Overview
Financial and investment analysts collect and analyze financial information such as economic forecasts, trading volumes and the movement of capital, financial backgrounds of companies, historical performances and future trends of stocks, bonds and other investment instruments to provide financial and investment or financing advice for their company or their company's clients. Their studies and evaluations cover areas such as takeover bids, private placements, mergers or acquisitions. Financial analysts are employed by a wide range of establishments throughout the private and public sector, such as banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, investment companies, manufacturing firms, trust companies, utility companies and underwriting firms. Investment analysts are employed primarily by brokerage houses and fund management companies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Financial analysts
Evaluate financial risks, prepare financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management, and write reports and recommendations
Plan short- and long-term cash flows and assess financial performance
Analyze investment projects
Advise on and participate in the financial aspects of contracts and calls for tender
Follow up on financing projects with financial backers
Develop, implement and use tools for managing and analyzing financial portfolio
Prepare a regular risk profile for debt portfolios
Assist in preparing operating and investment budgets
Develop and update financial or treasury policies.
Investment analysts
Collect financial and investment information about companies, stocks, bonds and other investments using daily stock and bond reports, economic forecasts, trading volumes, financial periodicals, securities manuals, company financial statements and other financial reports and publications
Examine and analyze financial and investment information collected, including profiles of companies, stock and bond prices, yields and future trends and other investment information
Provide investment advice and recommendations to clients, senior company officials, pension fund managers, securities agents and associates
Prepare company, industry and economic outlooks, analytical reports, briefing notes and correspondence.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$61,400
$83,424
$128,348
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
982expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in commerce, business administration, accounting, finance or economics and on-the-job training and industry courses and programs are usually required.
A master's degree in business administration (MBA) (concentration in finance) or in finance may be required.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, available through a program conducted by the CFA Institute or an other recognized financial designations (CFP, CIM or others), is usually required.
Additional information
Progression to management positions, such as securities manager, is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Financial and investment analysts in B.C.
- Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) - Financial Analysts
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) - Financial Analysts
- Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certification - Financial Analysts
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation - Financial Analysts
- Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Certification - Financial Analysts
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) - Financial Analysts
To work as a financial analyst in B.C., you may choose to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. You can earn the designation by completing the CFA® Program and meeting acceptable work experience requirements.
Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) - Financial Analysts
To work as an investment manager in B.C., you may choose to earn the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) designation. Eligibility for this designation is achieved through the completion of requisite courses and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certification - Financial Analysts
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a financial planner in B.C., you may choose to earn the Certified Financial Planner® certification through FP Canada. To obtain the CFP designation, candidates must complete an education program, pass a national exam, have a post-secondary degree and demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience.
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation - Financial Analysts
To work as an accountant in B.C., you may choose to earn the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Eligibility for this designation is achieved through the completion of a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Canadian or international university and required prerequisite courses.
Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Certification - Financial Analysts
To work as a treasury professional in B.C., you may choose to earn the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation. Eligibility can achieved through a variety of combinations of work, education, and teaching experience, and by successful completion of an exam.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.