In order to become a senior financial analyst, you first have to build an educational foundation and gain experience as a junior financial analyst before you can become a senior financial analyst. A financial analyst conducts a lot of research, watches trends and evaluates historical data to determine moves that should be made with company stocks and other types of investments.

If you are not currently working as a financial analyst, then your first step is to earn a business, finance or accounting degree. You will want to take courses in economics and various types of financial matters that teach you analytical thinking, analysis and research skills. Other areas of study include biology, engineering, physics and computer science. These are undergrad degrees that typically help you get your foot in the door as a junior analyst. If you have your MBA, you can typically skip right over being a junior financial analyst and become a senior financial analyst immediately.

Next, you will want to start to study for two licensing exams that are required to become a senior financial analyst. The first is the Series 7 exam and the second is the Series 63 exam. To become a senior financial analyst, you will need to pass both of these exams to earn these licenses. Once you obtain these licenses, there are also some continuing education courses that you have to take to keep your licenses up-to-date. You will not be able to obtain these licenses until you are employed by a financial firm because a financial firm sponsor is required for an individual to hold these licenses.

Once you have your degree and have started preparing to pass your licensing exams, you can start to look for employment opportunities. Primarily, investment firms hire junior and senior analysts. If you can get hired as a junior financial analyst and gain some experience with the firm then you may be able to become a senior financial analyst with the same company through a promotion or by applying to another company that has an opening.

Insurance companies and other types of financial companies also hire financial analysts. Typically, these types of companies also have a level that separates the junior financial analysts from the opportunity to become a senior financial analyst. A senior financial analyst may have more responsibility than a junior analyst, but when you become a senior financial analyst, you will most likely supervise or be responsible for training or mentoring junior financial analysts with the company.