How Do I Become a Financial Management Analyst?

Financial management analysts are experienced professionals who specialize in helping financial managers and executives to utilize business intelligence to make the most profitable decisions with the lowest degrees of risk for long term growth and sustainability. To become a financial management analyst, it almost always is essential to earn an undergraduate degree in a field such as finance, management, or economics, and often times it is a good idea to earn a master's degree in a related field. A person who wants to become a financial management analyst also should earn professional certification, even if this kind of license is not required by law.

Individuals who work as financial management analysts tend to be highly established financial professionals who already have experience performing as finance managers. In most cases, these kinds of professionals work for consulting firms where they are contracted by organizations that can benefit by receiving objective, third party expert advice. Financial management analysts might simply gather and analyze data, though it is common for them also to suggest solutions and to project manage implementation of new systems and procedures. It also is common for larger organizations with greater budgets to hire financial management analysts who provide consulting services only to them.

A person who wants to become a financial management analyst should become an expert in his or her field. If you are interested in pursuing an accounting path, for example, you should earn a master's degree in accounting and earn any available certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification in the United States. An individual who chooses to study finance might want to join an organization such as the Chartered Financial Analysts. A person who wants to become a financial management analyst might also want to get some experience in leadership positions since these skills might required in order to earn promotions.

To become a financial management analyst, you should also participate in ongoing professional development. Individuals join professional organizations, attend classes and seminars, and generally earn certificate and awards for their engagement. Not only do these activities help you to establish yourself as a qualified expert in business finance, but they also are great opportunities for networking with other high level professionals and for learning about new ideas and technology that are moving the field forward.

In most cases, a person who wants to become a financial management analyst should create a resume that illustrates his or her knowledge of financial principles as well as his or her familiarity with laws and regulations. It also is important that a resume shows that an applicant is comfortable following instructions as well as guiding groups or teams. Financial management analysts also must be flexible enough to meet the needs of a variety of clients.