Financial reporting analysts are usually responsible for gathering and analyzing financial data for an organization. In most cases, these professionals consult financial executives on how best to plan for the future. They might also prepare financial statements that are used in external auditing processes. While this kind of professional might work as an in-house professional in a finance or accounting department, a financial reporting analyst might also work for a financial consulting firm. In these cases, a financial reporting analyst often is contracted by an organization that needs assistance preparing documents for external or internal audits.