Every successful business rests on decisions – whether to invest, expand, cut costs, or launch something new. Behind these decisions lies the work of a financial analyst. As India’s BFSI sector grows at double-digit rates, fintech startups disrupt traditional banking, and corporates chase expansion opportunities, financial analysis has become the cornerstone of strategic decision-making.

Financial analysts are not number crunchers hidden behind spreadsheets; they are decision-shapers. A financial analyst interprets complex data, anticipates risks, and provides insights that influence the direction of entire organisations. From banks managing billions, to fintechs creating digital-first products, to corporates evaluating investments, analysts are now at the centre of strategy.

For aspiring professionals, this role offers more than just a job – it’s a launchpad into the heart of finance. And with a PGDM in Finance, students don’t just study theory; they are trained to build financial models, analyse real data, and present insights the way top recruiters expect.

What Is a Finance Analyst?

A finance analyst is a professional who evaluates financial data, builds models, and prepares reports that help companies make strategic decisions. Their role bridges the gap between raw financial numbers and high-level business choices, making them indispensable in today’s complex economy.

Understanding the Role of a Finance Analyst

The role goes beyond number crunching. Analysts:

• Examine financial statements and market conditions.
• Build models to simulate future outcomes.
• Present reports that shape strategy at the highest levels.

Difference Between Finance Analysts, Accountants, and Investment Bankers

Unlike accountants, who focus on recording and compliance, finance analysts interpret numbers to project future performance and identify opportunities. Unlike investment bankers, who manage large deals and capital raising, analysts work closer to the operational side – forecasting revenues, analysing expenses, and recommending ways to optimise business performance.

In simple terms: accountants record the past, investment bankers close the big deals, but financial analysts shape the day-to-day decisions that drive growth.

Key Responsibilities in the Day-to-Day Role

The daily life of a financial analyst is dynamic, but their responsibilities can be broken down into four core functions.

1. Data Collection & Financial Modelling – Analysts gather data from company statements, industry reports, and markets, then transform this information into financial models that predict performance.
2. Preparing Reports & Forecasts – They create clear reports and projections that guide management on budgets, profitability, and long-term planning.
3. Assisting in Investment Decisions – From evaluating mergers to assessing new projects, analysts provide insights that reduce risks and highlight potential returns.
4. Identifying Cost-Saving & Revenue Opportunities – Beyond predictions, they spot inefficiencies, suggest ways to optimise resources, and recommend strategies to boost profitability.

These responsibilities ensure that financial analysts are not just observers but active participants in shaping business strategy.

Skills Every Finance Analyst Needs in 2025

Success as a financial analyst requires more than just technical know-how; it’s a combination of tools, compliance knowledge, and human skills. Here’s a structured view:

Industries & Career Paths for Finance Analysts

Financial analysts are in demand across industries, each offering unique career trajectories. Here are the top sectors where analysts thrive in 2025:

1. Banking & Financial Services (BFSI) – Traditional employers like ICICI, HDFC, SBI, and Federal Bank hire analysts to evaluate loan portfolios, assess risks, and design investment products.
2. Fintech Startups – From digital payment companies like Paytm and PhonePe to emerging neobanks, fintechs need analysts to track user data, manage risk models, and forecast growth.
3. Corporate Finance Departments – Global MNCs and Indian corporates rely on analysts for budgeting, capital allocation, and evaluating mergers and acquisitions.
4. Consulting & Advisory Firms – Analysts at firms like Deloitte, KPMG, or EY provide insights to clients across industries, working on valuation, due diligence, and financial strategy projects.
5. Government & Public Sector – Regulatory bodies such as RBI, SEBI, and public enterprises hire analysts to strengthen compliance, evaluate fiscal projects, and manage large-scale budgets.

Across these industries, financial analysts not only secure stable, high-demand roles but also enjoy career mobility – shifting from BFSI to fintech or from corporate finance into consulting as they gain experience.

Why a PGDM in Finance Is the Best Launchpad

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

A PGDM in Finance is built around what employers actually need. Courses in financial modelling, risk management, corporate finance, and fintech integration ensure students develop both traditional finance knowledge and modern digital skills.

Exposure to Tools & Case Studies

Students don’t just study theories – they work with real financial data, tools like Excel, Power BI, and Python, and live case studies. Through simulation projects and internships, they learn how to solve real-world problems and present insights the way recruiters expect.

Placement Support & Industry Connections

One of the biggest advantages of a PGDM is its strong recruiter network. With placements in BFSI, consulting, and fintech companies, plus alumni connections across the industry, students graduate with both skills and opportunities at their fingertips.

Salary & Career Growth for Finance Analysts in India

A career as a financial analyst offers not just stability but also excellent earning potential. Salaries scale quickly as professionals move from entry-level positions into mid-level and senior roles, with the possibility of advancing into leadership positions like CFO or Head of Finance.

Here’s a snapshot of what career progression looks like in India in 2025:

How to Become a Successful Finance Analyst

Becoming a financial analyst is a journey that blends education, skill-building, and continuous learning. Here’s a practical roadmap for aspiring professionals:

1. Start with a Strong Foundation (Graduation)
   Most analysts begin with an undergraduate degree in commerce, economics, or business management. This builds a base in accounting, finance, and statistics.
   
   
2. Pursue a PGDM in Finance
   A PGDM in Finance bridges theory and practice. It provides hands-on exposure to financial modelling, valuation, and data analytics, while also training students on industry tools like Excel, Python, and Power BI. This step positions graduates directly for analyst roles.
   
   
3. Strengthen with Certifications
   Global credentials such as CFA, FRM, or CPA add credibility and help analysts specialise in areas like investment research, risk management, or accounting. In India, NISM/NCFM modules further boost employability.
   
   
4. Gain Industry Experience
   Internships, live projects, and entry-level roles provide the real-world context needed to refine analytical skills. Over time, analysts evolve from preparing reports to directly influencing investment and corporate strategies.
   
   
5. Commit to Continuous Learning & Networking
   The finance industry is dynamic. Successful analysts stay updated with market trends, regulatory changes, and new tools while actively building networks through alumni groups, professional bodies, and LinkedIn.

Why Choose PGDM in Finance at Imperial?

Choosing where to pursue your PGDM is just as important as choosing the program itself. At Imperial School of Banking and Management Studies, the PGDM in Financial Management is a two-year, AICTE-approved program tailored for aspiring finance professionals. 

The program combines AICTE-approved curriculum with specialised modules in financial modelling, risk management, and fintech integration alongside live projects and assignment-based learning. Students gain hands-on exposure to tools like Excel, Power BI, Python, and SQL, ensuring they graduate with the technical edge employers demand.

What sets Imperial apart is its strong industry recognition, as students earn certifications from IIM, KPMG, NISM, and more, giving learners a distinct advantage in interviews. The program also emphasizes high-impact internships and mentorship, ensuring real-world exposure and recruiter readiness.

When it comes to outcomes, Imperial delivers. The average placement package is ₹9.5 LPA, with the highest reaching ₹16.4 LPA. Top recruiters include Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Federal Bank, and IDFC.

Conclusion – Building a Future-Proof Finance Career

In 2025, financial analysis is no longer a support function; it is a driver of growth, strategy, and resilience. Analysts sit at the intersection of data and decision-making, helping banks, fintechs, corporates, and governments steer confidently into the future.

For graduates with ambition, this role offers more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to influence multi-million-rupee decisions and shape the financial direction of organisations. And the best way to prepare is through a PGDM in Finance. With its industry-aligned curriculum, exposure to cutting-edge tools, and strong recruiter network, a PGDM acts as the perfect launchpad into the analyst universe.

If you’re ready to step into a career where numbers become strategies and insights become impact, explore Imperial School of Banking and Management Studies PGDM in Finance today.

FAQ Section 

• What exactly does a finance analyst do daily?

A finance analyst collects financial data, builds models, and prepares forecasts that guide business decisions. Their day often involves analysing statements, evaluating risks, and presenting reports to management.

• Is a PGDM in Finance better than an MBA for becoming a finance analyst?

Yes. While both provide a foundation, a PGDM in Finance is more industry-oriented, with hands-on exposure to tools, case studies, and internships that directly prepare students for analyst roles.

• What tools should finance analysts learn in 2025?

Analysts are expected to master Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, and Python. These tools help them build financial models, visualise data, and run advanced analytics.

• How much does a finance analyst earn in India?

Entry-level salaries typically range from ₹4–7 LPA, mid-level roles command ₹8–15 LPA, while senior analysts and AVPs earn ₹15–25+ LPA. Leadership positions like CFO can cross ₹30 LPA.

• What is the career growth path for a finance analyst?

Analysts usually begin with data modelling and reporting, move into mid-level strategy and advisory roles, and can eventually advance to leadership positions such as Finance Manager, AVP, or CFO.

• Can a PGDM in Finance help in getting international finance jobs?

Yes. A PGDM in Finance, when combined with certifications like CFA or FRM, opens doors to global markets such as Singapore, the Middle East, the UK, and the US.

• Which certifications complement a PGDM in Finance?

Key certifications include CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), FRM (Financial Risk Manager), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), and NISM/NCFM modules for regulatory expertise.