The Accredited Financial Analyst® (AFA®) designation serves as a benchmark of competency in the Finance Analysis & Research profession and is recognized as the leading credential in corporate worldwide.

The Accredited Financial Analyst® Certificate Program is designed to develop the skills required by Financial Analysts, Research Analyst and Equity Analysts to execute critical functions related to Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Research, Investment Analysis and Financial Modelling.

This Globally coveted Designation is offered by American Academy of Financial Management USA The AFA® Certification Program provides the broad-based knowledge for professionals and students to emerge out as World Class Professionals in the domain of Financial Research & Analysis.

Area Of Learning Include

Interpret the effect of Global & Local Economic Environment on Financial Markets and Investments
Analyse Financial Statements to find out the Financial Strengths and Weakness of a company using the various tools of Analysis.
Monitor and control corporate exposure to financial and operational risks.
Recognize corporate governance issues that arise from the separation of corporate ownership and control.
Use statistical methods for the analysis of quantitative data and their application in a range of Financial Analysis Techniques.
Describe and interpret the general features of fixed income securities and understand the basic operations of fixed income markets.
Use basic interest rate derivatives like futures and options to manage risk and have general knowledge of other
interest rate derivatives like FRA, interest rate swap, and credit default swap.
Develop and employ theoretical valuation methods to price financial instruments including Alternative Investments.
Apply Alternative Investment instruments in managing the risk of investing and hedging activity at the individual and the corporate level.
Use discounted cash flow models to measure the impact of alternative investment strategies in order to formulate a strategy to maximize investment yield.
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities as a Financial Analyst

Curriculum

Level 1: Foundation Level Consisting of 5 Units.

Unit 1 : Introduction to Financial Markets
Unit 2 : Quantitative Techniques and Methods
Unit 3 : Financial Statement Analysis
Unit 4 : Corporate Finance
Unit 5 : Fixed Income Security Analysis

Level 2: Advanced Level Consisting of 5 Units.

Unit 6 : Equity Valuation
Unit 7 : Derivatives and Alternate Investments
Unit 8 : Portfolio Management Strategies
Unit 9 : Behavioural Finance
Unit 10 : Advanced Financial Analysis

Eligibility

Graduate with recognized degrees / diplomas in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, etc.

Career Prospect

Portfolio managers supervise a team of analysts and select the mix of products, industries, and regions for their company's investment portfolio. These managers not only are responsible for the overall portfolio, but also are expected to explain investment decisions and strategies in meetings with investors.

Fund managers work exclusively with hedge funds or mutual funds. Both fund and portfolio managers frequently make split-second buy or sell decisions in reaction to quickly changing market conditions.

Ratings analysts evaluate the ability of companies or governments to pay their debts, including bonds. On the basis of their evaluation, a management team rates the risk of a company or government not being able to repay its bonds.

Risk analysts evaluate the risk in investment decisions and determine how to manage unpredictability and limit potential losses. This job is carried out by making investment decisions such as selecting dissimilar stocks or having a combination of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in a portfolio.

Some of the Designations which AFA® Designation Holder works at

Corporate Financial Analyst
Investment/Securities Analyst
Financial Analyst
Equity Analyst
Senior Financial Analyst
Portfolio Managers
Fund Managers
Chief Financial Officer

Benefits of AFA ® Certification

The Accredited Financial Analyst® (AFA®) Designation sets the global standard in the Financial Analysis profession and is a symbol of excellence.

Why should you earn the AFA ®?

The Accredited Financial Analyst® (AFA®) designation serves as a benchmark of competency in the Finance Analysis & Research profession and is recognized as the leading credential in corporates worldwide.

Offered by the American Academy of Financial Management USA® (AAFM® USA), the AFA® credential signifies that you have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to effectively execute critical functions related to Financial Analysis, Financial Research, Equity Analysis, Investment Management and Risk Management.

In today’s environment, companies are looking for proven and ethical professionals. They are looking for AFAs.

Plus, after earning the AFA®, you are committed to keeping your knowledge current by meeting continuing education requirements. AFAs remain relevant throughout their career. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your career or seeking a promotion, earning the AFS certification can open a variety of doors.

According to the research, financial professionals who do not have an advanced degree improve their salary potential by earning professional certifications such as the AFA. The Accredited Financial Analyst Professional (AFA) designation sets the standard in the finance profession and is a symbol of excellence.

Higher Salaries. Earn up to 16% more than your non-certified peers.
Increases Job Security. Validates your competency in liquidity, capital and risk management functions.
Improves Marketability. Stand out against other applicants in a tough job market.
Boosts Credibility. Attaining the Globally Coveted Designation helps in boosting your credibility.

Job Opportunity

Associate Analyst
Business Development Executive
Functional Analyst
Senior Development Infrastructure Analyst

Industry Interface

Bank
Management Consultancy
Accounts

Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA)