The Top Finance Courses To Kickstart Your Career In 2022

“Make sure you have financial intelligence… I don’t care if you have money or you don’t have money… you need to go and study finance no matter what.” – Daymond John

Quite rightly said, and so this is one of the reasons that make it important to know about and learn finance. It is not necessary that everyone have the bird-eye on savings and investments and this is where the Financial research analyst comes into the picture. The financial research training focuses on making the individuals learn about the theoretical aspects of finance and the various things included in it for easy management of finances. 

So, to help you with upskilling in finance and related concepts, we have listed the top professional financial research courses you should opt for. Additionally, we have listed the top platforms that offer you specialized financial analysis courses. 

Top Professional Finance Courses In 2022

Before we list down the top courses for you, let us look at the financial research analyst. Well, a financial research analyst is a person who conducts all financial statement research and produces reports based on the knowledge gained from market data. They are the ones who come up with ideas and plans to help the organization perform better in a competitive market. Likewise, the financial research analyst certification prepares an individual with the necessary skills to perform market analysis and drive important conclusions. 

The top skills acquired when pursuing a financial research analyst course with placement opportunity include excel skills, financial modeling, accounting skills, valuations, soft skills, and writing skills. Now, the top professional courses to opt for are as follows:

1] CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst

If you want to learn financial management, investment management, and portfolio management, this is one of the best finance certification programs you could look at. You must pass three levels and have four years of full-time, relevant experience to become certified. CFA has a lower pass rate of around 25%, below other finance qualifications. Those who work in institutional money management and stock analysis should pursue this certification.

2] CFP – Certified Financial Planner

CFP isn’t only about money; it’s also about understanding one of the most important aspects of business: customer relationships. A 7-hour test is required to pass the CFP. You must study for at least 1000 hours to pass CFP. If you pass this exam, you will be able to work in wealth management, retail banking, or private banking. This finance certification program is excellent, and it is also reasonably priced. You must pay an annual recertification fee and complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years to keep your CFP license.

3] FRM – Financial Risk Manager

This is the right qualification for you if you want to work as a risk analyst. You can also assist clients who want to make sound financial decisions. It is a worldwide recognized risk management credential for banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, consulting firms, corporations, credit agencies, and regulatory bodies. This certification is inexpensive, and you may accomplish FRM-I and FRM-II in a year. GARP is in charge of FRM. FRM has a pass rate of roughly 50%, but the percentage varies year to year.

4] ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountant

A course that is quite popularly known among those looking to move ahead with their journey to complete the financial research and financial modeling course is ACCA. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a well-respected and well-recognized global accounting organization, and their certification establishes you as a capable employee in all areas of business. Anyone claiming to be a chartered certified accountant must be a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It consists of 14 exams and makes you eligible to work in different countries.

5] CIIA – Certified International Investment Analyst 

The Certified International Investment Analyst credential validates your understanding of economics, corporate finance, portfolio management, stock valuation and analysis, fixed income valuation and analysis, derivative valuation and analysis, and other topics. The Association of Certified International Investment Analysts provides it. This course is a complete three-year program that will prepare you to help your clients with the share market and evaluation basics.

6] CPA – Certified Public Accountant

Accountants, tax preparers, and financial analysts all can have a CPA license. It is one of the industry’s most well-known financial certifications. The American Institute of CPAs is in charge of this qualification (AICPA). It entails 150 hours of coursework followed by a difficult exam. A CPA can aid customers looking for financial advice on how to save money on taxes and organize their finances.

7] CFS – Certified Fund Specialist

Certified fund specialists offer investment advice and help clients acquire and sell funds. This IBF certification verifies your knowledge of mutual funds and the industry. It is intended for financial industry professionals such as accountants, bankers, brokers, money managers, personal financial counselors, and others. To be certified, you must complete three proctored online tests and a case study. 

8] CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter

The greatest certification for insurance agents in the CLU. Candidates must complete eight courses given by the American College of Financial Planning instead of a comprehensive test. Life insurance, estate planning, and risk management are all areas of expertise for chartered life underwriters.

9] FMVA – Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst

Corporate Finance Institute’s (CFI) Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) is slowly growing as one of the top online financial modeling certifications recognized globally while being a relatively new company founded in 2016. It’s a self-paced online course that should take about 120-200 hours to complete. The self-study plan for the FMVA costs $497.

10] CAIA – Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst

Professionals that manage alternative investments like hedge funds and real estate are eligible for the CAIA. The CAIA Association’s charter program, which lasts about a year and involves coursework and exams, takes about a year to complete. These are the professionals to engage with if you want to diversify your portfolio with alternative investments.

11] ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant

The ChFC credential was established as a replacement for the CFP credential. Beyond the CFP’s core competencies, the program provides specializations. If you have a specific need, such as divorce financial planning or small company planning, you should work with a chartered financial adviser. The American College of Financial Services offers the course, which involves four months of study and assessment.

12] ICWA – Institute of Cost and Works Accountants

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWA) offers a minimum three-year education that is divided into three stages: foundation, intermediate, and final. Students who want to become cost management accountants take this course. The institute aids in the development of professional qualifications in its students and provides them with the education they need to succeed as cost management accountants around the world. This course will lead you on the path to becoming a Financial Research Analyst in companies. 

13] PGDM in Financial analysis

Indeed, it is one of the most common courses in financial management and financial analysis. It is a post-graduate degree that offers you an opportunity to work with the companies post-completion. Usually, it is a 2-year course, but few institutes offer this as a 1-year course for the executive or working professionals. This course will introduce you to various facets of finance that include financial markets, financial statement analysis, accounting systems, investment management, and more. Top colleges offering PGDM in Financial Analysis are:

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Lucknow
• XLRI
• NMIMS

14] M.Sc in finance

It is an advanced academic program in finance that prepares the pursuer with an in-depth knowledge of accounting, economics, and finance. Graduates of an MSc in Finance program can find various profitable jobs, and job growth is expected in the coming years. Senior financial analyst, real estate manager, financial controller, investment banker, manager of financial departments, and chief financial officer are just a few recent graduates’ jobs. In a competitive sector, an advanced degree opens up many work prospects.

• HEC Paris – Master In International Finance (MiF)
• MIT Sloan School Of Management – Master Of Finance
• London Business School – Masters In Finance
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

So, once you are done with these exceptional financial research courses, you can pursue your dream career with any company. These courses are defined for financial research certifications that can help you reach newer heights. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the market is flooded with multiple financial research courses. While some courses are available free, others will come with fees. But the most important thing to understand is that you should always opt for the courses in ascending order. Start with learning the basics and then move ahead for the specialization to gain the maximum benefits out of the course. Consulting an expert will be a wise idea when starting any course. So, select your course, do a bit of research and then start learning to master the skills that can be the start of a financial career.