An analyst is typically an entry-level employee that is responsible for smaller parts of bigger projects, while an associate is responsible for managing a team of analysts and completing the bigger project.
An analyst evaluates data and uses the information that they collect to help companies make financial decisions. They can work in many different environments including insurance companies, banks, and pension funds although their advice can be valuable to almost any business.
Typical duties include researching the company's current financial standing, creating reports that reflect financial performance, and making recommendations for investments or business decisions. Types of financial analysts can include risk analysts, portfolio managers, or fund managers.
Associates analyze financial data to help companies with high-level corporate decisions. They typically offer advice on more advanced financial practices like standards in accounting and tax codes.
Most associates also take part in accounting tasks that can improve their departments such as developing new systems for recording financial data and innovating new ways to track compliance. They may also be tasked with performing audits during tax season, giving advice to internal departments, and implementing procedures to improve operations.
There are many differences between an analyst and an associate including education and delegation of duties.
Here are the key differences between an analyst and an associate:
An analyst requires a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting
An associate requires a Master's in business administration or other advanced post-graduate degrees
An analyst position is typically entry-level and they can typically enter the field as soon as they have earned their degree
An associate position is a higher-level position and most associates need to have extensive expertise before entering this position
An analyst gathers and analyzes financial data and creates presentations or visualizations
An associate interacts more with clients to discuss their specific financial goals and develop collaborative plans
