Improve Financial Analysis Skills Through Online Courses and Certificate Programs
What is Financial Analysis?
Conducted in corporate as well as investment finance, financial analysis refers to the process of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and transactions to determine sustainability and business performance. In essence, it indicates whether an entity is solvent, profitable enough to warrant investment, or liquid. Furthermore, financial analysis is also concerned with fiscal policy, economic trends, formulating long-term plans, and identifying potential clients and projects for investment. Through a synthesis of financial data — financial statements, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements — financial analysis fulfills an invaluable function of businesses across the board.
Kinds of Financial Analysis
- Fundamental analysis uses data from financial statements and ratios to evaluate the intrinsic value of a security.
- Technical analysis works on the assumption that a security’s value is predetermined by its prices and focuses on value trends over a period of time.
Why is Financial Analysis Important?
Financial analysis is a reliable indicator of a company’s overall fiscal health: its credibility, profitability, and its capacity to generate high revenues. In addition, it also offers insights into the internal functioning of the company and is, therefore, a valuable tool for understanding company needs, strengths, and shortcomings. Financial analysis also provides a comprehensive overview of a business’ tax situation and helps improve optimization, thereby leading to greater financial stability in the long run.
Moreover, financial analysis is highly useful while applying for loans, claiming funds, or reaching out for investment. In this regard, it also helps determine the company’s market value and position within the sector which allows the leadership to take note of the existing competition. Ultimately, this proves effective while formulating business strategies and risk mitigation.
Can I Learn to Improve My Financial Analysis Skills Online?
While resources on financial analysis, such as books, podcasts, and informative videos, are found aplenty, online financial analysis courses have gained immense traction in recent times. Owing to their relative affordability and flexible approach to the subject, online courses allow professionals at all levels to learn the basics of finance before progressing to its more complex aspects. These courses are offered by some of the most renowned global institutions and often include certification, therefore offering a significant boost to one’s employability.
What Kind of Career Can I Get with a Background in Financial Analysis?
Jobs in financial analysis are data-driven and demand a high level of proficiency in analytical and mathematical skills. In view of this, large corporations have a great need for financial analysts, thus opening up lucrative opportunities for job-seekers in insurance companies, investment companies, hedge funds, mutual funds, pension firms, security firms, equity groups, and venture capital firms among others. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for financial analysts is expected to grow 9% between 2021 and 2031, faster than the average of all professions.
Lucrative Job Roles in Financial Analysis
- Public Accountant
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Banking
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management
- Financial Planning
- Commercial Banking
- Compliance and Internal Control
Why Take an Online Course at Emeritus?
Each Emeritus online course is designed keeping key learning outcomes in mind by a team of experts. We use the backward design methodology to develop instruction for learners of all ages. This enables us to craft unique, interactive, learning experiences that include a combination of assessments, hands-on activities, skill application, and more.
Emeritus also collaborates with the best universities and faculty around the world to curate the course curriculum that can effectively tackle present challenges in the industry, while preparing you for the trends and risks in the future. Our courses consist of assignments, exams, capstone projects, networking opportunities, a fine balance of practical and theoretical concepts, and the opportunity to learn from top minds in the industry. This adds to the holistic experience we try to provide for each learner.
We are also focused on providing courses that are standardized in quality. This is done by adhering to standards set by a global organization called Quality Matters which is focused on providing quality standards for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. The rigorous criteria ensure all our learners invest in quality education that is easily accessible and affordable.
