How To Write A Financial Analyst Resume For Entry Level Role

Updated 5 February 2023

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Entry-level financial analysts work in financial institutions, insurance companies, banks and other institutions and help prepare budgets, compile income statements and advise companies on how to improve their financial health. If you have an interest in helping companies become more profitable and you possess good financial skills, you may want to consider this career. To apply for entry-level financial analyst jobs, you need a resume that highlights your qualifications and skills and explains why you are the ideal candidate.

In this article, we describe how you can write a comprehensive financial analyst resume for entry level positions and provide a template and an example to help you structure your own.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Financial Analyst Resume For Entry Level Role?

A financial analyst resume for entry level role is a resume that highlights a candidate's basic qualifications and education that has prepared them to help businesses make important financial decisions. Candidates applying for this role often have limited experience, so it is important for them to list their relevant skills and degrees. If they have not yet graduated, they can list their expected graduation date. This type of resume is typically no more than a page long.

How To Write A Financial Analyst Resume?

Here are seven steps you can take to write a detailed financial analyst resume when applying for entry-level jobs:

1. Review the job posting

Before you begin writing your resume, read through the job posting carefully to determine the employer's requirements. For example, the employer might prefer that you have a master's degree in finance or a related field. Understanding their requirements can help you determine if you have the qualifications for the position. It can also help you determine which keywords to use in your resume. Keywords are words or phrases describing various job requirements or preferred skills.

2. Add a professional summary

A professional summary is a short, two- to three-sentence paragraph describing your relevant experience, education, skills and certifications. You might also mention any career goals you have that relate to financial analysis and discuss how the role to which you are applying aligns with those goals. You can write this summary below your contact information and use it to entice the person reviewing your resume to consider you as a serious candidate for the position.

3. Highlight your education

Including your educational background in your resume can let employers know that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and possess the knowledge necessary to analyse financial data and use it to make decisions. Entry-level financial analysts usually need at least a bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics or a related field. Depending on the employer, an advanced degree may also be beneficial. Be sure to list each degree you have and include the name of the credential and the university you attended.

4. Outline your training

In any entry-level role, it can be beneficial to include any training you have participated in, including any certification programmes. Financial analysts may have a certification in specific software. The American Academy of Financial Management offers the Accredited Financial Analyst Certificate to qualified financial analysts around the world. The CFA Institute also offers a Chartered Financial Analyst certification to individuals who complete the programme and fulfill the work experience requirements. Including certifications informs employers that while you may lack experience, you still have the training necessary to excel in the position.

5. Write your work experience

In the next section of your resume, write your work experience, beginning with the most recent positions you have held. This may include internships and other entry-level positions and part-time jobs. Be sure to include any roles with responsibilities that closely relate to working as a financial analyst, such as creating financial models, analysing market trends and generating reports. Emphasise what you were able to learn in each role. For each position, include your job title, the dates of your employment, the name of your employer and the location where you worked.

6. Include your skills

Use the final section of your resume to list any relevant skills you have based on the job posting. When determining which skills to include, think about the ones that might help you differentiate yourself from other candidates. Entry-level financial analysts usually need a combination of both hard and soft skills to complete their duties effectively. Hard skills may include financial expertise, mathematical skills, corporate finance knowledge and accounting skills. Soft skills refer to the personal qualities that help you work well with others, such as communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

7. Proofread your resume

Once you have finished writing your resume, you can begin proofreading it to remove any spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. Financial analysts need excellent attention to detail, so ensure your document has no mistakes before you submit it. A resume that is free of errors can show employers that you are a competent candidate and the position is important to you. Consider reviewing your document multiple times and ask your career adviser or a friend or family member to review it as well. They may be able to offer you valuable feedback and advice.

Entry-Level Financial Analyst Resume Template

Before you begin writing your resume, it may benefit you to review a template so you can better organise your information and ensure that you meet each requirement in the job posting. Here is an entry-level financial analyst resume template you can use to structure your own document:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Union territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as an entry-level financial analyst.]

Education
[Degree] | [Date of graduation]
[Name of School or University]

Optional

[Certification Name], [Host Organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Union territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Union territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Skills

Resume Example For An Entry-Level Financial Analyst

Here is an example resume for an entry-level financial analyst role you can reference as you begin writing your resume:

Shivani Devi, Bachelor of Science in finance +91 7519984267 | shivani.devi@email.com| Mumbai, Maharashtra

Professional Summary

Recent finance graduate seeking the opportunity for full-time employment as a Financial Analyst in an entry-level role. Skilled in financial modeling and budgeting and eager to demonstrate my competency and passion for the financial sector.

Education
Bachelor of Science in finance | May 2022

South Mumbai School of Business