What's it about?

Financial analysts help investors decide where to put their wealth. With specialised knowledge in accounting, finance, capital markets, and investment strategies, these professionals can help you reap good returns on your investments. For instance, an equity analyst working for a knowledge process outsourcing firm does primary research by talking to industry experts, and regulatory bodies to write reports for their clients.

Clockwork

The average day of a portfolio manager:

• 9-9.30am: Reach office. Decide changes in the portfolio based on the performance of international markets
• 10am: Interact with financial analyst in the team to decide which stock to invest in
• 3.30pm: Lunch
• 4pm: Analyse portfolio
• 5pm: Discuss analysis with boss
• 8-9pm: Go home

The payoff

Pay levels swing from one organisation to another. The salary for fresh CFAs is about R4 lakh a year but with experience, it can rise to a crore-plus annually

Skills

• Strong background in accountancy and working knowledge of maths
• Good analytical skills
• Interest in financial investments

Pros & cons

• Financially rewarding
• Intellectually interesting
• High-pressure job. Long work hours
• Challenging and competitive work