Financial Adviser Jobs

Exchange Street Executive Search is one of the leading recruiters in the UK for financial adviser jobs.

What are Financial Adviser Jobs?

Financial advisers provide clients with advice on financial matters, making recommendations on ways to best utilise their money. A financial adviser job involves advising clients on products and services available, ensuring they are aware of, and understand, those that best meet their needs, and then securing a sale.

Financial adviser jobs may specialise in particular products, depending on their clients, e.g. selling employee pension schemes to companies, or offering mortgage, pension or investment advice to private clients. Others are generalists, offering advice to clients in all of these areas, plus savings plans and insurance.

Typical tasks for financial adviser jobs include:

contacting clients and setting up meetings

conducting in-depth reviews of clients’ financial circumstances

analysing information and preparing plans best suited to individual clients' requirements

designing financial strategies

providing clients with information on new and existing products and services

assisting clients to make informed decisions

talking to groups and individuals about personal finance

researching information from various sources, including providers of financial products

promoting and selling financial products to meet given or negotiated sales targets

producing financial reports

researching information from various sources, including providers of financial products

promoting and selling financial products to meet given or negotiated sales targets

producing financial reports

Some financial adviser jobs offer regular office hours, although flexibility is required as some clients may require evening and weekend meetings. Working from home is common.

Types of Financial Adviser Jobs

Currently there are three types of financial adviser jobs:

tied financial advisers, who work for one organisation, such as a bank, building society or insurance company, and sell only their products

multi-tied financial advisers, who are permitted to sell several companies’ products

independent financial advisers (IFAs), who can advise on any company's products and by law, must provide clients with the most suitable advice

Skills & Personal Qualities required in Financial Adviser Jobs:

strong communication and listening skills

the ability to explain complex information simply and clearly

the ability to network and establish relationships with clients

persuasiveness, determination and tenacity

the ability to work in a team

self-motivation and organisation

high levels of numeracy

a target-driven mindset

accuracy and attention to detail

an understanding of the need for client confidentiality

willingness to adhere to strict codes of professional conduct

Entry Requirements for Financial Adviser Jobs

Although financial adviser jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, the subjects of accountancy; finance; business studies/administration/management; financial services; risk management, may improve your chances.

The first stage for any financial adviser job, and one demanded by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), is to pass the Certificate in Financial Planning (CFP).

Personality and people skills can be more important than qualifications. Individual employers set their own entry standards for their financial adviser jobs and not all require a higher education qualification.

Evidence of commercial awareness acquired through a relevant vacation, longer-term placement or related opportunity is an advantage.

Typical Clients for Financial Adviser Jobs

Clients may be:

private individuals

corporate organisations

specific groups, e.g., societies

Salaries and Benefits for Financial Adviser Jobs

Many financial adviser jobs offer a low basic salary plus commission on sales made. These figures are only intended as a guide: (salary data collected Aug 09)

Typical starting salaries for financial adviser jobs: £15,000 - £25,000

Typical salaries for experienced financial adviser jobs: £22,000 - £55,000

Typical salaries for very successful tied financial adviser jobs could earn between £70,000 and £120,000

To see our range of financial adviser jobs browse our list here.