Financial analysts work throughout the economy. In every industry and sector, these finance professionals examine data and advise businesses and individuals on how to spend and invest resources. The aim is greater profitability and best use of assets. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, students can start a career in finance via online learning. With our online accelerated degree completion program, students can complete a B.S. in Accounting in less than a year. The field of accounting provides a solid foundation for building a financial analyst career.
Choose
from seven bachelor completion degree programs
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Applied Psychology
B.S. in Business Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
B.S. in Healthcare Management
B.S. in Human Resource Management
B.S. in Information Technology
How to Become a Financial Analyst
To work as a financial analyst at almost any level requires either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Most people interested in the field of finance attain a degree in finance or business. There are several online and in-person degree programs offered by the School of Business and Technology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Financial analyst professionals often are required to hold licenses and certifications, for which they must pass examinations. Most companies will provide a sponsorship that facilitates licenses for financial analysts. Specialized certifications can be pursued throughout a financial analyst career, often with the goal of advancement in both position and wages.
Work experience in accounting, management, and other financial roles is preferred by most employers. With a solid background in the work environment and a proven record of working with data and figures, business professionals can pursue financial analyst careers in several capacities. They may work for a company or organization, advising on investment strategies for better productivity or expansion. For those who prefer working with individuals, financial analysts can help people invest for retirement and legacy building. Financial analysts also can advance to positions as portfolio and fund managers.
Aptitude for mathematics and analysis is key to this profession, as are computer skills. Financial analysts must be able to communicate effectively with organizational leaders and individual investors. Attention to detail also is a key quality of successful financial analysts.
Financial Analyst Duties and Responsibilities
What are the duties and responsibilities of a financial analyst? To a certain extent, this depends on the work setting or type of business in which financial analysts are engaged. They may advise individual investors on which mutual funds to purchase to grow their retirement accounts or help them develop an investment strategy for a large estate or fund. When financial analysts work for companies and organizations, they often are tasked with developing reporting mechanisms to help leadership determine overall performance.
Reports and other documents are a crucial aspect of the financial analyst’s workload. This is how they communicate with clients and coworkers, explaining interpretations of financial data and using these insights to advise on investments and other decisions. Financial analysts also research economic trends to help companies and individuals determine how to best expend their resources to reach their goals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for financial and investment analysts in May 2022 was $96,220. The top ten percent of earners in this group earned more than $169,940.
Our Accounting Degree Completion Program
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an exciting opportunity for adult learners with our accounting degree completion program. Designed for people in the workforce, the curriculum and instruction are online. We accept all past college credits, work experience, and military service to count toward finishing the degree. We do not exclude technical college credits or credits from standardized tests, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Students can transfer up to 90 credits, which is 75 percent of the credits required for this bachelor’s degree.
With coursework that helps students understand and utilize audit methods and techniques, accounting technology, and analytical methodologies, this accelerated bachelor’s degree program prepares them to operate at a high level. They also learn how to stay compliant with laws, regulations, and accepted accounting principles. As with all areas of study offered at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, students are guided by ethical principles that help develop character-driven leadership qualities. In addition, the program is designed to prepare students for the CMA and CPA examinations.
Start Your Career in Finance With Our Online Degree Programs
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers rigorous, respected online programs that fit with the busy schedules of working adults. High-quality educational programs are available online to help them complete their degrees and advance their careers. If you are interested in a financial analyst career, a good start is our accelerated B.S. in Accounting program. To learn more, contact us today. You can apply online.