If you’re someone who loves solving problems creatively but also has a sharp analytical and numbers-driven mindset, then becoming a corporate financial analyst might just be the perfect career for you. Keeping track of a company’s finances or predicting its future isn’t just intellectually stimulating—it’s also a highly rewarding career path. Entry-level salaries often land between 60K and 70K, with the potential to climb into six or even seven figures later on. Plus, job growth in this field is expected to rise by 12% through 2024.
Of course, landing a high-paying financial analyst role isn’t something that happens overnight. Whether you’re a student exploring career options or someone looking to switch paths, you’re probably wondering if this role is the right fit—and if so, how to set yourself up for success.
While we can’t tailor every answer to your personal situation, we can certainly point you in the right direction. Here are three key steps to take if you’re considering a career as a corporate financial analyst.
Step 1: Learn What the Role Actually Involves
There’s often some confusion between what a corporate financial analyst—also known as a financial planning and analysis (FP&A) professional—does compared to other finance roles like stockbrokers or accountants. Before diving in, you’ll want a clear picture of what the job really entails.
Corporate financial analysts usually work within a company, helping management make informed decisions by providing actionable financial insights. They track financial statements, expenses, taxes, and other details to identify where the company is making money. From there, they create projections and look for new profit-building opportunities. This is different from accountants, who focus on recording past financial data, or stockbrokers, who seek gains through stock market investments.
“I come from an accounting background, but I’ve always been more interested in cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and metrics—how to drive a business forward internally rather than just investing wisely,” says Jake Bailey, FP&A, Controller, and Director of Finance at Tana Exploration. “FP&A still involves investment decisions, but it’s more about figuring out the best ways for the company to use its capital.”
To get a better sense of whether this career is right for you, check out “day in the life” features about corporate financial analysts and FP&A managers. Informational interviews can also give you real-world insights into the daily grind. And if you want to brush up on finance knowledge, consider reading books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham (Warren Buffett’s mentor) or The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America, which dives into what makes a company financially stable.
Step 2: Figure Out the Education You Need (and What You Don’t)
If you’re still in college, consider majoring in accounting, finance, business administration, statistics, or math—common pathways into this career.
But what if you’ve already graduated and want to pivot into finance? It’s tougher but not impossible. Many people transition by getting an MBA, though that can be expensive. Another option is taking postgraduate courses or industry-specific classes to boost your qualifications. Websites like Investopedia can help beginners explore entry-level roles or internships.
If you’re somewhere in between—with some financial experience but not enough for top-tier roles—consider certifications like the Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional credential from the Association for Financial Professionals. This is great for those without a business degree, as long as you have:
- A bachelor’s degree
- At least 3 hours of college-level finance
- 6 hours of financial or managerial accounting
- 3 years of relevant work experience
“Before the FP&A certification existed, there wasn’t really a credential that fit my career path,” says Travis Lockhart, FP&A, who was promoted to Manager of FP&A (with a pay raise) after earning his certification.
Ultimately, certifications can sharpen your skills and give your resume a boost.
Step 3: Prepare for Career Growth
Many corporate financial analysts aim to become FP&A directors—a role that sits just below the CFO. Not a bad place to be!
But you’ll need to work your way up. Most analysts start on a small team, reporting to a senior analyst. In a large company, you might focus on a specific product (like Tide at Procter & Gamble). The senior analyst reports to the FP&A manager, who oversees all brands. After about five years—plus training, certifications, and strong performance—you could step into a manager role.
When job hunting, think about whether you’d thrive better at an established company or a startup. Big corporations have structured financial systems and multiple analysts, so you’ll learn from others before taking on more responsibility. Startups, on the other hand, often lack formal financial processes, meaning you might have to build them yourself. Both paths can lead to success—it just depends on whether you prefer a structured environment or the fast-paced, figure-it-out-as-you-go startup life.
Like any career, there are plenty of steps along the way. But these three should give you a solid starting point to decide if financial planning and analysis is right for you—and how to begin your journey toward success.