Begin your financial advisor career

Begin your financial advisor career

1. Complete one of the many government-approved financial advisor courses, like a Bachelor of Business (Finance) or a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance).

2. Tick off a supervised professional year, including a minimum of 1,500 hours of work activities and 100 hours of structured training at a financial advisory organisation that holds an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

3. Pass the financial adviser exam set by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).

4. Join a recognised industry body such as the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) or the Association of Financial Planners (AFA) to pursue relevant certifications.

5. Comply with the Financial Planners and Advisers Code of Ethics 2019 (Code of Ethics).

What does a financial advisor do?

Financial advisors help both individuals and organisations meet their financial goals. To ensure any advice you supply is correct and up-to-date, financial advisors must hold a high level of financial literacy (understanding what finance terms and policies mean) and an in-depth understanding of market performance and investment strategies.

The finance industry is heavily regulated, meaning financial advisor qualifications are essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career as a financial advisor.

Duties and tasks

• Analyse and understand clients’ financial objectives

• Monitor client investments and make recommendations

• Conduct market research and analysis

• Assist clients with managing their money and investments to achieve financial goals

• Follow relevant professional standards and keep abreast of regulatory changes

Industry bodies

Association of Financial Planners (AFA)

Established in 1946, the Association of Financial Planners is the longest-standing association representing financial advisers and their clients in Australia. The AFA’s mission is to encourage financial advice professionals to collaborate, advocate, innovate and learn in order to provide Australians with high-quality financial advice.

Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA)

With over 12,000 members, FPA is Australia’s leading professional association for financial planners. The FPA endeavours to foster high professional standards through continued professional development to best preserve the financial wellbeing of Australians.

The Profession of Independent Financial Advisors (PIFA)

PIFA is home to the PIFA Gold Standard of Independence, which provides practicing members with a symbol as evidence they have satisfied the most stringent standard of independence in the profession.

Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA)

With roughly 8000 members across Australia and New Zealand, FINSIA is the professional not-for-profit membership body for financial services. Their goal is to raise professional standards for those working in the industry through education.

Financial advisor jobs

With the right finance degree, you will be able to explore the following roles:

• Accountant

• Asset manager

• Budget analysts

• Client services manager

• Financial advisor

• Financial analysts

• Financial broker

• Financial consultant

• Investment advisor

• Mortgage broker

• Paraplanner

• Portfolio manager

• Risk analyst

• Stockbroker

• Wealth advisor

Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.