17 Investigative Analyst Skills for Your Career and Resume

Investigative analysts are responsible for conducting research and analysis to support law enforcement investigations. They use a variety of skills to collect and analyze data, which can be used to solve crimes. If you’re interested in a career as an investigative analyst, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Project Management

Project management skills allow investigative analysts to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. They may need to oversee the creation of a report, ensure that all necessary information is collected and reviewed and track any changes in the status of projects. Project management skills can help them stay on top of their workload and meet deadlines.

Attention to Detail

Investigative analysts must be able to pay close attention to details when reviewing evidence and data. This skill is necessary for ensuring that you interpret the information correctly and can provide accurate conclusions about a case. It’s also important to ensure that you have all of the information needed to make an informed decision, which requires attention to detail.

Creativity

Investigative analysts use their creativity to solve problems and find solutions. They often work with data that has no clear answer, so they need to be able to think outside the box to come up with a solution. For example, if an investigation requires them to determine whether someone is telling the truth or lying, they may have to create a unique method of determining this.

Fraud Detection

Fraud detection is the ability to identify when someone has committed a crime. Investigative analysts use their fraud detection skills to help companies and individuals recover from financial crimes, such as embezzlement or identity theft. They also use these skills to find evidence of criminal activity in company records.

Report Writing

Investigative analysts use report writing skills to create detailed documents that summarize their investigation. These reports can include information about the case, such as background details and evidence, as well as conclusions about what happened and recommendations for future action. Investigative analysts may also write memos or emails to communicate with colleagues during an investigation.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is the ability to follow rules and regulations set by governing bodies. Investigative analysts use regulatory compliance skills when they work with confidential information, such as medical records or financial data. Regulatory compliance ensures that investigative analysts protect sensitive information while performing their duties.

Business Knowledge

Investigative analysts need to have a strong understanding of business practices and procedures. This is because they often analyze data related to financial transactions, sales records, budgets and other aspects of company operations. Having knowledge in this area can help investigative analysts interpret the data they review and identify any irregularities that may indicate fraudulent activity.

Investigative Techniques

Investigative analysts use investigative techniques to gather information about a subject. They might research the background of an individual, review their social media accounts or search for any other available data that can help them understand the person’s actions and intentions. Investigative analysts also use investigative techniques when they conduct surveillance on someone. They may follow the subject in order to learn more about their habits and routines.

Auditing

Auditing is the process of reviewing financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Investigative analysts often use auditing skills when examining data from companies or organizations, as they may need to verify that the information is accurate and complete. Auditing can also help investigative analysts determine if a company’s actions are ethical or legal.

Analytical Skills

Investigative analysts use their analytical skills to review and interpret data. They need to be able to identify trends, patterns and inconsistencies in the information they receive. This requires strong attention to detail and an ability to think critically about the information you receive. You also need to be able to evaluate your sources of information and determine which ones are most reliable.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. Investigative analysts use problem solving skills when they find inconsistencies in data or during investigations where they can’t find evidence of wrongdoing. They may also use this skill when they need to explain their findings to others, such as a company’s management team.

Research Skills

Investigative analysts use research skills to find information about their subject. They often need to search through databases, emails and other records to learn more about the individual or company they’re investigating. This requires them to know how to navigate computer systems and online resources effectively so they can find what they need. It also helps if they have a background in library science, which allows them to work with physical archives of information as well.

Financial Analysis

Financial analysis is the ability to interpret financial data and make predictions based on it. Investigative analysts use this skill when reviewing budgets, analyzing expenses and making recommendations for cost-saving measures. It’s also important for investigative analysts to be able to identify trends in their data so they can predict future outcomes.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make logical conclusions. Investigative analysts use critical thinking when evaluating evidence, making inferences about what happened and determining how to proceed with an investigation. This skill allows investigative analysts to find answers quickly and efficiently. It also helps them determine which information is most important so they can focus on the right details during investigations.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is the process by which an investigative analyst can interpret data to find patterns, trends and other useful information. This skill involves using software programs or tools to examine large amounts of data and then identifying what’s important and what isn’t. Data analysis skills are necessary for investigative analysts because they often review large amounts of data during their work.

Organizational Skills

Investigative analysts must be able to organize their work and keep track of files, documents and other information related to a case. They also need to manage their time effectively so they can meet deadlines for reports or presentations while still collecting all the necessary data needed for these projects. Strong organizational skills are important for investigative analysts because it allows them to complete tasks efficiently and ensures they have access to any resources they may need during an investigation.

Risk Management

Risk management is the ability to identify and assess potential risks in a situation. Investigative analysts use risk management skills when they conduct investigations, as they may need to consider how their actions might affect others or lead to legal consequences. For example, if an analyst needs to access private information on a computer system, they may use risk management skills to ensure that they are abiding by privacy laws and company regulations.

How Can I Learn These Investigative Analyst Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the skills necessary to be an investigative analyst. One way is to take courses offered by online or brick-and-mortar colleges. Many colleges offer courses in business, accounting, and finance, which can be helpful for those interested in becoming an investigative analyst. Another way to learn the necessary skills is to read books or articles on the subject. Finally, another way to learn the necessary skills is to work with a mentor who is already an investigative analyst.