The Fastest Way To Become a Financial Analyst (аnd Get a Job)

Hey everyone, my name is Ned. I’m the co-founder and CEO of 365.
We’ve helped more than two and a half million people worldwide acquire career-enhancing skills. Today, I want to share my personal experience with you.

After graduating from university, it took about a year to land my first finance job as an M&A advisor, followed by three more years to transition into a financial analyst position at Coca-Cola.

But is it possible to become a financial analyst in a shorter time?

Absolutely.

I believe the answer is a resounding “yes.” But a roadmap—which I initially lacked—and an understanding of the essential skills are crucial for job readiness.

I have often asked myself: If I could start over in finance—knowing what I know today—what would be the best way to land a job sooner and succeed?

In the video, I’ll address this question, and hopefully, my knowledge will help you get hired as a financial analyst even if you’re a beginner.
Watch until the end to learn about the mistakes I’ve made, so you can avoid them in your journey.

So, what's the first step to becoming a financial analyst?

I don’t need to think twice. The obvious answer is to start with Excel.
There’s no way around it—at least for the foreseeable future. We’ll see how ChatGPT’s Data Analysis tool will develop in several years. But for now, Excel is the tool you’ll use for all your work. In finance, lacking Excel skills is akin to being a handyman without a toolbox.

At the onset of my career, I fell into a common trap of beginner's overconfidence. Believing myself proficient in Excel after a university course and mastering basic functions, I overlooked the vast extent of what I had yet to learn.

I can’t stress enough that every effort you make during your prep stage will pay off a hundred-fold throughout your career. Ideally, you’ll learn from a resource that shows you finance examples along the way and teaches you techniques that you can directly apply in your analyses later.

The 365 program's Excel courses show how financial analysts utilize Excel, highlighting how professionals across fields engage with spreadsheet tools. It's beneficial to learn from someone who's already navigated the career path you're pursuing.

To fully grasp accounting, dedicate hours to learning and practice, especially in identifying debit and credit entries in financial operations.
Early in my career, lacking an audit background disadvantaged me. Comprehending bookkeeping and broader financial concepts without understanding these entries is challenging. Therefore, strong accounting skills are essential.

You’re now prepared for these real-life projects:
- Develop a Profit and Loss statement from scratch.
- Examine product profitability and display various breakdowns, including year-on-year growth.
- Construct and integrate a cash flow statement with the P&L and Balance Sheet.
- Compare multiple financial periods side by side.
- Chart financial data.
- Professionally format your sheets.

Engaging in independent projects offers practical insights into a financial analyst's role before entering the workforce. This proactive approach enhances internship performance and significantly boosts job offer prospects. Trust me.

Financial Ratios, Financial Modeling, Valuation, Industry Analysis, and Management Accounting. While optional for many financial analysts, mastering these can be highly beneficial. Each topic is thoroughly covered in our courses at 365 Financial Analyst.

We’ll continue to share career videos to help you on your journey to landing your dream job. Please 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲, 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟯𝟲𝟱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 if you find this video helpful.

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#365financialanalyst #careerinfinance #careerpath #finance #financialplanningandanalysis #learnfinance #cfaexam #cpa #frm #cfp #learn365

[edgardopagan]

What a great way to start educating yourself on what to look before entering the financial industry. Thank you.

[kingkyah]

As someone looking for financial freedom in my future this looks like genuine helpful advice. I just want to have a job that pays enough to live comfortably so I can work on my business ideas. It’s nice that I can have something to work towards now at 18 as many people like me don’t have a path chosen yet. Thank you for helping!

[lmzomx]

How difficult would it be for an AR specialist to shift into a financial analyst?

[siddiqlumanggal]

Thank you for this video. I'm thinking about switching career from being an accountant to FA. This is a great start

[WholesomeHenri]

“To excel in finance”…I see what you did there

[Portdude]

I have no degree in Accounting and in a unplanned career as Finance Manager, I do a lot of analysis, GL accounting etc and closing month end, this is very informative as i like to progress in my analytical skills. Thank you

[Chiz]

What are good entry positions to lead up to the position of financial analyst?

[luyimapatricksemakula]

please breakdown the difference between a commercial analyst and a financial analyst? Are they the same roles?

[manjuramamurthy]

Kindly advice: Which is best? Accounting or finance analyst? In terms of compensation /job security and work life balance?

[aswathykrishna]

Im 28 years old with a post graduation in commerce and do not have much experience. I dont know which area i should apply for. Could please help me with this?

[sagrikatiwari]

do i need to opt CFA if i want to become financial analyst

[Brian-xbqv]

Hi, how can a career changer in his mid 30s become a financial analyst? I just finished my degree in finance and cant get a job lol.

[gettingbettereachday]

Is this an additional resource for after getting a bachelors degree in finance?

[arslanthemughals]

Hello Sir

In order to be a financial analyst, do you need to have a deep understanding of GL accounting processes and procedures, I mean practical exposure?

[aniketsurwade]

Can engineer become financial analyst, I am a data analyst and ML engineer

[josvwpx]

Do we get a certificate for this course?