Finance analyst

Finance analysts review an organisation's spending and finances for completeness, accuracy and compliance by analysing budgets and accounting reports.

Also known as

Business finance analyst, commercial analyst, senior finance officer, finance officer, financial analyst, financial business analyst, principal financial analyst

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices
  • Need to be methodical, accurate and responsible

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$60K-$159K 60000

Typical tasks

  • Analyse budgets and financial data
  • Prepare financial documents, reports and budgets
  • Check financial information is correct
  • Share financial information with management
  • Examine financial records
  • Discuss business strategies with managers
  • Identify ways to improve productivity
  • Create business guidelines and policies
  • Analyse business and financial performance
  • Attend legal and legislative meetings

Outlook

Finance analysis remains an important part of helping organisations make informed decisions in changing economic conditions. Growing access to data, automation and artificial intelligence is transforming how financial information is analysed and reported. In New Zealand and globally, organisations are increasingly focused on understanding market risks, sustainability issues and long-term performance, creating opportunities for professionals who can turn complex information into useful insights.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong numerical and analytical thinking
  • Ability to interpret and explain data clearly
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Confidence using financial and data-analysis tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Tips from AUT graduates

Further study options

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.