Career as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Last Updated On 10 Sep, 2018

How to Become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

About Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a lucrative career option for those aspiring to become investment professionals. A career in CFA is most suitable for the students interested in finance, financial planning etc. In India, one must attain the necessary qualifications and certifications to become an official CFA. A certified CFA professional can find international employment with attractive salary packages. CFA designation is considered as one of the most respected certifications among the employers of India and abroad. CFA Institute – India offers Level I, II & III courses in CFA, and the students must clear all the levels to become a certified CFA.

Eligibility to become Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Primarily, the candidates aspiring to become a CFA must have a passport to appear for CFA programme exams. CFA Institute offers Level I, II, III courses in CFA. The candidates can clear all the three level exams in two years.

Subjects Combination: Current MBA students/ MBA graduates, B.Com/ M.Com students, IT professionals and CA aspirants can register for CFA programme.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates who are pursuing final-year graduation can take up Level 1 course in CFA.
  • Candidates will be able to take up Level II only after completing graduation degree.
  • Candidates with a professional experience of up to 4 years can also take up CFA course.

Types of Job Roles Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

A Chartered Financial Analyst is required in different areas of Finance and Business. Usually, most companies recruit CFAs for the following positions.

Financial Analyst: A financial analyst researches microeconomic and macroeconomic conditions, gathers required financial information along with company fundamentals with a motive to make business, sector and industry recommendations to the company.

Research Analyst: A research analyst inquires, examines, figure out facts, principles and theories for the internal use by a financial institution or an external financial client.

Credit Analyst: The major responsibility of a credit analyst is to assess a loan applicant’s credit-worthiness. They mostly work in commercial and investment banks.

Finance Manager: The major responsibility of the financial managers is to ensure the financial health of the organisation. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans and strategies for the long-term financial goals of their companies or organisations.

Equity Research Associate: The major responsibility of the equity research associate is to provide information to the business management of a company. The information provided by the equity research associate is used in making important investment decisions.

Employment Opportunities for Chartered Financial Analysts

There are different types of firms that employ CFAs. A person with CFA certification can get employment in any of the following firms: -

  • Wealth Management Firms
  • Portfolio Management Firms
  • Investment Banking
  • Equity Research
  • Private Equity
  • Credit Rating/ Analysis
  • Corporate Finance Divisions

Top Recruiting Agencies for Chartered Financial Analysts

The following are some of the top companies that recruit CFAs by offering lucrative salaries.

  • JP Morgan Chase & Co
  • Credit Suisse
  • HSBC
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Crisil
  • Private Banks
  • Investment Companies
  • Stock Exchange

Planning to choose Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Lucrative salaries are paid to CFAs in India and abroad. The salaries offered to various categories of CFAs are listed below.

Name of the Post

Average Salary Per Annum

Financial Analyst

Rs. 5,70,000

Research Analyst

Rs. 5,02,812

Credit Analyst

Rs. 6,08,789

Finance Manager

Rs. 11,99.040

Equity Research Associate

Rs. 6,57,347

 

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual.

Books & Study Material to Become Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

If you are preparing for CFA exams, you need to refer some of the following books for better performance in exams.

  • The Official CFA Curriculum
  • Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Books
  • Wiley CFA Level 1 Books
  • Wiley 11th Hour Guide
  • CFA Level 2 Kaplan

Pros of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

  • Lucrative salaries
  • Scope for more innovative thoughts and advancement of career

Cons of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

  • Work pressure
  • Over accountability

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

Take our test and find out if it suits your strengths.

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FAQs about Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

I am pursuing B.Com. (Bachelor of Commerce) to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). What other career options do I have ?

You could become a Banker after studying B.Com. (Bachelor of Commerce).

Confused on what to choose as your career?

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