To analyze historical financial data to guide business in optimizing its investments to maximize profit. To that end, a financial analyst has to work with the CFO and the business heads on different types of data such as company financial statements, performance of investments such as stocks and bonds, industry research, macroeconomic data and more, depending upon the specific role they play within the organization. The financial analyst will typically perform the following functions: • Evaluating historical and current financial data to understand the company’s financial condition • Studying industry-specific business trends and research data • Writing data-backed reports to support the management team in taking strategic business decisions • Developing financial models that forecast business outcomes and profits and work with the business Heads on the preparation of the yearly budget and its monthly review. • Measuring financial risk associated with investment decisions • Preparing documentation to help businesses in getting funds from banks. • Evaluate capital expenditures and depreciation • Develop predictive financial models to support organizational decision making • Analyze processes to identify gaps that can improve profit margins • Track current financial data to alert stakeholders in case of deviation from budget. • Provide guidance in buying or selling stocks, making investments and generating funds • Create written reports, presentations that enable management teams to make strategic decisions to meet business goals • Develop forecasting tools to automate financial data analysis. • Preparing the presentation deck for monthly review meetings with the Board. • Supports Market Heads on projects, product launches and other initiatives • Develop and manage MIS reports and Quick view Dashboards based on the requirements provided by business users. • Define business analytics requirements clearly and engage in discussions and solutions around them to get them successfully implemented • Work in tandem with IT to develop frameworks around data exploration, and report generation for management and regulatory reporting • Efficient project management to ensure the delivery of analytics requirements on time and with utmost quality

A financial analyst should hold: • Masters/Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in finance, economics or statistics • Proven experience working as a financial analyst in a mid or large sized company (4-5 years). • Hands-on experience with budgeting, long-term plans, financial modeling and strategic decision support • Proven track record of working in a MIS Business Analyst role • Proven proficiency in spreadsheets, databases and financial software applications, including the software applications your organization currently uses or plans to use in the future • Excellent reporting, presenting and communication skills • Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles • Ability to work with large datasets • Strategic thinking and organizational skills • Proven analytical and financial modeling skills • Knowledge of corporate finance, information analysis and financial diagnosis