Financial Analysts Green Job Profile

Posted on Sep 10, 2012 in Energy Efficiency Jobs by Anh Speer, Ph.D. 0 Comments

Financial Analysts work in nearly every industry including green industries. For green industries, these green job holders perform quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs for different green products or services. They analyze financial information to forecast growth in green businesses and provide informed investment decisions to businesses or individuals in charge. Financial analysts interpret data on price, yield, stability, future investment-risk trends, economic influences, and other factors affecting green investment programs. They analyze information from financial publications and services, investment-banking firms, government agencies, trade publications, company sources and sometimes conduct personal interviews in order to monitor the developments in green industries and green businesses. To perform analyses and create technical reports, financial analysts may use the following technology:

Analytical or scientific software such as Palisade Evolver, The MathWorks MATLAB, Ward Systems Group NeuralShell Predictor, Wolfram Research Mathematica
Expert system software such as Ivorix Neurostrategy Finance, Matheny Pattern Forecaster Plus, NeuroSolutions for MatLab
Financial analysis software such as AnalyzerXL software, Experian Credinomics, Longview Performance Management Platform, Wolfram Research Mathematica, UnRisk Pricing Engine
Information retrieval or search software such as dailyVest Investment Personalization Platform, TradeTools Financial Market Databases, TradeTools Monthly U.S. Economic Database, Ward Systems Group NeuroShell Trader
Spreadsheet software such as Apple AppleWorks, Corel QuattroPro, IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel

As part of their duties, financial analysts recommend green investments and investment timing to companies, investment firm staff, or the public. For green companies going public, they determine the prices at which securities should be offered to the public. Using their analyses, they prepare plan of actions for investments in different green products or services. Financial analysts evaluate and compare the relative quality of various securities in green industries. They then present oral or written reports on general economic trends, individual corporations, and entire green industries.

Financial Analysts Green Job Summary

Financial analysts conduct quantitative financial analyses and provide guidance to businesses or individual making investment decisions
Financial analysts in green industries are growing at a fast pace – between 20 to 28% in the next 10 years due to the growth within the green economy
Financial analysts in green industries are among those green job holders with bright outlook due to the increase in the number of companies in green businesses and companies that are targeting eco-minded consumers

Work Environment for Financial Analysts

Financial analysts work mainly in offices. Most financial analysts work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. They often travel to visit companies or potential investors, and frequently face deadline pressures. They usually perform research after office hours because their days are filled with phone calls and meetings with businesses and investors.

Financial Analyst Training, Education and Licensing

Many financial analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or statistics. A master’s degree is required for advanced positions. Employers often require a master’s in business administration (MBA) or a master’s degree in finance. Financial analysts are often required to have knowledge of options pricing, bond valuation, and risk management. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) requires licenses for many financial analyst positions. Most of the licenses require sponsorship by an employer. Employers are often recommend certification for opportunities of advancement such as the Chartered Financial Analyst certification from the CFA Institute. Financial analysts can also become certified in their field of specialty.

Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of this field to grow between 20 to 28 percent from 2010 until 2020, faster than the average for all green jobs. The BLS projected 104,200 financial analysts job openings between 2010 and 2020, and noted 236,000 jobs are currently filled. Titles included Financial Analyst, Securities Analyst, Investment Analyst, Equity Research Analyst, Credit Products Officer, Operational Risk Analyst, Planning Analyst, and Research Analyst. The BLS further reports that the median annual wage for salaried financial analysts was $75,650 in 2011 with median hourly wage of $36.37. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $ 44,490, and the top 10 percent earned more than $ 141,700.