In essence, analysis applied to businesses is to analyse data to draw meaningful commercial conclusions. These conclusions are used to drive business decisions. There are four broad areas which are either mainstream or cross over into finance:

• Financial Analysis
• Commercial Analysis
• Strategic Analysis
• Business Analysis

It is well worth noting that although the above are definitions of each type of analysis, the roles usually have significant cross over. For example you could be called a commercial or financial analyst and the tasks you perform are a combination of all types.

Is it for you?
Analysts require an excellent eye for detail, investigative skills and deductive logic. Commercial acumen and excellent communication skills are also paramount in order to interpret and present findings to senior managers. The market competition for these roles is high.

Career progression
Career progression opportunities can be broad. Analysis can lead to management/director roles in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) or business insight and out of finance into commercial or strategic high profile roles.