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Finance and investment analysts and advisers advise customers, who may be individuals, companies or specialist groups, on the purchase of investments, insurance, mortgages, pensions and other financial services and products.

Main tasks

  • Identifies and attracts new clients by arranging visits and explaining the benefits of financial products.
  • Keeps up to date with financial products, legislation and requirements for compliance with the relevant regulatory authority.
  • Prepares summary reports of findings for fund managers.
  • Monitors information on the socio-economic environment and interprets the implications of such information for their clients.
  • Advises on the relative merits of pension schemes, insurance policies and mortgages that best meet the needs of clients given their personal circumstances.
  • Analyses the financial position of clients, considering outgoings, dependants and commitments.
  • Predicts the likely long- and short-term future performance of securities and other financial products and advises upon what will be an appropriate investment for their clients.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£65,188.44

Average earnings

£35,842.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Sales and Marketing

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 0%
Level 1 3%
Level 2 13%
Level 3 17%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 6%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 44%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 15%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.