Introduction
A Quantitative Analyst is a business professional who works with mathematical models, complex statistical methods, and algorithms. All these and more are used to perform analysis on business data. This data can be related to prices in the market, financial risk assessment, etc. They do their job to the end that the results from data analysis can be applied in making decisions that will be beneficial to a company.
Importantly, the quantitative Technologies used include:
- Inferential statistics
- Regression analysis
- Data theory
- Data mining
- Game theory
- Linear programming
- Probability
- Differential analysis
- Stimulation, among others.
Moreover, all these are used to conduct descriptive, experimental, correlative, or comparative research. The results of which are applied in making decisions about various aspects of the company, especially the finances.
Likewise, it is a career position that will remain valid in years to come because of the peculiarity of the duties involved. As we can expect, expert knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and business finance is greatly needed. Staff in this position also need to be greatly qualified to produce results.
Furthermore, professionals in this career are usually graduates of Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, etc. Most especially, they are Master’s and even Ph.D. holders.
In addition, “Interesting” is not a good enough word to qualify this career. Remain glued to this article, to find out all you need to know.
Responsibilities of a Quantitative Analyst
The duties of a Quantitative Analyst are highly directed towards the finance section of the company. Although, they also have other peculiar duties as well. Some of their responsibilities are as follows:
- Preparing and writing reports periodically.
- Examining and analyzing financial statements of the company.
- Explaining results of the analysis to heads of finance departments.
- Recommending better sales rates, or strategies and expenses that will improve the company’s finances.
- Research to know the current trends and investments a company can imbibe.
- Training and teaching new staff and interns.
- Employing research results in predicting a company’s future.
- Contributing in board meetings on ways to move a company forward.
- Scheduling meetings and meeting with investors to help ensure profitable investment.
Qualifications for practice as a Quantitative Analyst
As earlier stated, Quantitative Analysts must be qualified to be able to be useful in such positions. Some companies only employ Doctorate holders. Others might be lenient to take those with a Master’s and a few years of working experience as well.
The qualifications generally needed are as follows:
- Firstly, a Bachelors’s degree in a related field. This can be Physical, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science. It can also be Statistics, Banking, and Financial, among others.
- Secondly, a Master’s degree in any of the related fields.
- Furthermore, a License from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is also needed.
- Also, a Ph.D. in a more specialized area is, for instance, financial engineering.
- Similarly, up to five years of work experience in quantitative analysis.
Employers also look out for specific skills that are highly essential for speed, accuracy, and ease in the job. These include:
- Proficiency in the use of related computer software.
- Proficiency in applied mathematics.
- Good statistical skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Good presentation skills.
- Database Management skills.
- Computer programming skills.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, among others.
Salary
Quantitative Analysts earn well. As of October 2021, the average yearly pay was about $112,116 in the United States. This is only the median value. Some can earn way higher than this depending on the size of the company they work for and their qualifications. It can also depend on their experience and levels of competence on the job.
Job Opportunities
Quantitative Analysts can find relevance in different aspects. Where they eventually work depends on their area of specialization. Some of these places include:
- Commercial banks.
- Wealth management firms.
- Security Industries.
- Insurance carries.
- Brokerages.
- Investment banks.
- Hedge funds, among others.
Career Path
Most Quantitative Analysts usually start as Research Analysts with just their Bachelor’s degree. Some can also start as staff under the Finance department of an organization. Upgrading to higher educational levels can facilitate their promotion. Also, it can enhance their chances of being employed in bigger firms.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the position of a Quantitative Analyst is one that every growing firm needs. They do not just know mathematics and statistics but employ these and more in helping the company. They also use their knowledge to predict results and influence the decision-making process of companies positively.
Furthermore, it is a noble profession because it provides an opportunity to be of positive impact to a group of people. Also, if this drives you, then it’s a career worth considering.
