How to Become a Cash Flow Analyst
Career News February 25, 2014The company’s financial report is divided up into three significant parts: the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement. A balance sheet is a summary of the company’s assets and liabilities, while the income statement is an indication of the company’s profitability during a given period. As the cash flow can be positive even though it’s losing profits, the cash flow analyst studies both the financial statement as well as the cash flow statement.
Role of the Analyst
Cash flow analysts are used by financial institutions and large organizations to assess the combined cash flow into and out of the business project or investment. The analyst measures the amount of cash used or provided for by the company’s normal operations. Included in the analysis is a measurement of the cash used or provided by the purchase and sales of income producing assets. The cash flow analyst studies the flow of cash between owners and creditors to determine whether negative numbers actually mean a decrease in profits, or if it means the company is paying a debt and investing in new purchases that would increase its long-term profits.
Corporate entities invest in International trade. The most common function of cash flow analysts is to analyze the combined cash flow of a group of people or entities to develop a clear picture of its global ability to service the proposed debt. The cash flow analyst must have an in-depth knowledge of the tax regulations as applied to each country in which the corporate entity has made an investment. The job duties entail integrating multiple partnerships and corporate tax returns, the business’s financial statements, K-1 forms and individual tax filings.
To become a cash flow analyst requires a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, business or a related field. A Global Cash Flow Analyst (GCF) must have bi-lingual skills and be proficient in written and oral communications at all levels of the company’s organization. A cash flow analyst must have a minimum of two years experience in Supply Chain analyzing. The analyst must also have experience with working in broad enterprise and cross section working models. Generally, they must work in a highly complex and geographically diverse business environment.
Abilities to Hone
Cash flow analyst multi-task, prioritize tasks, and are obligated to meet deadlines in a timely manner. They must have the ability to work with a team as well as in an individualized manner. They must have good motivational skills as one of the job duties entails engaging others to help accomplish projects and goals. They must exhibit strong organizational skills, be punctual at all times and pay attention to fine details.
Although the greatest demand for cash flow analysts is for financial institutions and globally invested corporations, there is also a demand for analysts in the real estate sector. The main duties of cash flow analysts involve studying spreadsheets that detail the profits, amount of cash flow and expenses to determine ways for freeing up capital, increase profits and decrease expenses. Strong analytical and quantitative skills are needed to become a cash flow analyst. It is suggested by businesses that if you would like to make cash flow analysis your career, to begin early by taking accounting, finance and economic courses in college and joining an investment club on campus.
Consider your options and think bigger than your current job and future!
