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Be Better off and take charge of your career
Imagine changing your career to one that changes lives for the better.
Switch to a career in financial planning and discover a profession that brings meaning and purpose, both personally and professionally.
Whether you dream of running your own business or working with an established team, a financial planning career offers flexibility and fulfillment.
What is a financial planner?
The terms Financial Planner and Financial Adviser generally fall under the same category.
These terms encompass a qualified professional who helps to plan and organise a client’s finances to help them reach their goals – whether that be to buy their first home, retire at 60, go on annual overseas holidays or invest in the stock market. These professionals help clients recognise
and understand their financial needs, assisting them in making well-informed financial decisions.
A financial planner or adviser is:
- Authorised to provide personal advice in relation to relevant financial products to consumers.
- An Australian financial services (AFS) licensee, an authorised representative, employee or director of an AFS licensee, or an employee or
director of a related body corporate of an AFS licensee.
This definition is protected by legislation – ensuring that not anyone can call themselves a financial planner or adviser!
Investment advisers and planners only provide advice on specific financial products, often investment and insurance products only. Investment advice does not consider a client’s broader objectives like financial planning or advice does.
Why become a financial adviser?
Shape futures
Help individuals and families stay financially secure through all of life’s twists and turns and view their future with confidence.
Future opportunities
As we prepare for largest transfer of intergenerational wealth ($5 trillion)1 you will play a crucial role in helping people make more informed financial decisions
High demand
With 93% of Australians recognising the value of advice2, the need for professionals is greater
than ever.
Competitive salaries
A career in financial advice offers attractive earning potential, with competitive salaries offered across the profession.
Flexible work
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to shape your career according to your preferences. Whether you envision yourself working with a small or large business or even starting your own practice!
Supportive community
As a member of the FAAA you’ll gain access to the skills, networks, and expertise you need to build your ideal career.
References – 1. CoreData modelling, November 2023. 2. Australians agree: people need financial advice, Colonial First State, March 2024
How to become a financial planner
To become a successful financial adviser, there are several key steps you need to take:
- Complete an approved degree qualification
- Consider becoming a complimentary student member of the FAAA for valuable networking and resources
- Undergo a Professional Year of supervised work
- Successfully pass the Financial Adviser Exam
- Continue learning and development
Find out more via our Careers in Financial Advice page.
Finding qualifications and courses
To become a financial adviser, you must complete an approved Bachelor’s degree or higher, such as a Bachelor degree majoring in financial planning, or Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.
Treasury outlines approved degrees and qualifications that provide the necessary foundation for a career in financial planning.
FAAA members get a discount on postgraduate courses with some providers, learn more here.
Salaries & finding jobs
A career in financial advice offers attractive earning potential, with competitive salaries offered across the profession. Find out what the average Financial Planner salary is via the Financial Planner average salary in Australia for 2024 report.
You can search for jobs in financial planning via:
– FAAA Career Centre
– Seek
– Indeed
– Recruiters and other job listing sites
From gym owner to emerging financial advice professional...
Joel Perryman
Joel is an emerging financial advice professional who has gone from gym owner to Senior Client Relationship Manager.
Being a career changer means Joel has a great perspective of changing careers to one in financial advice, and having completed the Bachelor of Financial Advice at the University of South Australia, he is one step closer to becoming a Financial Adviser.
