Financial specialists earn the trust of their customers and employers by puzzling out complex financial questions and providing sound advice. These specialists strive to ensure the profitability of investments, focusing on different aspects of financial security. Financial quantitative analysts use advanced statistical techniques to develop financial analytic models. They provide guidance to determine values for investments, and help companies make better recommendations for investors. Risk management specialists identify the risks of potential investments for an organization, and assist in deciding how to manage risk most effectively. They also advise companies on the advantages of different ownership structures, customer bases, and industry segments. Investment underwriters advise clients on how to finance their businesses, and arrange financing with banks, agencies, and public or private companies. They also develop strategies to help struggling companies recover. Fraud examiners, investigators, and analysts seek evidence to prove, or disprove, fraud allegations. They interview suspects and witnesses, and analyze financial data to identify irregularities that could indicate fraudulent activity. They often coordinate with law enforcement and attorneys, and may also testify in court. Financial specialist positions generally require a related bachelor’s degree, although most quantitative analyst positions require a master's degree. Some positions may not require a college degree.
What they do:
Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.
On the job, you would:
Develop core analytical capabilities or model libraries, using advanced statistical, quantitative, or econometric techniques.
Provide application or analytical support to researchers or traders on issues such as valuations or data.
Research or develop analytical tools to address issues such as portfolio construction or optimization, performance measurement, attribution, profit and loss measurement, or pricing models.
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Business
accounting and economics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
using math to solve problems
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Achievement/Effort
Dependability
Persistence
Integrity
You might use software like this on the job:
Object or component oriented development software
C#
Perl
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
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