The Financial Analyst role will be supporting the business operations team with partnering, planning, reporting, accounting and project work – focused specifically on budget management. As part of the operations finance team, this role is specifically focused on simplifying and standardizing finance and accounting processes for high-level execs and helping to clearly define cost & outputs for each team in the organization.
7:00 AM Wake up and go to the gym (most days)... then have breakfast
8:30 AM Drive to work
9:00 AM If no meetings scheduled, then play catch up on emails and look at To-Do list
12:00 PM Walk to cafeteria or drive somewhere to eat with coworkers
4:00 PM Drive home (if no late afternoon meetings)
5:00 PM Work from home for a little bit (on the computer)
6:00 PM Go to the gym
7:30 PM Eat dinner
7:30 PM Sleep!
How To Get Into The Field:
Having a background in Accounting or Finance (or both) from college helps out a lot when looking for a Finance role. I was a Business Major with an Accounting concentration from Cal Poly. I knew I didn't want to be in Accounting my whole life so I went toward the direction of Finance. I was able to utilize contacts to get an interview at a Wealth Management Firm. The interview process is intense but one common thing I noticed about everyone who got a job similar to mine was that they were really personable. It doesn't matter what you are on paper if you can't look at someone in the eye across the table from you and have a good conversation. Those are the people they remember and hire. After being in Wealth Management for awhile I got word of a position that was open for a Financial Analyst through a friend. I have run into so many people that are where they are because they are a friend of a friend or some other coincidence. That's the most important thing to leverage. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, fraternity brothers (or sorority sisters), family, etc to ask about their company and see if they can refer you to a position if you apply to it.
What Do You Really Do?
There are always financial questions to be answered. Throughout the day there are always people coming at you with questions and searching for guidance. That takes up about 40% of the day. There is another 40% of time that is spent on projects and tasks that are given throughout the week. The remaining 20% usually allows you some time to do your own learning and research and build your own projects and analysis that is hopefully used by your boss and peers.
Pros/Cons of Your Job
Pros: Love the flexibility of the hours. Being at a tech company I am able to work from home a few days a week if I like. Having a tremendous amount of responsibility which gives you visibility at a high level.
Cons: STRESS!
What's it Like to Live Here?
Living in San Jose (South Bay) is definitely a change from say San Diego or Orange County. San Jose is located approximately 50 minutes south of San Francisco. The nightlife isn't as great and it's not the best demographic. The weather is great though and there is plenty of outdoor activities really close to where we are. It's weird, when you cross the bridge from San Francisco to South Bay, the weather gets exponentially better: it's clear, sunny and warm most of the year. San Jose is also a lot closer to many of the larger technology companies. Tons of programmers and engineers make up the vast majority of the population here.
How Did I End Up Here?
I grew up in Newport Beach, went to college in San Luis Obispo and got a job as a Financial Adviser in San Diego for 4 years before getting a job as a Financial Analyst in San Jose. Tech companies pay incredibly well so naturally that is what attracted me.
My Set-Up
I live on Santana Row which is a really nice, new townhouse-style living area above shops and restaurants. I currently live in a three-story two-bedroom two-bathroom town house with my girlfriend and roommate (who also works at the same company). It's about the best location to live in San Jose.
Never be afraid to go and meet with people that are high up in your organization and pick their brains. Visibility is the best thing for your career so go to all the happy hours that you can and make yourself useful :)