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Credit analysts determine the credit worthiness of people or companies applying for loans. Employers include commercial, investment and foreign banks, private equity firms, investment/asset management companies, insurance companies and specialist credit rating agencies (for example: S&P Global Ratings, Dun and Bradstreet). Typical tasks include:

• gathering information about clients

• reading financial briefings

• assessing, analysing and interpreting complicated financial information

• undertaking risk analysis by developing statistical models

• visiting clients

• keeping company credit exposures within set risk bearing limits

• Completing loan application forms and submitting to loan committees for approval

• using credit-scoring systems for small credit amounts (such as small unsecured personal loans)

• keeping knowledge of key issues up-to-date (for example legal, market risk and compliance issues)

• helping to enhance the quality of credit applications

• making recommendations about procedural/policy changes.

It is advisable to undertake sector and company research, attend presentations, network and send speculative applications. Early applications for advertised vacancies are also recommended.

Qualifications and training required

A career as a credit analyst is more commonly open to graduates rather than school leavers. It is advisable to gain experience in finance, such as in an administrative role. It can take several years to become highly enough qualified to find employment as a credit analyst.

Graduates will need a good honours degree in any subject (together with several years' relevant experience. Qualifications in business studies, management, statistics, finance, mathematics, accounting or economics can be helpful, as can an MBA or similar postgraduate/professional qualification.

Key skills for credit analysts

Employers seek adaptable, confident, reliable and motivated graduates with strong time management skills, a very good eye for detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Excellent IT, analytical, numerical, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving and teamworking skills are also essential