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A Financial analyst is a specialist accounting professional who gives meaning to monetary data provided in an entity's financial statements.
In an investment company the analyst collects and interpret financial information relating to a target investee to determine if investing in it is worth while. His/her duties therefore include:
- Interpretation of financial data as provided
- Investment appraisal
- Identify portfolios with potential high returns
- Identifying risks associated with target portfolios
- Calculation of relevant financial ratios such as Gearing, Return on Investments and others
In a manufacturing company the Financial analysts in addition to financial analysis of the company, he/she assists with the evaluation of new projects. The analysts thus establishes the viability of any project the entity wishes to undertake. This is done through the calculation of ratios such as the payback period to ascertain when the capital employed can be recouped. The analyst can also use discounted cash cash flows to ascertain the viability of the project.
Duties will therefore include:
- Investment appraisals
- Project evaluation
- Annual financial statements analysis
- Calculation of Key Performance Indicators
- Financial Advisory to the Executive
