ROLES IN FINANCIAL ADVICE
What does a financial adviser do?
There are a variety of roles within the profession, all of which are crucial in the process of helping clients view their future with confidence. Back office roles also provide an excellent opportunity to better understand and experience the financial advice process in practice as you undertake your Professional Year (PY).
Effectively, financial advisers help individuals and families make informed decisions about their money and long-term financial goals. Financial adviser job duties include providing advice on:
- Budgeting
- Investing
- Superannuation
- Retirement planning
- Insurance
- Wealth protection
The functions of a financial adviser are to:
- Assess a client’s financial situation
- Identify risks and opportunities
- Create tailored strategies to help them build, manage, and protect their wealth over time.
- Ensure all advice meets regulatory and ethical standards.
Which role would suit your skill set?
CLIENT SERVICES OFFICER
A Client Services Officer works closely with professionals performing other roles in financial advice, including advisers and planners, to ensure clients receive high-quality service. They act as a liaison between clients and the financial planning team, providing administrative and operational support to maintain efficient service delivery. This role is ideal for those starting out and wanting hands-on exposure to financial adviser duties and the broader financial adviser role.
You will be
- A team player
- An organiser
- A multi-tasker and logical thinker
- A great communicator
Education Level
High school or Cert IV in Financial Services
PARAPLANNER
Paraplanners play a key technical role within financial advice practice, handling administrative and technical tasks for advisers. Financial planner duties include:
- Assisting in preparing financial plans
- Conducting research and ensuring compliance with regulations
- Managing behind-the-scenes responsibilities
Paraplanners enable financial planners to focus on building client relationships and providing strategic advice. Their responsibilities align closely with core financial consultant duties, without direct client management.
You will be
- A problem solver
- A numbers and stats whizz
- Solutions focussed
- Detail orientated
Education Level
High school or Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning
ASSOCIATE PLANNER OR JUNIOR FINANCIAL PLANNER
An Associate Financial Planner provides support to senior financial planners by preparing financial plans, conducting research, and liaising with clients. This role is ideal for those aiming to become fully qualified financial planners while benefiting from the mentorship of more experienced professionals.
You will be
- A relationship builder
- Curious with a growth mindset
- Up to date on the technical detail
- Articulate
Education Level
Degree qualified (Financial Planning)
FINANCIAL PLANNER OR SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISER
What do financial advisers do? They work directly with clients to create personalised financial plans that help them achieve their goals, such as retirement planning, saving for education, or buying a home. The financial adviser role includes:
- Assessing financial goals and risk tolerance
- Creating tailored financial strategies
- Investment strategies and retirement advice
- Reviewing and adjusting plans over time
- Ensuring compliance with financial adviser requirements
- Providing ongoing guidance
You will be
- A strategic thinker
- A mentor for new advisers
- A life-long learner
- Committed to compliance and ethical standards
Education Level
Degree qualified (Financial Planning) and consider becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional
OFFICE/PRACTICE MANAGER
An office/practice manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a financial planning practice, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. This varies, however, and often includes administrative tasks, project management, HR tasks and facility management.
You will be
- A problem solver
- A good communicator
- Efficient with your time
- Able to manage multiple projects at once
Education Level
Degree qualified (Business)
BUSINESS OWNER
A financial planning business owner is often a current or previous financial planner who has progressed to running their own practice. They are responsible for overseeing the operations, strategy and overall success as well as over seeing financial management, marketing, hiring and strategic planning.
You will be
- An experienced adviser
- Dynamic
- Honest and trustworthy
- Able to work well under pressure
Education Level
Degree qualified (Financial Planning) and consider becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional
*Salary guides above are based on the Hays Salary Guide FY25/26 for NSW and do not include Superannuation Guarantee.
How to find roles and candidates
Candidates
How to find roles…
Use the FAAA Career Centre to create a profile and upload your resume so potential employers can find you.
Don’t forget to visit your university hub for career opportunities in your local area!
Practice your interview technique with confidence...
Get ready for any interview with KAIT, a conversational AI tool From Striver, to boost your confidence and interview Skills. You will receive a customised feedback report from KAIT.
PY Supervisors
How to find candidates…
Don’t forget to connect with universities to find other students studying financial planning!
Use the Striver platform to find candidates who are a perfect fit for your practice. You can see how each graduate is progressing in their workplace or education, and manage feedback!
Practice your interview style with confidence...
Get ready for any interview with KAIT, a conversational AI tool created by Striver, to ensure you get the best out of your potential PY candidates. You will receive a customised feedback report from KAIT.
Summary
What does a financial adviser do? Across all roles, financial adviser duties and responsibilities centre on helping clients make informed financial decisions while operating within strict professional and ethical standards. Whether you are studying financial advice, entering the profession, or aiming to become a senior adviser, the financial advice career path offers clear progression, strong demand, and long-term stability.
