Considering a career as a Financial Advisor?
 
Being a Financial Adviser can be a hugely rewarding career path. As well as delivering guidance to help clients make important decisions about their financial futures, advisers also spend much of their time nurturing client relationships and building trust. 
 
Financial Advisor jobs are available at several levels. There are established routes to this role for apprentices or graduates, while there are many ways to transition to this career from other paths.
 
Here we discuss how to secure Financial Advisor jobs, including the skills and qualifications you'll need.#

 

Financial Advisor jobs | Job titles

There are several roles that fall under the 'Financial Advisor' umbrella, from junior to senior positions. Your level of experience and transferrable skills will determine the positions you can apply for.
 
Here are some common titles to look out for when applying for Financial Advisor jobs:
 
Entry-level and junior positions 

• Financial Planning Administrator 
• Financial Services Administrator
• Wealth Management Administrator
• Financial Support Apprentice 
• Apprentice Financial Advisor
• Trainee Financial Advisor
• Junior Financial Advisor
• Paraplanner

 
Mid-level positions 

• Financial Advisor
• Wealth Manager

 
Senior positions

• Senior Financial Advisor
• Chartered Financial Advisor 
• Senior Wealth Manager
• Certified Financial Planner
• Financial Services Assistant Director
• Financial Services Director

 
There are two forms of Financial Advisor: independent and restricted. 
 
Independent Financial Advisers must give information about a wide range of products and plans, and must not favour any particular financial institution.
 
Restricted Financial Advisers can provide advice on a limited range of products, usually from just one financial services company. 
 
In both instances, advisers must declare what kind of advice they can give before working with a client. 

 

Financial Advisor jobs | Skills
 

Strong people skills

Financial Advisers act in the best interest of their clients. To do that, they need to understand personal circumstances, goals, challenges and intentions. This requires a strong set of communication skills like active listening, focus, empathy, and verbal communication. 
 

Market knowledge 

Advisers must always provide insights that reflect current financial market trends. They must be reactive to help reassure and provide the best support to their clients. For that reason, knowledge of economics and financial markets is a must. Keeping up to date with new financial products and their implications for customers is essential. 
 

Business management skills

Often, Financial Advisers must negotiate the best deals for their clients. This involves strong business acumen and building excellent links with financial product providers. 

 

Financial Advisor jobs | Qualifications 

 While there is no singular route to becoming a Financial Advisor, gaining relevant qualifications or industry experience is essential. 
 
Here are some qualifications that could help you secure Financial Advisor jobs.
 

Financial Advisor Apprenticeship 

Many financial organisations offer apprenticeships to school leavers. This allows them to gain hands-on industry experience while also studying for a degree-level qualification. 
 

Accounting and Finance degree

Having a degree in Accounting and Finance can help with securing Financial Advisor jobs.
 
Relevant courses include:

• Accounting and Finance (BA)
• Finance and Mathematics (BSc)
• Banking and Finance (BSc)
• Corporate Financial Management (MSc)

 
Chartership
To boost your chance of securing the top Financial Advisor roles, it's worth exploring chartership. Chartered Financial Planners and Financial Advisers must pass a series of 14 examinations overseen by the Chartered Insurance Institue.
 
 

Financial Advisor jobs | Career transition 

It is not uncommon to transition to financial planning from an established career in another field. Teachers, ex-military, managers from most disciplines, engineers, lawyers and other professionals can make excellent Financial Advisers. 
 
Currently, the industry is keen to develop the next generation of financial planners. Employers are more prepared to work with applicants from unrelated industries and support their development. Usually, candidates that fit this category will need secure a diploma via the Chartered Insurance Institute, which is estimated to take 570 hours (roughly 11 weeks) to complete. 
 
Demonstrating essential skills plus a willingness to learn will help career changers quickly rise from junior roles to more senior positions.
 
 

Financial Advisor jobs | Final thoughts

While technical knowledge is essential, a nuanced understanding of clients' needs is required to stand out as a financial advisor of any level. 
 
When applying for roles, make sure you're able to get across precisely the points you want to by refining your interview technique.
 
 

Next steps

Ready to begin or expand your career as a financial advisor? Take a look at the financial advisor jobs available now (type' financial adviser' or 'wealth management into the search bar).