Financial Planning & Analysis Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters/Companies

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) is one of the most in-demand specialties in Finance. FP&A courses prepare students for performing budgeting, forecasting, and analysis that support major corporate decisions of the CFO, CEO, and the board of directors. FP&A professionals oversee a broad array of financial affairs, including income, expenses, taxes, capital expenditures, investments, and financial statements. 
FP&A courses are offered at various levels such as UG, PG, Diploma, and Certification. Some popular FP&A courses include BBA in Financial Planning and Analysis, MCom in Financial Analysis, BCom (Hons.) in Corporate Accounting and Financial Analysis, and more. FP&A graduates can seek career opportunities in core industries like Banking, Insurance, MNCs, Educational Institutions, etc. Some popular FP&A job profiles include Financial Planning & Analysis Consultant, Financial Planning and Analysis Supervisor, Financial Planning Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist, etc.

The average salary of a Financial Analyst is INR 9.7 LPA in India. There are numerous FP&A colleges in India that offer great placement options such as Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Jain University, Graphic Era University, NM College of Commerce, Ramanujan College, and more. The average placement record of these colleges is between INR 6 - 12 LPA. Intrested candidates can continue reading the article to get more Financial Planning and Analysis career details.

FP&A Career Topics you may be interested in:

What is Finance? A Beginner Guide to learn Finance in 2024

Why should you choose Financial Planning & Analysis?

Many students majoring in finance and accounting have recently started expressing interest in employment in corporate finance, particularly Financial Planning & Analysis. This could be a result of boredom with accounting and audit employment, or disgust with prestigious investment banking jobs as a result of declining transaction activity and negative media attention. Highlighted below are some other reasons, why a student should consider a career in Financial Planning & Analysis:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that from 2019 to 2029, employment in the financial industry will increase by 5%.
• The BLS predicts that employment in business and financial operations jobs will increase by 5% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the overall average for occupations.
• The financial planning and analyst department is often a secure area to work because they are needed in both good and bad economic times, and teams’ sizes don’t frequently drastically change.
• Developing a profession in Financial Planning and Analysis can be quite fascinating. The highly essential and detailed financial modeling that analysts perform is utilised to inform executive decision-making.

Recommended Links for FP&A Career Scope:

MBA in Finance: Scope, Importance and Job Opportunities

Top Career in Financial Planning & Analysis

Financial Planning and Analysis students can seek career opportunities in a variety of fields due to the requirements of Financial Planners and Analysts in every other sector's Finance department. Here are some top job profiles, along with salary details for students' reference:

Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Scope of Financial Planning & Analysis in India

In India, one of the most in-demand professions in finance. Corporate clients and, in some situations, governments, need financial advisors. Listed below are some of the sectors that recruit Financial Planning & Analysis graduates.

Insurance sectors: Retirement funds, HNIs, and insurance all require experts with specific product knowledge. There are new chances in the undeveloped and very promising subject of financial planning for real estate and trusts. Financial planners are constantly in high demand in private businesses. Financial analysts, financial consultants, investment banks, and insurance firms are all rewarding employment options for seasoned financial planners.

Banks: For managing their investment advice division, managers for financial institutions investments, and investment relationship managers for their portfolio and merchant banking divisions, banks need trained and experienced financial planners. Banks demand relationship managers for their trade finance units. Banks recruit financial planning experts in a variety of roles for the retail division and mutual funds wings. Financial planning specialists are also hired by NBFCs (Non-Banking Finance Companies), AMCs (Asset Management Companies), and financial planning firms for a variety of positions.

Journalism: Financial planners can use their experience in journalism if they have the necessary writing, analytical, and presentation skills as well as a desire for educating the public about finances through convincing arguments and honest analysis. They could write regular columns on different specialised products for print publications, or they could serve as panel experts for electronic media outlets that cover financial and business news.

Education: Nowadays, it is becoming more and more important to increase financial literacy, and laypeople who are interested in disseminating fundamental knowledge about financial planning, retirement, wealth creation, asset management, and investment can be associated with the writing of articles and books on the topic. Financial planners are expected to have excellent communication skills so they can give presentations, educate audiences, and plan seminars to educate and persuade people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, there is sufficient room for growth in the fields of financial planning education, training, and research. Using networking sites and adhering to a code of conduct that is both professional and ethical, financial planning and consulting can even be done online.

Self Employment: Professionals who wish to capitalise on the possibilities in their hometowns or cities might also choose to work for themselves. To succeed as a financial planner, you must have the desired degree and a specific set of talents. The only requirements are good communication skills and a basic understanding of investments and financial planning. Financial planning is a fee-based service and depending on the kind and type of advice provided and the expected return on investment, the costs may be fixed or in the form of a commission from the customer.

Quick Links relevant to FP&A Career Scope:

All About BBA in Finance

Top Recruiters for Financial Planning & Analysis Course Graduates

Following is the list includes some of the organisations and firms that FP&A professionals are most likely to get recruitment from:

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Best Financial Planning & Analysis Colleges for Placements (in India)

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of people choosing to enrol in Financial Planning & Analysis or related courses. Numerous profitable work opportunities are available in this sector. The top colleges that offer courses in Financial Planning & Analysis in India are listed in the table below along with the average CTC.

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling and may vary.

Suggested FP&A Career Scope Readings:

10 Popular MBA in Finance Colleges in India

How to Get a Job after Completing Financial Planning & Analysis Courses?

Even after graduating from a prestigious university, it may be difficult to find respectable employment that pays well. To land a high-paying job of their choice, financial planning & analysis experts would wish to think about doing the following.

Create a resume: Typically, a strong CV is the only thing standing between a job applicant and their ideal employment. Making a strong resume is the first step in the employment search process. A lot of job-related websites or websites that provide resume-writing services can help you create one.

Establish a network: New professionals are advised to “create a network” in order to get in touch with others in their industry who have similar interests to them. Both parties may gain from the friendship as these peers get to know you and what you have to offer and you may receive reliable job referrals.

Enhance your skill set: Since this industry requires a variety of skills, doing so is imperative. Success in this industry requires a wide range of qualities, including a strong and constructive work ethic, leadership abilities, the capacity to function well in a team, exceptional communication skills, and familiarity with relevant technologies.

 Prepare for interviews: Interview preparation is a crucial step in the process of getting a good job. Examine the job description in detail to see if you meet the requirements for the position. Make a list of interview questions and research the companies’ financial information. Practice by going through some fictitious interviews.

Acquire experience: Any prior experience in the industry will help you get the job you want. In order to work part-time or do an internship while earning your degree, explore opportunities. Additionally, you can become a member of pertinent societies at your college to show your interest and hone skills like cooperation and teamwork.

Top Indian Cities to get Lucrative Jobs in Financial Planning & Analysis sector

Different cities may value vocations differently depending on how heavily the local economy depends on them. The average pay is also impacted by these variables. Therefore, students should consider both their options after graduation and the locations of available opportunities. The following is a list of the top Indian cities where financial planning & analysis professionals can find profitable employment:

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Life After Financial Planning & Analysis Career

Financial Planning & Analysis specialists typically have a better work-life balance than individuals who work in consulting or investment banking. The average workweek is 45 to 55 hours, although during “fire drills” and peak seasons, that number may increase to 70 hours. Particularly during the quarterly financial close process, when the job can be demanding and time-sensitive, public company Financial Planning & Analysis professionals often put in longer hours. According to satisfaction levels, they fall within the 17^th percentile of professions.

There usually isn’t a predetermined time limit or up and out policy, unlike professional services like investment banking or consultancy.

Relevant Links for FP&A Career:

CFA Placements: Salary, Scope, Career Options