Chartered Financial Analysts are highly talented investment professionals who execute financial dealings and decision-making procedures in an organization so as to run it resourcefully and effectively. Those who have studied the CFA course can become Chartered Financial Analysts. It is a highly reputable and extremely challenging and gratifying career in terms of professional satisfaction and in terms of money. Those who have completed the program can seek for employments in Government agencies or in private establishments. Chartered Financial Analysts mostly work in Industrial Finance Corporation of India, Banking and Corporate sector, leasing companies and even in Railways.

Qualifying Exam

In order to turn out to be a Chartered Financial Analyst, aspirants have to complete the CFA program from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India. Aspirants have to clear an entrance test so as to get admissions within the institute. There are mainly three levels in the course. They are the foundation, intermediate and mains. Those who clear all these three levels along with their post graduation in finance, accounting or economics can become certified Chartered Financial Analysts. Most of the CFA’s begin their career as a management trainee in the fiscal sector. They can climb up the commercial ladder to senior most positions in companies by gaining work experience in the relevant fields.

Who is eligible to apply?

The pre-requisite criterion to pursue the program is a graduation in finance, accounting or economics. Aspirants should have conceded the course from an acknowledged University. Those who have done M Com, MBA, CA or ICWA need not have to study the foundation course. They can directly join the intermediate course. Chartered Financial Analysts use their skills mostly in security evaluation, venture capital management, credit rating, management accounting, and so on.

Key Points in the process

• Complete the 12 years of schooling.
• Earn a Bachelors’ Degree in accounting, economics or finance.
• Gain three years work experience.
• Study the CFA program from ICFAI or any other reputed institutes.
• Carry on with your post graduation program so as to turn out to be a certified CFA.
• Search out for careers in private or public sector.

Skills and responsibilities of a Chartered Financial Analyst

In addition to the technical acquaintance, Chartered Financial Analysts require some special skills and responsibilities. They should be familiar with the stock or industry that they are dealing with so as to make sound investment decisions. These professionals should also be able to make easy-to-read reports quickly and accurately.