Job description

Investment Analysts support investors and fund managers by carrying out research into and analysis of financial markets and products, companies, governments and economic and political events in relation to investments or potential investments.

Investment Managers work for boutique investment companies, specific investment funds, investment banks, financial services companies, large companies or governments. They must demonstrate keen statistical and financial modelling skills, a detailed understanding of company accounts, a working knowledge of economics and the ability to anticipate the effect of political events on financial markets.

Typical duties include:

• Providing financial analysis of current investments and future opportunities.
• Financial modelling.
• Research and analysis for fund managers.
• Regular meetings with companies and investors.
• Monitoring current events and whether or not they will influence investments.
• Keeping abreast of financial news and events in the financial markets.

Qualifications

Investment Analysts are usually graduates. The following subjects will be looked upon favourably by employers: mathematics; statistics; economics; and accounting and business.

Post graduate degrees such as MBAs will also interest potential employers.

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries advertised on TopFinancialJobs (February 2010) include:

• £70-80,000 per annum for an Investment Analyst working in the City of London.

Are you an Investment Analyst? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.