QA analyst

As a risk management quantitative analyst, you analyse different assets and product markets to help sales representatives or investment officers. You analyse the risks of investing in various markets and measure the risk of loss on assets portfolios.

As a quantitative analyst, you focus on algorithmic trading, which relies on complex mathematical models to assist in pre-programmed trading. You create algorithms that guide automatic trading platforms, which automatically buy and sell stock or shares at predetermined prices or times.

You assist risk management teams in mitigating investment losses. You also develop statistical models and tools to evaluate the potential of an investment.

As a quantitative analyst, you work with traders on the trading floor of an investment bank. You develop models that predict the prices of assets and guide on the shares or stocks to buy and sell. You also develop statistical methods for risk management.

Some of the duties of a quantitative analyst include:

• Researching and analysing financial data: as a QA analyst, you perform extensive investigations to collect relevant data for measuring industry trends. You rely on data collected to create efficient and accurate modelling tools. You also research to make modelling assumptions and decisions.
• Creating quantitative models: as a quantitative analyst, you create or implement complex quantitative models to perform various functions. For instance, you set up and program the quantitative models used in trading stocks by providing specific instructions on how they operate. You also develop statistical tools suitable for the industry you work in.
• Conducting statistical analyses: after collecting the relevant market trends or data and developing modelling tools, you perform data analysis. Your responsibilities involve conducting daily and periodic statistical analyses on various aspects of the business. For instance, you perform risk analysis, default risk modelling and loan valuations for your company.
• Consulting with professionals in various departments: as a QA analyst, you confer with various experts in your sector. For instance, in finance, you consult with other professionals to help them understand industry trends and the overall performance of stocks. You also make presentations to upper management and explain the conclusions of your analysis.
• Testing new modelling tools: when new models are introduced to the market, you test the statistical tools and analytical software. You also make adjustments to the tools to match industry requirements.

Quantitative analysts are employed in various industries, with the majority working in investment banks and financial institutions. Their work involves assisting with analysis and modelling in an office environment. Employers typically provide a comfortable and well-lit workspace with designated areas for brainstorming sessions. As a QA analyst, you spend most of your time indoors, with minimal travel required unless attending a conference or workshop.

Depending on your employer, your colleagues include advisors, financial accountants and finance analysts. You also work alongside financial planners, accountants and controllers. Other professionals you are likely to collaborate with include systems administrators, consultants, data analysts and business analysts.

A full-time quantitative analyst usually works 40 hours a week. There may also be workshops and conferences to attend to improve your knowledge of the role. Most positions in this field are full-time, but part-time opportunities are available as well.

When beginning your career as a junior quantitative analyst, you can specialise in either risk management or algorithmic trading as you enhance your skills and expertise. Some QA analysts move on to become front-office analysts, supporting traders and salespeople in identifying profitable opportunities on trading floors.

Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.

• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• a range of jobs in your area

As a QA analyst, you apply your knowledge of statistical and mathematical methods to assist companies in managing risks. You help companies make complex financial decisions and minimise risks. Your duties involve analysing data and using mathematical models to make predictions or recommendations.

Becoming a quantitative analyst is a rewarding career, but the process of becoming a QA analyst is long. You require a bachelor's degree in statistics and mathematics. You also need knowledge in programming and quantitative modelling gained through certifications. After your bachelor's degree, pursue certifications to become a chartered financial analyst and improve your career prospects.

As a QA analyst, you receive an average salary of €47,000 annually. Your average earnings fluctuate based on experience and educational qualifications. In an entry-level role, you start with a salary of €32,000 per year. As you improve your experience, your compensation package gradually increases, and you can take home over €57,000 annually.

You don’t require coding to become a QA analyst. Most of your duties don't rely on programming, but it is useful when dealing with algorithmic trading applications and other quantitative modelling software. You should learn at least one data science programming language, such as Python and SQL, and have basic knowledge of other programming languages.

Most employers look for quantitative analysts with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, you can join the role without a degree if you have sufficient work experience in the field. Learn programming and data analytics through online courses and boot camps. Building the relevant skills improves your employment prospects.

Finding a job near you as a QA analyst is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.