Passer les menus de navigation
Logo Acorn

Financial Analyst: Responsibilities, Salary and Training

The Financial Analyst evaluates the financial health of a company, market, or investment to guide decision-making. They analyze financial statements, build models, and transform data into actionable recommendations. According to internal RSB data, the average gross annual salary for graduates with 0 to 2 years of experience is €56,260 (including bonuses, based in France). Career opportunities are primarily found in banking, consulting, asset management, and corporate finance departments.

FORMATION CONSEILLÉE

MSc International Finance

Développe les compétences clés pour accéder aux métiers de l’analyse financière et de la finance internationale.

Découvrir la formation

En chiffres :

56 300 €
Average RSB junior salary, 0–2 years’ experience, (based in France)
Bank Finance
Where can you work?
87 %
of RSB graduates surveyed are satisfied or very satisfied with their job

This career is for you if…

  • You enjoy analysing numbers, economic data, and financial statements.
  • You know how to take a step back to evaluate a company’s performance and risk exposure.
  • You are interested in financial markets, economics, and corporate strategy.
  • You are rigorous, curious, and able to synthesize large amounts of complex information.
  • You are comfortable using Excel, financial modeling tools, and database platforms.
  • You want a career where your analysis directly impacts strategic decision-making.

Recommended programme

MSc International Finance

A programme designed to build advanced skills in financial analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, financial modelling, and investment strategy.

Discover the programme

A typical day for a Financial Analyst:

Your day often begins with a review of the latest economic news, financial markets, and earnings releases from the companies you cover. You consult financial reports, key performance indicators, and sector trends likely to impact your analyses.

You might then update a financial model, compare a company’s performance against forecasts, or evaluate its profitability, debt levels, and growth prospects. Part of your day is dedicated to drafting analytical reports, preparing presentations, and liaising with executive leadership teams, investors, or industry specialists. Depending on your role, you may also attend meetings, present your recommendations, or monitor the progress of an investment portfolio.

Main responsibilities

Analysis

You gather and review financial statements, earnings reports, annual filings, and key financial metrics. You build financial models, calculate core ratios, and benchmark performance against industry standards to identify strengths, potential risks, and growth opportunities.

Recommendations

You translate your findings into clear, actionable advice to support investors, executive leadership, or finance teams in decision-making. You draft summary notes, present your conclusions, and continuously monitor companies, market trends, and risk exposure.

What salary can you expect?

Level Gross annual salary (based in France) Source
Junior · 0–2 years’ experience 56 262 € RSB internal data · Graduate Employment Survey
Experienced · 3-5 years' experience 69 087 € RSB internal data · Graduate Employment Survey
Senior · 7+ years’ experience Varies depending on the sector, project size, level of responsibility and employer. RSB internal data · Graduate Employment Survey

Source: RSB internal graduate employment survey, conducted among a sample of alumni based in France. Average gross annual salary, including bonuses.

What qualifications do you need to become a financial analyst?

The academic pathway at RSB

To become a Financial Analyst, the primary track offered by RSB is the MSc International Finance. It builds deep expertise in financial analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, quantitative finance, and investment strategy.

Alternative study routes

The Bachelor in Management provides a solid foundation in business management, economics, accounting, and finance. You can then progress to the Master in Management (Programme Grande École) with a specialization in finance. The MSc Financial Data Intelligence is another ideal route for candidates wishing to combine finance, data analytics, and quantitative tools.

Associated programmes

Primary track: MSc International Finance Core foundation track: Bachelor in Management or Master in Management (Programme Grande École) with a finance specialization Complementary track: MSc Financial Data Intelligence or MSc International Accounting, Management Control & Auditing

Partner companies that recruit

BNP PARIBAS · SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE · UBS · KPMG · CACEIS

Discover the associated RSB programme

Taking your first steps in the role

You gather financial data, update analytical models, and evaluate corporate performance. Working under the supervision of senior analysts, you help prepare reports, presentations, and investment recommendations.

Gaining autonomy

You take ownership of a dedicated portfolio of companies, projects, or sectors. You produce your own forecasts, liaise directly with corporate finance teams, and present your findings to colleagues or clients. According to internal RSB data, the average salary for experienced professionals is €69,087 gross per year, including bonuses (based in France).

Stepping into senior leadership

With several years of experience, you can progress into roles such as:

  • Senior financial analyst
  • Head of financial analysis
  • Portfolio manager
  • Investment analyst
  • Risk manager
  • Chief financial officer (CFO)

These careers might also interest you…

Discover professions that draw on similar or complementary skills, and compare their responsibilities, career prospects, and study pathways.

Management accountant / Financial controller Wealth manager

Sales director (corporate finance)

FAQs on the financial analyst profession

What is the salary of a financial analyst?

A financial analyst’s salary varies depending on their experience, employer, sector, location, and variable pay. Internal data from Rennes School of Business shows an average junior salary of €56,262 gross per year including bonuses (based in France) for professionals with 0 to 2 years of experience. After three to five years, the average observed salary reaches €69,087 gross per year including bonuses (based in France).

What qualifications do you need to become a financial analyst?

The role is generally accessible after a master’s level degree (Bac +5 equivalent) in finance, economics, management, accounting, or business school. At Rennes School of Business, the Bachelor in Management builds foundational skills before students specialise via the Master in Management (Programme Grande École) or the MSc in International Finance. The MSc in Financial Data Intelligence is another route for candidates interested in data and quantitative finance.

What are the main responsibilities of a financial analyst?

A financial analyst gathers and evaluates financial, economic, and sector data relating to companies or investments. They analyse financial statements, calculate ratios, build forecasts, and evaluate risk. They then draft summary notes and formulate recommendations for investors, executive leadership, or finance teams.

Which skills are essential for this role?

This profession requires strong skills in financial analysis, accounting, corporate finance, economics, and financial modelling. Proficiency in Excel, financial databases, and analytical software is essential. A financial analyst must also demonstrate attention to detail, critical thinking, curiosity, strong synthesis skills, and fluency in English.

In which sectors do financial analysts work?

Financial analysts work across investment and commercial banks, asset management firms, private equity funds, consultancy firms, corporate finance departments, insurance companies, and audit firms. They can specialise in market analysis, credit, risk, investment, corporate finance, or financial planning.

What is the difference between a financial analyst and a management accountant?

A financial analyst primarily focuses on evaluating corporate valuation, financial performance, and market prospects for investment decisions. A management accountant works internally on budget tracking, cost management, and variance analysis between targets and actual results. While both roles rely on financial data, their objectives and stakeholders differ.

Does RSB offer training to become a financial analyst?

Rennes School of Business offers several pathways to prepare for this career. The MSc International Finance serves as the primary specialised programme, building expertise in financial analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, and investment strategy. The Bachelor in Management, Master in Management, MSc Financial Data Intelligence, and MSc International Accounting, Management Control & Auditing also provide pathways into financial analysis roles.

Interested in a career as a financial analyst?

Discover the MSc International Finance at RSB—a programme designed to develop your skills in financial analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, and investment strategy.

Discover the programme