Is CFA Really Useful in India

CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst, is a considerably well known designation, which is believed to give the charter holders, an entry into the most coveted circle of top finance professionals all over the world. This credential can not only guarantee you the dream job, in addition to no having to give any entrance exams but also can help you network with the topmost players in the investment banking and corporate finance industry. This examination is offered by the CFA institute in the United States of America and consists of three levels. Due to its approach and the kind of benefits it provides, the CFA credentials are very much in demand these days. More and more finance enthusiasts attempt to give these exams, both in India and abroad.

While some endeavor to attempt CFA on their own, the majority prefers to take up a professional course for the same. Institutes like Imarticus Learning, have a unique mentor run program, where every student is assigned to a mentor, who is an experienced charter holder and acts as their guide to crack this prestigious exam. If you are a finance aspirant and looking to become a certified CFA charter holder but, are still apprehensive about the usefulness or validity of the course; then read on why one should do this course, especially in India. Financial Times, which is a leading daily in India states the following about the CFA designation, “Among countless finance degrees around the world, the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification has become the gold standard.”

Firstly, the designation is truly the most prestigious title in the field of Finance and Investment. It is not only know widely known, but is also one of the most respected qualifications in the field. Statistics state that there are about 128k professionals, in about 145 countries, who are all CFA Charter Holders.

This means, that CFA holders can be found in almost all the major countries, over the world. Not only that, but there are also a number of CFA societies, that exist and function smoothly, giving the professionals, an unparalleled network, which can help leverage their careers. These societies are tied up with a number of top banks and financial organizations, which makes it easier for CFA holders, who are looking to get hired by the same.  If you are a part of such a society, landing a job with the most elite of companies becomes a cake walk.

One of the biggest benefits of having a CFA degree is the fact, that you don’t have to keep on giving entrance tests, or undergoing screening procedures, as a part of the interview procedure. There are reportedly 19 countries, which have waived off, wither a part of or all of their requirements, especially for professionals with a CFA license in the field of trading and investment. As a CFA holder, you have the chance of being employed by top global investment banks, majorly in the asset management and research departments. CFA holders are not only paid better, but also have a distinctive advantage over their competitors during interviews. These are the many benefits of this certification and must do it, for the sake of not getting left behind. 

Roles of a Financial Analyst in the Finance Industry

The department of finance, makes for one of the most important department of any organization, covering everything from bookkeeping, to providing the heads with reliable, relevant and timely financial information, which is accurate to the T. This financial information is basically of key importance, as it has vital role to play in the dealings of the business organization. Those professionals who are responsible for performing these various duties are known as Financial Analysts.

Any Financial analyst, has a very important role in trying to determine, the company’s present financial value as well as future business prospects. Various other functions of these professionals include,  analyzing financial information to produce forecasts, of any particular business, that helps in a number of investment decisions. They are supposed to interpret the varied data, that is responsible for influencing the aforementioned investment decisions.

A financial analyst is involved in taking various other decisions, in particular those, that are involved in the creation of spreadsheets, conducting analysis, graphical representations in terms of charts, diagrams, graphs and so on but, not necessarily in the digital format. Most often these professionals perform roles, that revolve around illustrating various financial trends, in order for them to be transformed into, much simpler and understandable information in terms of the presentation of the same. Another responsibility that these professionals are assigned, is to develop a number of financial models, in order to be able to maximize business profits, which would be a direct result of accurate predictions of business opportunities and investments; while on the other hand maintaining minimal risk levels, especially when it comes to the maximization of the profits for the same. These functions are accomplished,  basically by not only reviewing, but also analyzing revenues and expenses of the business entity and then presenting them to the senior management of the firm.

The perfect candidate for a job like this, would be a professional who has sound knowledge about budgeting, making financial analysis and analyzing various business plans, in the most efficient and effective manner. Careers in this field are considered by many to be of a challenging nature, as they demand a professional to be of par excellence, especially when it comes to oratory skills as well as written skills. The industry of financial analysis, is usually on the lookout for potential candidates, who posses qualities like critical thinking, perseverance and investigating skills, especially for all the varied business related problems, that arise as an accompaniment to any business venture. While the job profile of any financial analyst, might expect qualities like determination and great responsibilities, this field is known to be extremely rewarding, especially in terms of salary packages. While there are many professionals working in the finance industry, who go on to change their jobs and switch to this field, it is not necessary to belong to a certain field to further your career here.

Candidates can belong to any field of study, such as business, economics, math, computer science or engineering, as well as those who have an MBA degree in finance. But the most popular route is to pursue a certification course, which offers a candidate the perfect, comprehensive training, especially when it comes to working in the industry. Many professional institutes like Imarticus Learning are offering great courses for candidates in the field of finance, analytics and more