Overview
Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities, build financial models, and support corporate finance decisions across investment banking, equity research, corporate strategy, and asset management. India's financial services sector has expanded materially since 2018; both buy-side (mutual funds, PE, VC) and sell-side (investment banks, equity research) hire actively.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Build financial models (DCF, comparables, precedent transactions); analyse company financial statements; write equity research reports; prepare pitch books for investment bankers; track market and sector trends; conduct due diligence on potential investments; partner with senior analysts on client presentations; maintain Excel and Bloomberg/Reuters data sets.
Skills required
- Financial modelling (DCF, LBO, M&A models)
- Excel at expert level
- Accounting fundamentals (GAAP, IFRS)
- Valuation methodologies
- Bloomberg or Reuters terminal
- PowerPoint for pitch decks
- Sector knowledge (chosen industry)
- Written and verbal communication
Education path
B.Com, BBA, B.Tech, MBA Finance, or Chartered Accountancy. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst, US) is the de facto credential for serious finance careers. Top investment banking and PE roles hire primarily from IIM A / B / C MBA, top IIT engineering plus CFA, and top non-IIM premier B-schools.
Career progression
- 1Analyst (0-2 yrs)
- 2Senior Analyst / Associate (2-4 yrs)
- 3Vice President / Senior Associate (4-7 yrs)
- 4Director / Senior Vice President (7-12 yrs)
- 5Managing Director / Partner (12+ yrs)
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- CFA Levels 1, 2, 3
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
- CA (Chartered Accountancy, ICAI)
- CIIA (Certified International Investment Analyst)
- ESG Investing Certificate (CFA)