Financial Analyst Job Description & Resume Guide
Financial analysts build models, track performance, and support planning and decisions. Roles exist in corporate FP&A, investment banking, and asset management. This guide covers typical job requirements and resume keywords.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain financial models and forecasts
- Analyse variance and performance vs plan
- Support budgeting, planning, and reporting
- Present findings to leadership and stakeholders
- Ad hoc analysis and process improvement
Required skills
- Excel fluency; financial modelling
- Understanding of P&L, cash flow, and key metrics
- Attention to detail and analytical rigour
- Communication and presentation
- Relevant degree or certification (CFA, CPA) often preferred
Salary range
Often $65,000–$110,000 in corporate; banking can be higher with bonus.
Typical career path
Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst → Manager FP&A → Director of Finance
Top resume keywords for this job
financial modelforecastFP&AvarianceExcelbudgetP&Lreportinganalysisstakeholder
Financial analyst resumes should show scope: size of budgets or models, types of analysis, and audience (board, business unit). Highlight Excel and modelling skills and any sector experience. Tailor to corporate vs banking and industry.
WadeCV can help you align your finance experience with financial analyst job descriptions.