What Does a Financial Advisor Do?
A financial advisor helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions about their financial future. By analyzing each client’s financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance, they develop personalized strategies covering investments, retirement planning, tax optimization, estate planning, and insurance needs. Advisors aim to build long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and measurable financial outcomes.
Financial advisors may operate independently or as part of banks, brokerages, or wealth management firms. Their role combines technical financial expertise with people skills, guiding clients through market fluctuations, life changes, and complex financial decisions while staying compliant with industry regulations.
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Financial Advisor Core Responsibilities
- Meet with clients to assess financial goals, risk tolerance, and current portfolios
- Develop customized financial plans including investment, retirement, tax, and estate strategies
- Recommend appropriate financial products such as mutual funds, annuities, or insurance policies
- Monitor client portfolios and provide ongoing reviews and adjustments as needed
- Conduct research on market trends and product performance
- Maintain accurate records in compliance with industry regulations
- Foster long-term client relationships through proactive communication and education
- Stay current with economic developments and regulatory changes
- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., tax, legal, insurance) to ensure integrated planning
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of investment products, retirement accounts, and tax strategies
- Proficiency in financial planning tools and CRM platforms
- Understanding of regulatory bodies (FINRA, SEC) and compliance requirements
- Strong analytical and financial modeling abilities
Soft skills
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Clear and persuasive communication, both written and verbal
- Ethical judgment and client-first mindset
- Strategic thinking with attention to detail
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related field
Certifications
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 (or Series 6 and 63) licenses (required)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) preferred
Other credentials such as ChFC, CPA, or CFA may be advantageous depending on focus area.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in financial planning or advisory services
- Proven success in growing a client book or managing assets under management (AUM)
- Background in estate planning, insurance, or tax strategies
- Experience with fee-based or fiduciary advisory models
National Average Salary
Financial advisor salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Financial Advisor is:
$86,766
Sample Job Description Templates for Financial Advisors
Associate Financial Advisor
Position Overview
We are seeking an Associate Financial Advisor to support client relationship management, financial planning, and administrative tasks within our advisory practice. This entry-level position is ideal for a motivated professional looking to build a long-term career in financial services while gaining exposure to client interactions, planning tools, and compliance processes.
Responsibilities
- Assist senior advisors in preparing financial plans, investment proposals, and presentations
- Conduct preliminary client research and help gather account documentation
- Coordinate client meeting follow-ups, including paperwork and implementation tracking
- Maintain CRM records and ensure data accuracy across client accounts
- Perform market research and assist in preparing reports or portfolio summaries
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of investment products and financial planning principles
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or financial planning software
- Familiarity with FINRA and SEC regulations
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational habits
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Eagerness to learn and take initiative
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or related field
Certifications
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 (or 6 and 63) licenses required (or ability to obtain)
Preferred Qualifications
- 0–2 years of experience in financial services
- Progress toward or interest in earning the CFP designation
Financial Advisor
Position Overview
We are hiring a Financial Advisor to manage a book of clients and deliver personalized financial planning and investment advice. This role requires a self-starter who can build trust, identify client needs, and implement long-term strategies to help clients reach their financial goals.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client discovery meetings to assess financial goals and risk profiles
- Develop and present financial plans tailored to individual needs
- Recommend and implement investment strategies, insurance products, and savings plans
- Monitor portfolios and rebalance or update recommendations as needed
- Cultivate strong, long-term client relationships through consistent communication
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory guidelines and documentation standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of financial products, planning tools, and retirement strategies
- Experience working with investment platforms and CRM systems
- Understanding of risk management and tax planning fundamentals
Soft skills
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
- Excellent presentation and consultation abilities
- Ability to manage client expectations and deliver proactive solutions
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a finance-related discipline
Certifications
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 required
- CFP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in a client-facing advisory role
- Proven ability to manage and grow a book of business
Senior Financial Advisor
Position Overview
Our firm is seeking a Senior Financial Advisor to lead complex financial planning for high-net-worth clients and mentor junior staff. This role combines strategic planning, portfolio oversight, and client relationship development. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor and thought leader within our team.
Responsibilities
- Manage relationships with HNW clients and deliver advanced financial strategies
- Oversee investment performance, tax efficiency, estate planning, and charitable giving
- Collaborate with internal and external partners (CPAs, attorneys) for integrated planning
- Identify growth opportunities and lead client acquisition efforts
- Mentor associate and junior advisors on best practices
- Ensure all activities meet fiduciary standards and regulatory compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced planning experience including trust, estate, and business succession
- Expertise with planning tools and portfolio analysis platforms
- Familiarity with complex investment vehicles and financial modeling
Soft skills
- Executive-level client communication
- Strategic thinking and coaching ability
- High discretion and integrity
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 required
- CFP required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in financial advising or wealth management
- Experience working with clients with $1M+ in investable assets
Lead Advisor
Position Overview
We are hiring a Lead Advisor to direct financial planning strategy, manage key client relationships, and mentor a team of associate and senior advisors. This role is both strategic and client-facing, responsible for ensuring consistent delivery of fiduciary advice across the firm’s client base.
Responsibilities
- Serve as primary advisor for top-tier clients and households
- Oversee the planning and service approach of associate and senior advisors
- Review and refine planning deliverables and client recommendations
- Lead internal team planning sessions and cross-department collaboration
- Contribute to business development and client retention strategy
- Monitor compliance adherence and process improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of investment, tax, insurance, and estate planning strategies
- Experience managing or coaching advisory teams
- Familiarity with multiple custodian platforms and firm workflows
Soft skills
- Confident, polished communicator with high executive presence
- Strong coaching and team-building abilities
- Analytical thinker with the ability to simplify complex strategies
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in financial planning, finance, or related field
- Advanced degree (MBA, MSFP) preferred
Certifications
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 required
- CFP required
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in wealth management
- Experience overseeing a book of business and junior advisory staff
Financial Planner
Position Overview
We are looking for a client-focused Financial Planner to design comprehensive financial strategies that align with individual goals and life events. This role emphasizes holistic, fee-based planning across a wide range of financial domains without focusing on product sales.
Responsibilities
- Conduct discovery meetings to understand client values, priorities, and financial situations
- Prepare and present financial plans covering retirement, education, insurance, and estate strategies
- Analyze scenarios to project long-term financial outcomes and recommend adjustments
- Collaborate with in-house advisors or third-party professionals to implement plan components
- Schedule periodic reviews to revise plans as client needs evolve
- Ensure accuracy and compliance across all documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in financial planning software (eMoney, NaviPlan, MoneyGuidePro)
- Understanding of cash flow analysis, tax implications, and retirement modeling
- Strong documentation and compliance practices
Soft skills
- Patient, process-driven approach
- High emotional intelligence and listening ability
- Ability to educate and empower clients
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in financial planning, accounting, or economics
Certifications
- CFP required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years working in a planning-specific role
- Experience with fee-only or fiduciary advisory models