An accounting analyst evaluates and interprets public company financial statements. Public companies issue these (10-K) annual financial statements as required by the Security and Exchange Commission. The statements include the balance sheet, the income statement, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements. Specifically, the notes to the financial statements contain considerable quantitative detail supporting the financial statements along with narrative information.
This individual has extensive training in understanding financial accounting principles for public companies based on general accepted accounting principles as provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Or, he/she may have additional experience in applying international accounting standards based on the rules put out by the International Accounting Standards Board.
As an example, the accounting analyst may work for a financial research company evaluating differing financial accounting principles and how they influence the company's reported wealth.
The accounting analyst will most likely hold a Masters Degree in Accounting (MSAcc) and will have specialized in the financial accounting area. Or, the analyst may have a MBA degree with an Accounting specialization. In addition, the analyst may hold the certified public accountant designation.