What You'll Do

  • Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
  • Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
  • Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
  • Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
  • Prepare or interpret for clients information, such as investment performance reports, financial document summaries, or income projections.
  • Guide clients in the gathering of information, such as bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plans, or wills.
  • Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
  • Meet with clients' other advisors, such as attorneys, accountants, trust officers, or investment bankers, to fully understand clients' financial goals and circumstances.
  • Devise debt liquidation plans that include payoff priorities and timelines.
  • Open accounts for clients, and disburse funds from accounts to creditors as agent for clients.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.12/5
Active Listening 4.12/5
Speaking 4.0/5
Writing 3.88/5
Critical Thinking 3.75/5
Mathematics 3.62/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.62/5
Service Orientation 3.62/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.62/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.62/5
Persuasion 3.38/5
Systems Analysis 3.38/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.

Common styles

Integrity, Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, Dependability, Concern for Others

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Written Comprehension 4.0/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Speech Clarity 4.0/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.88/5
Written Expression 3.75/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.75/5
Number Facility 3.75/5

Technologies & Tools

ACT! ACT4Advisors Advent Axys AdviceAmerica AdvisorVision Advisory World ICE ASI Client Acquisition Solution Asset allocation software Automatic Data Processing ProxyEdge Brentmark Stock Option Risk Analyzer Cabinet NG CNG-SAFE Cheshire Financial Planning Suite ComplianceMAX Corel QuattroPro Cygnus IncomeMax DataViz Beyond Contacts Education planning software EISI NaviPlan eMoneyAdvisor AdvisorPlatform Estate Capitol Needs Analysis Estate planning software ExpenseWatch

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Integrity (High importance: 4.92/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.69/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.58/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.54/5)
  • Concern for Others (High importance: 4.5/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Account Manager Asset Analyst Asset Manager Budget Counselor Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Client Advisor Credit Counselor Debt Counselor Estate Planner Estate Planning Counselor Estate Trustee Finance Consultant Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Associate Financial Agent Financial Consultant Financial Coordinator Financial Counselor Financial Investment Adviser Financial Investment Advisor Financial Life Planner Financial Planner Financial Relationship Consultant Financial Retirement Plan Specialist Financial Solutions Advisor Fiscal Specialist Individual Pension Adviser Individual Pension Consultant Insurance Advisor Insurance Consultant Investment Advisor Investment Consultant Investment Counselor Investment Representative (Investment Rep) Money Manager Patient Financial Counselor Pension Advisor Pension Consultant Personal Banker Personal Financial Advisor Personal Financial Counselor Personal Financial Planner Personal Investment Advisor Portfolio Manager Private Client Advisor Private Wealth Management Associate (PWM Associate) Securities Consultant Securities Counselor Socially Responsible Investment Advisor (SRI Advisor) Strategist Wealth Advisor Wealth Management Advisor Wealth Management Associate Wealth Manager