The types of positions that a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is likely to hold include any position that deals with large-scale wealth management, financial analysis, or complex accounting.
According to the June 2019 CFA Institute Program Candidate Survey, the top positions that charterholders have are as follows: 16% are portfolio managers, 12% are CEOs/CIOs/CFOs, 9% are research/investment analysts, 7% are consultants, 7% are financial advisors/wealth managers, 5% are risk analysts/managers, 5% are corporate financial analysts, 4% are relationship managers/account managers, 3% are credit analysts, 3% are investment consultants, 3% are investment strategists, 3% are a manager of managers, and the remaining are in a variety of other finance and investment roles.The June 2019 survey was used due to the 2020 CFA Exams having been postponed as a result of the global pandemic.
Investment Banking
It's easy to see by the percentage breakdown that the most common types of positions that CFA charterholders hold include jobs that demand high levels of investment decision-making. A large number of CFA charterholders hold various jobs in the investment banking industry and manage a large number of assets. Large banks such as Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch tend to be good examples of the specific types of companies that hire CFA charterholders.
Hedge Funds
Although the best situation in regards to a CFA designation is to pass all three levels and become a charterholder, it's possible to reap benefits by simply passing the level I or level II exams. If a candidate has passed the level I and II exams but has not yet passed level III to become a charterholder, it's still possible to work at the jobs listed above. The most common types of jobs for candidates who have passed exam level I or II are in asset management, equities, fixed income, or hedge funds.
Advisor Insight
Arden Rodgers, CFA
Arbus Capital Management, LLC, New York, NY
The CFA charter is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in the financial industry. It prepares you for a range of positions within the industry.
Passing the three levels of exams and obtaining the charter isn’t easy. The exams themselves are challenging and preparing for them requires a significant commitment of time and effort over multiple years.
I think it’s well worth it. Being a CFA charterholder demonstrates to potential employers that you are disciplined, analytical, intelligent, and have promised to adhere to a strict code of ethics. But there is no guarantee of a job if you pass.
The CFA Institute’s website has a wealth of information regarding the program itself and careers in the industry. I highly recommend pursuing the CFA charter.
FAQs
The most common professions for those who hold the CFA designation are portfolio managers and research analysts, followed by a smaller percentage who work as chief executives and consultants.
What jobs count towards CFA? ›
Work Experience Requirements
Your experience should involve evaluating or applying financial, economic, and/or statistical data as part of the investment decision-making process; supervising those who conduct; or teaching such activities.
What does a chartered financial analyst do? ›
CFAs mostly work in large organizations, where in-depth research and analysis is their focal point and play an essential role in guiding investment companies through the challenges of complex financial markets.
What position is a CFA? ›
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholders apply their knowledge and skills in a wide range of positions throughout the global finance industry. Distinguished by their commitment to set a higher standard of excellence, they are sought after as investment management professionals.
What is the position of a financial analyst? ›
What is Financial Analyst? Financial analysts are responsible for a variety of research tasks to inform investment strategy and make investment decisions for their company or clients. These roles are data-intensive and require strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Which job is best for CFA? ›
The most common professions for those who hold the CFA designation are portfolio managers and research analysts, followed by a smaller percentage who work as chief executives and consultants.
What is the highest salary after CFA? ›
CFA earnings in India vary based on experience and level, with entry-level salaries around ₹7-12 lakh, mid-level at ₹13-25 lakh, and senior-level at ₹26-50 lakh+ per annum.
What jobs does CFAs have? ›
Although a CFA charterholder has access to a wide variety of professional options, the following positions are most often chosen by charterholders:
- Consultant.
- Corporate Finance Analyst.
- Financial Advisor.
- Portfolio Manager.
- Relationship Manager.
- Research Analyst.
- Chief Executive Officer.
A CFA Can Improve Your Salary
And on top of that, CFA candidates experience pay increases after passing each subsequent level, earning an average of 29% more after they pass Level I of the CFA exam and 34% more after passing the Level II exam. So, if you were wondering, “Is CFA Level 1 worth it?” It certainly is.
What is the career path after financial analyst? ›
A senior analyst in the securities industry often moves up to become a portfolio manager or a fund manager overseeing a team of senior analysts. There may also be an opportunity to enter a senior management role.
The salary range for a financial analyst is $38K-$725K. The average salary for a Financial Analyst in US is $86,009.
What salary should I ask for as a financial analyst? ›
Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|
| Top Earners | $91,000 | $44 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,500 | $30 |
| Average | $57,761 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,000 | $19 |
A Day in the Life of a Financial Analyst. Financial analysts gather information, assemble spreadsheets, write reports, and review all non-legal pertinent information about prospective deals. They examine the feasibility of a deal and prepare a plan of action based on financial analysis.
Do employers value CFA? ›
Yes, absolutely. CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst is a professional course which gives you in — depth knowledge of finance. It is considered more valuable in today's world than an MBA in Finance. However, if you hold both these qualifications, you are unbeatable.
Can you get CFA without work experience? ›
To be eligible for the CFA charter, you must have relevant work experience in the investment decision-making process, which includes evaluating or applying financial, economic, and/or statistical data.
How to know if CFA is right for you? ›
Particularly if you are entering a field like investment management or seeking to become an economist or financial advisor or planner, the CFA can be a definite boost. However, the CFA is a major time investment. You should be very confident that you want to achieve the designation before you commit.
What is included in CFA? ›
Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis. The CFA charter is one of the most respected designations in finance and is widely considered to be the gold standard in the field of investment analysis.
