any trainings and interesting webinars. I have my learning portal where I can search and learn any course I want, so I try to spend any spare minute going through the lessons.

How you could become a finance analyst

Being a finance analyst requires a combination of skills and educational experience. Having a degree in finance or business is a great way to start on the career path if you’re interested in entering the role. Having an analytical mind, being organised and being able to process numbers well are three skills you need in the line of work.

We asked Vendula for her advice on how you can break into the finance analyst profession.

What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?

Clearly articulate your career goals since the day one at any stage of your career. Don't just wait for a manager to suggest your next steps.

People who always say YES and are able to do all the tasks are not seen as leaders. Make sure you always say your own opinion and from time to time say NO.

Realise that other people are busy advocating for their own goals and don't have time and motivation to advocate for yours. Never assume that people have your interest in their head and will be proactive in directing you in a right way. You are the one who needs to say what you want.

Have you been inspired by Vendula? Are you considering working life as a finance analyst? Explore the current jobs in the financial services sector. Want to know more? Read our financial advisor job profile to learn the facts about the sector and the specific skills and education you need.