5 Characteristics of a Financial Analyst

Successful Financial Analysts Have These 5 Personality Traits

• Ability to Analyze Data
• Skilled At Communicating
• Comfortable With Technology
• Oriented to Detail
• Confident Decision-making Skills

A person who has solid math skills, is interested in business and has a lot of self-confidence should be aware of these five characteristics of a financial analyst. The financial analysis field is growing at a rate that is on par with the national average for all occupations, and a person who has these five characteristics is more likely to have a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Each of these characteristics is innate, although some of them can be practiced for ongoing improvement.

1. Ability to Analyze Data

Financial analysts have to process and review a lot of information from a variety of sources. They should understand how the data is collected, the quality of the data and the methods that are best for analyzing it. They should also understand how the software or tools they use work for analyzing processing data. The analysts use this information for choosing which investments to make or how to proceed on a particular action.

2. Skilled At Communicating

Financial analysts need to be skilled at both written and oral communication. They need to send emails or other written messages to colleagues and clients. They may also need to routinely prepare written reports for clients, supervisors or shareholders. A financial analyst should be able to answer a client’s questions in person or over the phone and use language that a person who is not in the finance industry can understand. Some financial analysts provide information to the media, and they should be confident in speaking in public.

3. Comfortable With Technology

Most financial analysis takes place on computers. Powerful software and databases with unfathomable amounts of information handle all of the data. The financial analyst needs to be comfortable with the use of technology. This includes mobile devices as well as desktop or laptop computers and their software. Many companies have their proprietary software or develop their analysis algorithms. A willingness to keep up-to-date on technology is also important for a financial analyst.

4. Oriented to Detail

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial analysts should also be oriented to the smallest details of what they do daily. One small anomaly could make a big difference in a prediction. A small change in sales numbers or another metric, such as consumer confidence, could also make a big impact on financial planning. An analyst needs to be attuned to small changes in all of the streams of data they access.

5. Confident Decision-making Skills

Financial analysts need to review information and make sound decisions on what actions to take. If they advise others on investments, budgeting or planning, they need to be adept at giving recommendations to others. Financial analysts at large companies may be compensated based on the success of their decisions or recommendations, so they have a vested interest in using quality tools and accurate information. They may also need to make decisions quickly given a limited amount of information during an urgent situation. Related Resource: 30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Finance Online at Private Colleges Each of these five characteristics is essential to the job of financial analysis. A financial analyst who has all of these five personality traits as well as the education and work experience is likely to do well in this field. Knowing about these five characteristics of a financial analyst could help a person decide if this is the right career for their future.

Related Resources:

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