Financial Analyst / CFA
Analyse investments, value companies, and drive financial decisions - a gateway to Canada's finance industry.
About the Career
Financial analyst demand is stable across Canada's banking, investment, and corporate finance sectors.
Salary in Canada
- Entry level: $65,000
- Senior level: $150,000
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation significantly increases earning potential.
Job Outlook
Stable demand. Financial analyst demand is stable across Canada's banking, investment, and corporate finance sectors.
How to Get There
- 4-yr BCom or BSc (Finance, Economics, or Math) + CFA designation
- Time to career: 4-6 years post-Grade 12
Key Skills
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Excel & Financial Modelling
- Valuation
- Investment Research
- Risk & Return Analysis
Typical Employers
- Banks & investment firms
- Insurance & pensions
- Corporations (FP&A)
- Consulting firms
- Asset managers & hedge funds
High School Roadmap
- Follow financial news. Research the stock market. Excel in math.
- Learn basic investing concepts. Enter DECA's finance-related events.
- Research the CFA designation. Research Queen's Commerce and Schulich.
- Apply to finance or commerce programs. Build knowledge of financial modelling.
Top Universities for This Path
- Queen's University – Kingston, ON
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- York University – Toronto, ON
Insider Tips
- The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is highly respected globally.
- Financial modelling skills (Excel, Bloomberg) are expected from day one at most finance roles.
- Bay Street (Toronto) is Canada's financial hub - proximity to the Toronto finance community is a real advantage.