As their name clearly states, Financial Analysts are experts in financial data analysis and interpretation. Some of the information they handle is essential and useful for businesses, government agencies, and banking institutions. They use their economic skills and knowledge to provide their employers with a picture of current and future events in the financial world and advise them about the best possible course of action.

Financial Analysts can either work on the buy-side or the sell-side. The former specializes in assessing and assisting their employers on matters of investment. They advise their employers on any possible investment they might wish to make by analyzing and calculating risk factors using mathematical and statistical models and principles. On the other hand, sell-side Financial Analysts study the performance of said investments, submit reports, and make recommendations to their clients, including buy-side Analysts, to convince them to invest in their products.

Buy-side Financial Analysts usually work for wealthy companies seeking to diversify their investment strategies and portfolio, while specialized financial and brokerage firms mostly employ sell-side Analysts.

Personality of a Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts tend to be detail-oriented, organized, and like working in a structured environment. They are also investigative people, which means they enjoy research and finding solutions to problems.

Financial Analysts need a strong blend of math skills and people skills to be successful. Here are some other personality traits of Financial Analysts:

• Problem-solving skills
  • Financial Analysts need to look at the financial data and propose logical solutions to their clients.
     
• Persuasion
  • Financial Analysts need to convince others that their ideas for investments are sound and will generate returns. 
    
    
• Good Communication Skills
  • Financial Analysts frequently prepare reports for clients or upper management. They need to lay out the situation and explain things to people who may not know all the ins and outs of finance. 
    
    
• Self-Management
  • While a supervisor or manager often leads Financial Analysts, they are given a decent amount of leeway to structure their days and projects. Good Financial Analysts excel at self-starting and self-monitoring.