Financial analysts are typically entry-level employees responsible for evaluating data and providing financial advice, while associates manage teams of analysts and offer advice on more advanced financial practices. Analysts work in various environments, including insurance companies and banks, and perform duties such as researching financial standing and creating reports. Associates analyze financial data to help companies with high-level corporate decisions and also take part in accounting tasks to improve their departments. The key differences between an analyst and an associate include education and delegation of duties, with analysts requiring a Bachelor‘s degree and associates requiring a Master‘s in business administration or other advanced post-graduate degrees.