Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia Career Overview

As a Financial Risk Analyst, you play a vital role in managing and mitigating risks that could adversely affect an organization’s financial health. This career entails evaluating the potential risks that may arise from various financial activities and market conditions.

Key aspects of your job include:

  • Analyzing financial data and market trends to identify potential threats to the organization’s assets and earning capacity.
  • Assessing the impact of economic changes on the organization’s investment strategies and overall risk profile.
  • Developing risk management strategies to balance risk and return, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborating with other departments, such as finance and compliance, to create a cohesive understanding of risk across the organization.
  • Preparing reports and presentations for stakeholders, outlining risk assessments and proposed mitigation strategies.

Your expertise is essential for organizations aiming to sustain growth in an increasingly complex financial environment. By providing insights that lead to informed decision-making, you contribute to the stability and profitability of the organization while promoting a culture of risk awareness.

Financial Risk Analyst Salary in Georgia

Annual Median: $66,150
Hourly Median: $31.8

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia

To become a Financial Risk Analyst, you will need a solid educational foundation, typically in the following degree programs:

  • Accounting and Finance: This program provides essential knowledge in financial reporting, analysis, and the principles of accounting, which are vital for assessing financial risk.

  • Analysis and Functional Analysis: A degree in this area focuses on mathematical methods and models that are crucial for analyzing data and understanding financial systems, which is important for risk assessment.

  • Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation: This specialized program equips you with skills to detect and prevent fraud, as well as understanding the financial implications of fraudulent activities, which play a significant role in risk management.

  • Financial Mathematics: This degree emphasizes quantitative skills and mathematical theories necessary for evaluating risk and financial products. It often includes statistics, calculus, and financial modeling.

  • Financial Risk Management: Focused specifically on risk assessment and mitigation strategies, this program is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge to evaluate and manage financial risks effectively.

While obtaining a bachelor's degree in one of these fields is necessary, pursuing a master's degree or relevant certifications, such as Financial Risk Manager (FRM) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), can enhance your qualifications and career opportunities in the field.

Best Schools to become a Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia 2024

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, NC

In-State Tuition:$2,432
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,576
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:21,551

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO

In-State Tuition:$59,420
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,420
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:17,012

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, NC

In-State Tuition:$2,432
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,576
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:16%
Total Enrollment:10,233

DeVry University-Illinois

Naperville, IL

In-State Tuition:$14,392
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,392
Admission Rate:43%
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:26,384

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$63,468
Out-of-State Tuition:$63,468
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:48,945

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
Financial Risk Analyst Job Description:
  • Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money.
  • Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.

Financial Risk Analyst Required Skills and Competencies in Georgia

  • Analytical Skills: You must have the ability to analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends, patterns, and potential risk factors. Strong analytical skills will enable you to evaluate complex financial information.

  • Risk Assessment: Understanding methodologies for evaluating and measuring risks is essential. You should be adept in identifying potential financial losses and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.

  • Quantitative Skills: Proficiency in quantitative analysis is vital. You should be comfortable with statistical methods and financial modeling techniques to assess financial risk accurately.

  • Attention to Detail: You must pay close attention to intricate details in financial reports and regulatory guidelines. This precision will help you spot potential errors or discrepancies.

  • Problem-Solving Ability: Effective problem-solving skills will allow you to develop solutions for complex risk situations. You should be able to think critically and approach challenges with innovative strategies.

  • Communication Skills: You must communicate complex financial concepts clearly and concisely to stakeholders. Both written and verbal communication skills should be well-developed for effective reporting and presentations.

  • Knowledge of Financial Regulations: It’s important to stay informed about relevant regulations and compliance requirements. Understanding these guidelines will help you ensure that your organization adheres to legal standards.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with financial software and tools is necessary. You should be comfortable using data analytics software, risk management systems, and Excel for financial modeling.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: You should be able to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Collaboration skills will enhance your ability to share insights and contribute to collective solutions.

  • Adaptability: The financial landscape is always evolving, so you must be adaptable to change. Staying current with industry trends and emerging risks is essential for maintaining an effective risk management strategy.

Job Duties for Financial Risk Analysts

  • Analyze credit data and financial statements to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money.

  • Complete loan applications, including credit analyses and summaries of loan requests, and submit to loan committees for approval.

  • Generate financial ratios, using computer programs, to evaluate customers' financial status.

Technologies and Skills Used by Financial Risk Analysts

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • SAP software

Financial analysis software

  • CGI-AMS Strata
  • Moody's KMV Risk Advisor

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Figuring out how to use new ideas or things
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia

The job market for Financial Risk Analysts in Georgia exhibits a positive trajectory characterized by an increasing demand across various industries. This demand is fueled by several factors, including:

  • Regulatory Compliance: As businesses face stringent regulatory requirements, the need for professionals who can analyze and mitigate financial risks is rising. This trend is particularly prominent in the banking and financial services sectors.

  • Economic Recovery: The ongoing recovery from economic challenges has led organizations to reassess their risk management strategies. This reassessment has resulted in a higher demand for analysts adept at identifying potential financial pitfalls.

  • Technological Advancement: With the integration of advanced analytics and data analysis tools, firms are increasingly looking for professionals who can leverage technology to forecast and manage risks more effectively.

Growth potential in this field is significant, driven by:

  • Rising Importance of Risk Management: As businesses continue to navigate uncertainties, the role of risk assessment becomes more critical. This focus is expected to create new positions and expand existing ones.

  • Sector Expansion: Industries such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy are emerging as key growth areas for financial risk analysis. These sectors are proactive in hiring professionals capable of performing complex risk assessments.

Geographically, Georgia presents several hotspots that are noteworthy for Financial Risk Analysts:

  • Atlanta: As the state capital and a major business hub, Atlanta houses numerous large corporations and financial institutions that require risk management expertise. The city hosts a vibrant ecosystem of firms in finance, insurance, and technology, offering a wealth of opportunities.

  • Savannah: With its growing logistics and maritime sectors, Savannah presents an emerging market for risk analysts, particularly in supply chain risk management.

  • Augusta: As this city develops its healthcare and cybersecurity industries, there is an increasing need for professionals who can address financial risks associated with these rapidly evolving sectors.

Overall, the job market for Financial Risk Analysts in Georgia is robust, offering various opportunities across multiple industries and geographic locations.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia

  • Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
    Website: www.garp.org
    GARP offers resources for risk professionals, including certification programs, study materials, and industry news.

  • Risk Management Association (RMA)
    Website: www.rmahq.org
    RMA provides education, training, and networking opportunities for professionals in financial risk management.

  • Institute of Risk Management (IRM)
    Website: www.theirm.org
    The IRM offers qualifications, certifications, and a wealth of resources related to risk management practices.

  • Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Certification
    Website: www.garp.org/frm
    This certification is globally recognized and caters specifically to financial risk management professionals.

  • CFA Institute
    Website: www.cfainstitute.org
    The CFA Institute provides resources for investment professionals, including risk management topics and resources on obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

  • Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC)
    Website: home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-stability
    FSOC monitors risks to the financial stability of the United States and provides insights into systemic financial risk management.

  • Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
    Website: www.frbatlanta.org
    Offers research and publications on financial regulatory issues and risk management practices relevant to your role.

  • SAS Institute Inc.
    Website: www.sas.com
    This site provides insights on data analysis and risk management solutions, including tools for financial risk analytics.

  • Bloomberg Professional Services
    Website: www.bloomberg.com/professional
    Access to financial data and analysis tools beneficial for risk assessment.

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Website: www.linkedin.com/learning
    Offers courses on financial risk management and associated skills that can enhance your expertise in the field.

  • Moody's Analytics
    Website: www.moodysanalytics.com
    Provides analytics and insights into financial markets that can help you better understand risk factors.

  • Investopedia
    Website: www.investopedia.com
    A comprehensive resource for definitions, articles, and guides on finance and risk management topics.

  • Risk.net
    Website: www.risk.net
    A news and analysis platform focusing on risk management and regulatory developments in financial services.

These resources will help deepen your understanding of financial risk analysis and stay current on trends and best practices in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia

  • What is a Financial Risk Analyst? A Financial Risk Analyst evaluates financial risks that organizations face, including market risk, credit risk, and operational risk. You will analyze data, develop risk assessment models, and provide recommendations to mitigate risks.

  • What education is necessary to become a Financial Risk Analyst? A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certification, such as the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

  • What skills are important for a Financial Risk Analyst? Key skills include strong analytical abilities, proficiency in statistical analysis, data modeling, and problem-solving. Familiarity with financial software and programming languages, such as Python or SQL, is also beneficial.

  • What industries employ Financial Risk Analysts? Financial Risk Analysts are in demand across various sectors, including banking, insurance, investment firms, and corporations with significant financial operations. Government agencies and regulatory bodies also employ analysts for risk assessment functions.

  • What is the typical salary for a Financial Risk Analyst in Georgia? Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and industry. As of late 2023, financial risk analysts in Georgia can expect an average salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings in senior positions.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career? Yes, there are significant opportunities for advancement. With experience and further education or certifications, you can move into senior analyst positions, risk management leadership roles, or specialized areas such as enterprise risk management.

  • What is the work environment like for Financial Risk Analysts? Financial Risk Analysts typically work in an office setting, often in a collaborative environment. You may also have the option for remote work, particularly in roles that involve significant data analysis and reporting.

  • How can I start a career as a Financial Risk Analyst? Begin by pursuing a relevant degree and gaining internship experience in finance or risk management. Networking, joining professional organizations, and obtaining certifications can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.

  • What role does technology play in risk analysis? Technology plays a critical role in risk analysis, with advanced software tools used for data analytics, modeling, and reporting. Familiarity with financial technology can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.

  • What are the challenges faced by Financial Risk Analysts? Common challenges include staying current with changing regulations, adapting to market conditions, and managing the complexity of financial products. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in this dynamic field.