Financial Analyst

I currently work as a financial analyst with IBM, so I think I'm the right person to answer this question: The difficulty depends on your qualifications, skills, and experience. QUALIFICATIONS For example, the typical educational qualifications for a financial analyst in a leading tech company would be as follows: (minimum) Honors bachelors degree in commerce/accounting/finance/economics; (preferred) An MBA/Msc in finance, or MCom, or Msc/M.A in economics/ mathematics/statisics from a decent university. The best candidates will usually combine an MBA/Msc with C.A, CPA or CFA designation, the latter being extremely valuable. SKILLS In addition to the educational qualifications, employers will look for the following key skills: advanced excel modeling, financial analysis and forecasting, data analysis, presentation skills, business acumen, and strong communication skills. EXPERIENCE Prior internships or work experience in finance, accounting, consulting, or investment banking would be highly valued. Candidates with 2-5 years of post-MBA experience in a relevant role are most sought after.