{"id":9107,"date":"2021-08-11T14:52:20","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T14:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/?p=9107"},"modified":"2026-03-06T11:53:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T11:53:56","slug":"benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits of CFA\u00ae Charter for Corporate Finance Career"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The CFA Institute offers chartered financial analyst (CFA) accreditation. If you want a career in corporate finance, earning a CFA charter is helpful because the curriculum covers portfolio management, financial analysis, derivatives, stocks, bonds, and ethics. Additionally, the course is offered internationally and recognized as the gold standard for all financial analysts. Let us explore corporate finance careers for which CFA accreditation will give you an edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Equity_analyst\" >Equity analyst<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Corporate_financial_analyst\" >Corporate financial analyst<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Research_analyst\" >Research analyst<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Portfolio_manager\" >Portfolio manager<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Chief_finance_officer\" >Chief finance officer<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Start_your_journey_to_earning_a_CFA_charter\" >Start your journey to earning a CFA charter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Start_a_study_routine_as_early_as_possible\" >Start a study routine as early as possible<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Please_take_note_of_the_core_topics_and_their_exam_weights\" >Please take note of the core topics and their exam weights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#You_should_be_aware_of_the_specific_learning_outcomes\" >You should be aware of the specific learning outcomes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/benefits-of-cfa-charter-for-corporate-finance-career\/#Practice_taking_the_exam\" >Practice taking the exam<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Equity_analyst\"><\/span>Equity analyst<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Equity analysts focus on stock markets and research how companies are performing in the securities market. Moreover, equity analysts in corporate finance assess companies within their portfolios. Other roles of equity analysts include preparing reports and making recommendations to manage which stocks to buy or sell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center; margin:18px 0;\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/free-trial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"display:inline-flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; padding:10px 18px; border:2px solid #1e5bd8; color:#1e5bd8; background:#f5f7fb; border-radius:9999px; text-decoration:none; font-weight:600; white-space:nowrap;\">\nPrepare for an equity analyst career with CFA practice questions\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Corporate_financial_analyst\"><\/span>Corporate financial analyst<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a corporate financial analyst, you will assess data to determine existing patterns and trends that help make forecasts. Consequently, corporate financial analysts offer essential information and advice when making investment decisions. The CFA institute reports that at least five percent of CFA charter holders hold a position as corporate financial analysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Research_analyst\"><\/span>Research analyst<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In finance, research analysts play the crucial role of applying mathematical processes and analyzing qualitative data to identify trends and patterns on which managers make corporate investments and financial planning decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The specific role of research analysts in corporate finance is to gather intelligence by processing critical decision-making data. According to the CFA Institute, fifteen percent of CFA charter holders are research analysts working in corporate finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Portfolio_manager\"><\/span>Portfolio manager<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a portfolio manager, you will be in charge of the company\u2019s funds. Portfolio managers work with teams of researchers and financial analysts and keep up to date with market and business changes that impact their funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, portfolio managers utilize expert knowledge and experience to decide whether to sell or buy assets when markets fluctuate on behalf of their companies. According to data from the CFA Institute, at least 22% of CFA charter holders are portfolio managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chief_finance_officer\"><\/span>Chief finance officer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The CFA Institute reports that an estimated seven percent of CFA charter holders are in chief-level executive positions. However, they do not state the specific executive position. Chief financial officers head corporate finance and are considered the peak of corporate finance careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earning a CFA certification does not guarantee a senior management position, but it gives you an edge when seeking entry-level jobs and advancing your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_your_journey_to_earning_a_CFA_charter\"><\/span>Start your journey to earning a CFA charter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Requirements for earning a CFA charter are;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To enroll in the CFA professional course, you should hold a bachelor\u2019s degree or an equivalent or be in the final year of your undergraduate studies. You are also eligible to register for the CFA program if you have at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience or 4,000 hours of the combined university and professional experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sit for and pass all three levels of the CFA exams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You should agree to abide by the CFA Institute Code of ethics and become a member of the institute by paying the fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You should provide proof of 4,000 hours of full-time work experience in a position involving decision-making on investments or a product that contributes to the decision-making process. The work experience can be from before or after you did the CFA exam<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step after enrollment and registration is to start studying for your exam. The following study tips will help you pass your exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_a_study_routine_as_early_as_possible\"><\/span>Start a study routine as early as possible<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our successful CFA charter holders\u2019 most common success tip is their dedication to a study routine. To pass your exams, you need to understand the material and have the skills to apply it. The exam will test how to apply what you learned to different scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would help if you put in a lot of time and effort to attain such a high level of understanding and application skills, and starting a study routine as early as possible will go a long way in helping you achieve this. Therefore, start your studies six to nine months before the exam date to ensure you have enough study time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Please_take_note_of_the_core_topics_and_their_exam_weights\"><\/span>Please take note of the core topics and their exam weights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During your study sessions, it is essential to understand the topics that carry more weight in the exams versus those that do not. All the levels in the CFA program focus on the same core topics. Therefore, you should note the core topics that weigh more in the exams you are studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_should_be_aware_of_the_specific_learning_outcomes\"><\/span>You should be aware of the specific learning outcomes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Specific learning outcomes refer to what you should be able to do by the end of your CFA curriculum. It is the actual knowledge, skills, and abilities that the lecturer or instructor intends for you to learn or develop. Specific learning outcomes are more in-depth than the set learning goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specific learning outcomes are measurable and tested, for example, asking you to explain, identify or analyze a concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practice_taking_the_exam\"><\/span>Practice taking the exam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The last but equally important step in preparing for your CFA examinations is to practice taking the exam as much as possible. You should simulate realistic exam conditions while practicing. You will be given a mock exam by the CFA Institute and buy additional resources from <a href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Analystprep.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact us at <a href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/\">Analystprep.com<\/a> for our CFA study packages to help you prepare for your exams. You will have access to notes and video tutorials from the best professors and an up-to-date sample question bank to help you pass your exams on the first try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/shop\/cfa-unlimited-package-for-level-1-2-3\">https:\/\/analystprep.com\/shop\/cfa-unlimited-package-for-level-1-2-3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center; margin:32px 0 10px;\">\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/free-trial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" style=\"display:inline-flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; padding:12px 24px; border-radius:9999px; background:#1e5bd8; color:#ffffff; font-weight:700; text-decoration:none;\">\nStart Free Trial \u2192\n<\/a>\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:12px; font-size:16px; line-height:1.5;\">\nBuild the analytical skills needed for equity research and corporate finance by practicing CFA exam-style questions and mastering core investment concepts.\n<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The CFA Institute offers chartered financial analyst (CFA) accreditation. If you want a career in corporate finance, earning a CFA charter is helpful because the curriculum covers portfolio management, financial analysis, derivatives, stocks, bonds, and ethics. Additionally, the course is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9108,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,70,73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career","category-cfa","category-study-tips","blog-post","animate"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9107"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14261,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9107\/revisions\/14261"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analystprep.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}