Are you looking for a financial advisor job but struggling to write the best resume for your upcoming job application? Do you know what it takes to capture the hiring manager’s attention? Worry not because you are in the right place. We will help you land your job of choice in just a few topics.
Our article will cover all the aspects of a financial advisor’s job, i.e., skills, education, knowledge, experience, and roles and responsibilities. It also has two resume examples and a resume FAQ section to guide you through your upcoming job application. We hope that you will understand what lies ahead and prepare the best resume for your job application by the end of the article.
Financial Advisor Job Description
Financial advisors spend most of their time recommending appropriate financial planning strategies that match customers’ risk tolerance and financial objectives. These professionals also manage and update customer portfolios, build and maintain a satisfied client base, conduct extensive market research, and secure stocks and bonds on behalf of clients.
This role requires knowledge of financial options, an in-depth understanding of all industry regulations, financial planning expertise, and familiarity with different industries, including insurance and securities. Additional requirements include excellent time management, organization, communication, and market analysis skills.
Financial Advisor Roles and Responsibilities
- Building and maintaining excellent beneficial relationships with customers
- Determining different clients’ income, expenses, assets, risk tolerance, and financial objectives through individual meetings
- Offering sound advice to clients on products and services, including stock options, debt management tools, insurance coverage, and investments
- Abiding by all industry, local, state, and federal regulations when moving money from accounts
- Staying current with financial trends through extensive market research
- Observing all the rules and regulations of the finance industry in fulfillment of duties
- Looking out for the client’s interest at all times
- Preparing and presenting different financial documents, e.g., investment reports and income projections
- Establishing progressive savings accounts for clients
- Securing stocks and bonds on behalf of the clients
- Promptly answering client queries regarding financial plans and strategies
- Offering financial advice tailored toward clients’ financial objectives, risk tolerance, and insurance coverage
- Regularly advising clients on the best cash management and investment planning strategies
- Helping clients reach their financial objectives through strategic planning and monitoring
- Managing and regularly updating client portfolios
- Building and maintaining a satisfied client base
- Referring clients to professionals capable of helping them out
- Implementing sound financial plans approved by the client
- Drafting and interpreting different financial documents summaries for their client base
- Keeping in touch with clients to identify and discuss any changes in their financial status
- Completing risk analyses before advising clients on investment options and plans
- Helping clients make informed decisions regarding their finances, insurance, and investments
- Informing clients of new changes in regulations affecting their savings and investments
- Meeting all regulatory aspects of the job
- Researching, networking, and keeping up to date with all financial products and legislation
Financial Advisor Required Knowledge and Skills
- High levels of commercial awareness gained from experience
- In-depth knowledge of financial planning and investment strategies
- Ability to analyze and present market data
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- In-depth understanding of all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as employer and industry requirements
- In-depth knowledge of loans, investments, stock, and other financial options
- Excellent data analysis skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Knowledge of different industries, e.g., insurance, mutual funds, and securities
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, i.e., Word, Excel, etc.
- Familiarity with financial planning software
- Excellent database administration skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Excellent time management skills
- Solid organization skills
- Ability to accurately assess customer needs
- Excellent analytical thinking skills
- Effective sales skills
- Computer and IT proficiency
- Active listening skills
- Ability to explain complex information in simple terms
- Ability to establish excellent relationships with clients
- Excellent networking skills
- Ability to fit in and work in team settings
- Excellent customer service skills
- Appreciation of the need for client confidentiality
- High levels of professionalism and ethics
- Flexible approach to work
- Excellent numeracy and math skills
- Superb research skills
- Excellent equity analysis skills
- Ability to generate accurate financial reports
- High levels of accountability
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Excellent stress management skills
- Excellent financial analysis skills
Financial Advisor Education and Experience
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Commerce, or any related field
- Proven experience in the finance industry, be it in sales, business management, or a finance position
- Proven experience as a financial controller, planner, analyst, or specialist
- Relevant industry certifications
- Experience in strategic financial planning
- Experience using financial forecasting and analysis software
- Experience working well under pressure
- Experience offering sound and actionable financial advice to companies or clients
- Extensive customer service experience
Financial Advisor Salary
Financial advisors are paid pretty well, according to reputable sites such as Glassdoor. These professionals earn $100,000+ annually with an average pay of approximately $112,000. In fact, companies such as Edward Jones and Merrill Lynch pay roughly $150,000 and 154,000, respectively, annually.
Financial Advisor Resume Example 1
Rodney Orlando
Physical address: 50 W Monroe Road, Hacienda Heights, CA, 92453
Email address: orlandorodney45@gmail.con
Phone number: (850) 690- 9043
Personal Profile
Financial advisor with 10+ years of experience in financial planning and analysis, ready to build and maintain excellent and beneficial relationships with clients. Financial expert with in-depth knowledge and understanding of financial options and investment strategies for excellent financial advice. Avid team worker with effective sales, presentation, and customer service skills, willing to go the extra mile for client satisfaction.
Work Experience
06/2019- 10/2022, Senior Financial Advisor, Rosewood Financial Services, Tampa, Florida
- Regularly reviewed statements and prepared activity reports for 100+ clients
- Reviewed financial statements from 10 investment firms to ensure accuracy and 100% compliance with local, industry, and federal regulations
- Used interest rates, dividends, and 5+ other factors to forecast the amount of income to be received by clients over time, helping them make good financial decisions
- Offered financial advice on 5+ areas, including insurance policies and taxes, to high-net-worth clients for excellent financial planning purposes
- Offered financial planning services, e.g., retirement plans development and budget management to 100+ individual clients monthly
- Used the company’s portfolio builder to develop detailed financial plans promptly
04/2016- 05/2019, Financial Advisor, Purview International, San Diego, CA
- Offered personalized services to every client, increasing client satisfaction from 85% to 96%
- Built and maintained excellent professional relationships with 150+ clients, offering advice on $200M+ worth of investments
- Used cold calling to book 10- 15 prospect meetings per week, widening the company’s customer base
- Developed customized financial strategies capable of meeting clients’ financial needs by profiling and analyzing viable investment products
- Mentored five new team members on insurance options, best practices, and due diligence procedures
02/2013- 03/2016, Associate Financial Advisor, Tower Heights Internationals, San Jose, CA
- Streamlined office management and customer service by creating and implementing new internal systems
- Collaborated with six associate financial advisors for the proper functioning of the office
- Ensured thorough execution and documentation of action items for 50+ clients monthly
- Assisted five senior financial advisors with data collection and financial planning
- Helped clients reach their financial goals through strategic plans, products, and investment recommendations
- Named the best associate financial advisor in 2015 for bringing in the highest number of clients
Education
- 03/2007- 06/2011, Bachelor of Science in Business- Finance, University of San Francisco, CA
- 05/2004- 06/2006, San Jose College Preparatory School, San Jose, CA
Skills
- Languages
- Spanish
- French
- English
Hard Skills
- Business development
- Client relationship management
- Marketing
- Research
- Forecasting
- Financial Analysis
- Equity analysis
- Financial planning
- Financial needs evaluation
- Sales
- Portfolio management
- Risk management
- Investing
- Financial reports generation
- Insurance
- Microsoft Excel
- Strategic planning
Soft Skills
- Attention to details
- Stress management
- Organization
- Time management
- Active listening
- Verbal and written communication
- Customer service
- Dependability
- Conflict
- Empathy
- Problem-solving
Certifications
- 06/2016, Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Financial Analyst Institute
- 05/2013, Certified Public Accountant Certification, American Institute I’d Certified Public Accountants
Financial Advisor CV Example 2
Ramona Badalona
Physical address: 9010 Albany Avenue, Cerritos, CA 96785
Email address: badaloniramona15@gmail.com
Phone number: (920) 786- 9085
Personal Profile
Financial expert with an in-depth understanding of local, state, federal, and industry regulations and financial options ready to apply strategic financial planning skills to enhance clients’ financial and investment stability. Self-motivated team player with advanced data analysis and client assessment skills needed to offer sound financial advice. Self-motivated and hardworking professional familiar with 5+ financial-related industries, including insurance and mutual funds.
Work Experience
09/2019- 10/2022 Financial Advisor, Avenue Financial Services, Sacramento, California
- Advised clients on assets totaling $400M, helping them effectively manage their wealth
- Managed and trained ten staff members, including junior financial advisors and associates, on accounting principles and best practices
- Regularly communicated with the senior portfolio manager regarding portfolio updates for successful clients’ accounts management
- Met individually with 50+ clients monthly to determine their risk tolerance, assets, financial objectives, and income
- Adhered to all local, state, federal, and industry regulations when moving money from client accounts
- Built and maintained a strong client base by identifying and pursuing 50+ clients monthly
- Offered strategic advice on 10+ products and services, including insurance coverage, investments, and debt management options
03/2016- 05/2019, Financial Analyst, Rodewave’s Business Group, Oakland, California
- Offered financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting support to a $60M firm
- Regularly produced three monthly reports, i.e., financial results, key metrics, and variance reporting, and shared them with management
- Performed extensive research and regularly networked with 10+ senior industry professionals to stay abreast of new investment policies, industry regulations, and best practices
- Performed due diligence on investment projects totaling $30M in revenue
- Regularly collaborated with 10+ accounting staff to create and maintain a detailed accounting database for proper decision-making
- Supported business strategies by offering sound financial advice on budgeting decisions
04/2012- 08/2015, Financial Planner, Raspberry Internationals, San Diego, CA
- Regularly evaluated 5+ clients’’ financial documents, e.g., liabilities, expenses, and income, before coming up with strategic plans
- Offered investment planning, insurance, financial support, and guidance to 100+ clients monthly
- Prepared detailed financial and business analysis reports regularly and shared them with clients and management
- Built excellent relationships with 10+ new clients monthly, offering them financial support and guidance and increasing business profitability
- Attended 10+ annual conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest practices, regulations, and financial products
- Increased team efficiency and operations by pioneering 5+ Excel tracking systems
- Observed 100% adherence to industry, local, state, and federal laws and regulations when moving clients’ money during fundings, transfers, and wires.
Education
- 03/2008- 05/2011, Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Finance Option), Santa Clara University, CA
- 03/2005- 06/2007, San Diego Senior High School, San Diego, CA
Skills
- Languages
- Italian
- English
- French
Hard Skills
- Wealth management
- Business development
- Client relationship management
- Financial planning
- Forecasting
- Research
- Financial needs evaluation
- Financial Analysis
- Market analysis
- Presentation
- MS Excel
- Portfolio management
- Investing
- Financial reports generation
- Strategic planning
- Goal-setting
Soft Skills
- Stress management
- Persuasion
- Organizational
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Accountability
- Active listening
- Interpersonal
- Verbal and written communication
- Customer service
- Dependability
- Honesty
- Ability to work under pressure
Certifications
- 07/2015, Personal Financial Specialist Certification, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- 05/2013, Certified Public Accountant Certification, American Institute I’d Certified Public Accountants
Financial Advisor Resume Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Technical Skills Should I Write in My Financial Advisor’s Resume?
Technical Skills are important for your resume as they prove that you can perform job-related tasks and use job-specific tools and programs. Here are some of the best recommendations for a competitive resume: business development, client relationship management, financial reports generation, presentation, Microsoft Office Suite, risk management, insurance, market analysis, finance, financial analysis, sales, equity analysis, excellent portfolio management skills, risk assessment, and wealth management skills.
Additional technical skills include the ability to come up with accurate/ near-accurate forecasts, financial planning, strategic planning, financial needs evaluation, financial analysis, sales, and goal-setting skills. Please find out the specific skills that the hiring manager needs in an employee by reviewing the specific job listing and including them first. Lastly, include some of these skills in your work experience section.
2. Which Keywords Should My Resume Have?
Your resume should be optimized for applicant tracking systems that check for certain words and phrases that describe specific job requirements. Keywords can be the expertise, skills, abilities, and values a hiring manager wants in a recruit. Even though your job listing will give you the best keywords worthy of including in your resume, here are a few additional recommendations: corporate finance, business development, sales, management, finance, financial analysis, investments, financial advisory, financial services, financial planning, portfolio management, banking, risk management, and insurance.
Additional keywords include entrepreneurship, rapport building, financial advising, compliance, relationship management, annuities, planning, strategic planning, statistics, wealth management, forecasts, research analysis, market analysis, investing, stocks, loans, MS Excel, presentation, financial reports, and customer service. Make sure that these keywords are evenly spread in your resume to avoid having an over-stuffed resume.
3. Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Unlike technical skills, soft skills are all about employee interaction and cohesion. They are personal traits and interpersonal skills that dictate one person’s relationship with others. Some of the best technical skills for a financial advisor’s resume include attention to detail, verbal and written communication, stress management, organization, problem-solving, time management, accountability, ability to work well under pressure, persistence, confidence, and high levels of dependability.
Additional technical skills include empathy, excellent customer service, people, interpersonal communication, multitasking, prioritization, presentation, critical thinking, resilience, flexibility, and excellent collaboration skills. Like with technical skills, infuse some of these skills in your work experience section to show the interviewer that you can perform.
4. Which Certifications Can I Pursue and Include in My Financial Advisor Resume?
Here are some of the best financial advisor certifications worth pursuing and including in your resume:
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) – This credential is offered by the revered American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as a Certified Public Accountant certification, but with extras such as financial and wealth management. It covers insurance, estate planning, investing, retirement, and personal financial planning. However, one must have at least three years of work experience, high ethical standards, and continuing professional education.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)- This certification by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc has four main requirements, i.e., experience, ethics, education, and examination. Completing the coursework and exam requires 1000 hours, and applicants must also meet the Fitness Standards for Candidates and Registrants.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification– This CFA Institute’s certification covers investment research and portfolio management, which are some of the key responsibilities of financial advisors. It requires at least 48 months of professional experience, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and three examinations on topics in economics, ethics, accounting, mathematics, and finance.
Other certifications worth considering include CPA (Certified Public Accountant), ChFC (chartered financial consultant), RIA (registered investment advisor), and IAR (Investment Adviser Representative), among others.
5. How Should I Showcase My Skills in My Financial Advisor Resume?
There are two main ways of showcasing your skills in any resume. The first and easiest is to make a list of skills and divide it into soft and hard skills, which are both needed for job success, or you can include your skills in different resume sections, such as your professional summary or work experience. The second means will help you prove to the interviewer that you can apply your skills in real life.