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How to Become A Financial Analyst

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What is a Financial Analyst

A financial analyst looks at financial data and helps businesses make smart money decisions. They work in banking, investing, corporate finance, and government. Demand for analysts is strong right across Australia.

Financial analysts dig into financial reports, build forecasts, and spot trends in market data. They share findings with managers and investors to help them decide where to spend, save, or invest. Good number skills and clear communication are key to the role.

Common tasks include building financial models, tracking investment results, preparing budgets, and advising on financial strategy. Many analysts also track economic news and rule changes that could affect their organisation.

The career path is clear and rewarding. Entry-level analysts learn fast. With a few years of experience and the right credentials, most move into senior analyst or portfolio manager roles. It is a strong base for a long career in finance.

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Career Outlook for Financial Analyst

The outlook for financial analysts in Australia is strong. Around 24,000 people work in this field, with the median age sitting at 43 years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most analysts work full-time, at an average of 44 hours per week. Women make up 33% of the workforce, and the industry is working to close that gap.

Job growth looks positive. SEEK (2025) projects a 32.2% increase in financial analyst roles over the next five years. This growth is driven by expanding financial services, growing superannuation funds, and the wider economy’s need for data-driven planning. For anyone starting out in finance, now is a great time to build a career as a financial analyst.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Financial Analyst

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Commerce, or Economics

Enrol in a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Bachelor of Finance, or Bachelor of Economics at an Australian university. These three-year degrees cover accounting principles, investment theory, financial modelling, and economics. Most financial analyst roles require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum entry qualification.

Step 2: Gain Practical Experience Through Internships or Graduate Programs

While studying or after graduating, apply for internships or graduate analyst programs. Look at banks, investment firms, accounting firms, and corporate finance teams. Most major Australian banks and financial services firms run structured graduate programs lasting 12–24 months. Hands-on experience is essential for building technical skills and professional networks.

Step 3: Pursue CPA Australia Membership or the CFA Program

Two credentials are widely valued in Australian financial analysis: CPA Australia and the CFA Program. CPA Australia stands for Certified Practising Accountant. The CFA Program is run by CFA Institute. The CPA program takes 2–4 years part-time and covers financial reporting, management accounting, and ethics. The CFA Program consists of three exam levels and is the gold standard for investment and equity analysis roles. Choose the credential that best fits your career path.

Step 4: Meet Licensing Requirements if Providing Financial Advice

If you plan to give personal financial advice to clients, you must be an authorised representative under an AFSL. Your employer usually holds the AFSL, or you can obtain your own through ASIC. Since 2019, advisers must hold a relevant degree and pass the ASIC financial adviser exam. They must also meet ongoing professional development requirements. Check current requirements with ASIC before starting an advisory role.

Step 5: Build Your Career and Progress to Senior Roles

With 3–5 years of experience, financial analysts can progress to senior analyst, associate, or manager roles. Continuing professional development (CPD) through your professional body keeps your skills current and satisfies annual CPD requirements. Many senior analysts pursue a Master of Finance or MBA to advance further. This opens doors to portfolio management, investment banking, and corporate finance director roles.

What does a Financial Analyst do?

On a typical day, a financial analyst checks financial data and market trends to assess how investments are going. They meet with clients or internal teams to set financial goals and build tailored plans. This work includes forecasting, budgeting, and tracking returns over time. Analysts also keep up with economic news and rule changes that could affect their organisation.

Tasks

Financial analysts play a key role in helping businesses and individuals make smart financial choices. They analyse market trends, build financial models, and provide strategic guidance across a wide range of industries.

  • Client Interviews – Meet with clients to assess their financial status and goals, and explore suitable options.
  • Investment Monitoring – Track investment performance and adjust plans as market conditions shift.
  • Insurance Recommendations – Advise clients on the right insurance cover and arrange the necessary policies.
  • Stock and Bond Transactions – Buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients, working towards their investment goals.
  • Investment Strategy Advice – Provide expert guidance on investment strategies, funding sources, and how to grow returns.
  • Financial Objective Setting – Work with clients to set clear financial goals and map out how to reach them.
  • Fund Management – Manage funds from superannuation savings policies and unit trusts.
  • Service Referrals – Point clients toward specialist services to support their broader financial plan.

Skills for Success

To succeed as a financial analyst, a solid mix of technical and people skills is needed. On the technical side, financial modelling, data analysis, and a good working knowledge of accounting are core requirements. Most roles need proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Many analysts also learn SQL or financial data platforms as they grow in their career.

People skills matter too. Analysts work with colleagues across many departments and regularly present their findings to managers or clients. Being able to explain complex numbers in plain language is a real strength. Adaptability, attention to detail, and an appetite for ongoing learning will set any analyst up for long-term success.

Skills & Attributes

  • Financial modelling and data analysis
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Financial reporting and budgeting
  • Knowledge of accounting principles
  • Investment analysis and portfolio management
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Forecasting and trend analysis
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management and organisation
  • Adaptability to market changes
  • Ethical judgement and professional integrity

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a financial analyst in Australia is around $100,000 (Hays Salary Guide, 2025). Most roles pay between $65,000 and $145,000 a year. Entry-level analysts typically start between $65,000 and $80,000. Senior analysts and those with CFA or CPA credentials earn well above $100,000. Location and industry also affect pay. Roles in Sydney and Melbourne tend to pay more than in regional markets.

min $65 K

max $145 K

av $100 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.