How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Updated April 25, 2024

6 min read

How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (1)

A credit analyst assesses the credit-worthiness of individuals or organizations applying for loans or credit. They analyze financial data and credit histories to determine the likelihood of repayment and the potential risks. Credit analysts also make recommendations on interest rates, loan terms, and credit limits. They work in various industries, including banking, investment firms, and credit bureaus. Essential skills include analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of financial regulations.

How long does it takes to become a credit analyst?

It typically takes 4-6 years to become a credit analyst:

  • Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as finance, accounting, or economics.
  • Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in analyzing and interpreting credit data, evaluating creditworthiness, and preparing reports on credit risks and opportunities.
  • Salary$61,422
  • Growth Rate-5%
  • Jobs Number16,406
  • Complexity LevelChallenging
  • Most Common SkillCustomer Service
  • Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree
  • Best StateNew York

What are the pros and cons of being a Credit Analyst?

Pros

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Exposure to various industries and businesses

  • High demand for credit analysts in many industries

  • Potential for bonuses based on performance

  • Ability to work in a stable industry

Cons

  • Long hours, including weekends and evenings

  • Dealing with difficult customers or clients

  • Risk of burnout due to heavy workload and high expectations

  • May have to make tough decisions that can affect people's lives and livelihoods negatively

  • Limited opportunities for creativity or innovation in the role.

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Credit Analyst career paths

A credit analyst can pursue various career paths, such as becoming a finance analyst, manager, or vice president. They can also move into underwriting, relationship management, or collection management roles. Some credit analysts may choose to specialize in commercial lending or credit management, while others may become office managers or portfolio managers. Additionally, they can transition to roles such as treasury analyst, project manager, or investments manager. Credit analysts can also move into risk management positions, including credit risk management director.

Key steps to become a credit analyst

  1. Explore credit analyst education requirements

    The educational requirements for a credit analyst are typically a bachelor's degree. According to John Doe, a finance professor at XYZ University, "A bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, or management is often required for credit analyst positions." While some organizations may hire those with a high school diploma or associate degree, the vast majority prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree. Some credit analysts may also pursue certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) to enhance their skills and qualifications.

    Most common credit analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.1

    %

    Associate

    13.8

    %

    Master's

    9.4

    %

  2. Start to develop specific credit analyst skills

    A credit analyst must perform fundamental credit analysis by reviewing credit bureau information, analyzing financial data, and coordinating financial statements for customer portfolios. They input and analyze complex financial data to evaluate past performance and project financial probabilities. They also review credit card accounts and approve credit line increases within automatic increase authority limits. They must be able to work quickly and efficiently utilizing various computer programs and data processing skills while maintaining a minimal error margin.

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service12.36%
    Credit Analysis7.36%
    Customer Accounts4.49%
    Real Estate4.34%
    Credit Risk4.23%

    Show more

  3. Complete relevant credit analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New credit analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a credit analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real credit analyst resumes.

  4. Research credit analyst duties and responsibilities

    A credit analyst's responsibilities include implementing a fundamental approach to credit analysis and reviewing and analyzing credit applications and credit bureau information to make credit decisions. They also investigate and release credit holds and coordinate the aggregation of information and preparation of quarterly financial statements and financial reports. As a credit analyst, it's important to analyze business credit applications, financial statements, and purchase orders for the establishment of initial credit lines within company guidelines. They also review and analyze income, payment history, and various credit repositories to determine customer buying credibility and ensure the validity of the borrower.

    • Provide treasury with funding requirements to maximize LIBOR rate advantage.
    • Manage a team to help facilitate efficient loan origination, underwriting and closing.
    • Lead a presentation to the FHA quantitative team by using multiple data visualization techniques.
    • Manage A/R transactions, prepare weekly account reconciliation's, perform research/ adjustments on A/P and A/R discrepancy accounts.
  5. Prepare your credit analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your credit analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a credit analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Credit Analyst Resume templates

    Build a professional

    Credit Analyst

    resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

    Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Credit Analyst resume.

    How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2)

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    How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (17)

  6. Apply for credit analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a credit analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (18)

Are you a Credit Analyst?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average credit analyst salary

The average Credit Analyst salary in the United States is $61,422 per year or $30 per hour. Credit analyst salaries range between $40,000 and $93,000 per year.

Average

Credit Analyst

Salary

$61,422Yearly

$29.53

hourly

More credit analyst salary info

What Am I Worth?

How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (19)

How do credit analysts rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Credit Analyst reviews

How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (20)

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019

Cons

Interacting with computer for too long in making decisions in mitigating the risk asset going bad 'bad loan'

How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (21)

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019

Pros

The job is self motivating and result oriented .

Cons

Its very demanding where by you have to closely monitor the portfolio every time and now to be able to report the right information .

Credit Analyst FAQs

Have more questions?

See all answers to common business and financial questions.

Search for credit analyst jobs

Credit Analyst jobs by state

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  • Credit Analyst jobs in Wyoming

Updated April 25, 2024

How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (22)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Updated April 25, 2024

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How To Become A Credit Analyst: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)
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