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Investment Analyst, Securities Analyst
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in planning short- and long-term cash flows, assessing financial performance, and in implementing and using tools for managing and analyzing financial portfolios
Interest in analyzing investment projects; in developing tools for managing and analyzing financial portfolios; and in evaluating financial risk and preparing financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management
Interest in consulting with financial backers to follow up on financing projects
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
In general, financial analysts:
In securities firms, analysts:
Most analysts specialize in specific industries or segments of the market.
In large institutions, such as banks, pension funds, and governments, financial analysts may:
They may specialize in stock, bond, or real estate markets. They often prepare reports for fund managers. These reports suggest how best to invest funds ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Financial analysts work long hours in an office environment under constant deadline pressure. The work is intense and detail oriented. It often involves working with computers and custom-designed software. Some travel may be required.
Financial analysts need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 32 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 08, 2021 and Jun 04, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Plan short- and long-term cash flows and assess financial performance | 24 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assist in preparing operating and investment budgets | 23 |
| Tasks: Evaluate financial risk, prepare financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management | 21 |
| Tasks: Develop, implement and use tools for managing and analyzing financial portfolio | 20 |
| Tasks: Analyze investment projects | 19 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 17 |
| Tasks: Prepare company, industry and economic outlooks, analytical reports, briefings notes and correspondence | 17 |
| Attention to detail | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 14 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 13 |
Most employers require prospective analysts to have several years of relevant work experience and at least 1 university degree. They may prefer applicants who have completed finance- and industry-related programs. For example, analysts in the oil and gas industry might obtain a degree in geology or petroleum engineering followed by business education or training.
Most employers encourage or require junior analysts to complete the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program offered through the CFA Institute.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Under Alberta’s Securities Act [pdf], you must be registered with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) to deal in, advise on, and manage funds and securities.
Financial planners need to complete specific courses depending on the financial products they handle:
Additional courses and training may be required after obtaining certain licences.
For details, visit the ASC and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) websites.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Financial analysts most often work for:
Most financial analysts employed by investment firms work in head offices, often in Central Canada. Many energy sector companies have head offices in Calgary and employ financial analysts there. Some experienced analysts choose self-employment as private consultants.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 1112: Financial and investment analysts occupational group, 78.3% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1112: Financial and investment analysts occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for financial analysts vary a lot. Factors include type of employer and the analyst’s job description and qualifications. Bonuses for senior analysts in securities firms can greatly increase their incomes.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.71 | $57.23 | $35.70 | $31.79 |
| Overall | $31.62 | $76.11 | $47.18 | $43.76 |
| Top | $36.06 | $108.31 | $64.27 | $57.42 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $113,291 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $95,523 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $93,341 |
| Educational Services | $92,155 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $89,784 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $89,692 |
| Public Administration | $89,648 |
Alberta Securities Commission website: www.albertasecurities.com
CFA Institute website: www.cfainstitute.org
CFA Society Calgary website: www.cfasociety.org/calgary
CFA Society Edmonton website: www.cfasociety.org/edmonton
Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) website: www.csi.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
