Overview

A financial analyst looks at various parts of a company’s finances in order to help them make better financial decisions.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Support planning and forecasting processes as well as strategic budget planning
• Develop and recommend broad financial policies and exercise control over all finance and accounting functions of the company
• Prepare, evaluate and monitor capital expenditure projects and long-term financial plans, and also the investment of liquid assets in short-term investments
• Provide analytical support on business results and achieving financial targets via data-driven insights and recommendations
• Provide financial support to procurement group in analysis and planning of purchasing
• Drive the budgeting process for capital expenditures, assuring quality and integrity of data
• Collaborate with personnel with budget responsibility to ensure the understanding of process and outcome
• Ensure month-end corporate financial and tax reporting requirements are met
• Assist in the design, development and implementation of savings initiatives, including management reporting and audit procedures
• Benchmark business metrics within the industry
• Collaborate on the development of final budget book and presentation materials that meet management's needs, including its presentation of budget information to the Board of Directors
• Manage forecasting to include detailed department level review of future cost trends
• Advise management of financial processes to ensure proper controls exist

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree or higher in agricultural business, accounting or finance.

To pursue a career as a financial analyst:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, mathematics, English, business courses and statistics.

Where can I work?

Financial analysts can work in all aspects of agricultural companies to help them understand their finances and make decisions regarding those finances. 

Future Job Market / Outlook

The job outlook for a financial analyst will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Associations of Financial Analysts
• Association for Financial Professionals
• The American Accounting Association