What Does a Financial Adviser Do? Finance Career Pathways and Jobs in Australia

Empower people to achieve their financial goals and secure their future.

Financial advisers play a critical role in helping individuals, families, and businesses make informed financial decisions. They combine analytical skill, empathy, and strategic insight to guide clients through wealth creation, investment management, retirement planning, and insurance protection.

At Fuse Recruitment, we connect qualified financial advisers and emerging wealth professionals with leading advice firms, superannuation funds, and financial institutions across Australia. Whether you’re an experienced adviser or looking to take the next step in your financial services career, we’ll help you find a role that supports your professional growth and client impact.

What Does a Financial Adviser Do?

Financial advisers assess clients’ financial circumstances and provide tailored advice to help them reach their goals. Their role is part technical, part relationship management, requiring an understanding of investment markets, superannuation, tax, and compliance frameworks.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Conducting client meetings to assess financial goals and risk profiles
• Developing personalised financial plans and investment strategies
• Recommending superannuation, insurance, and investment products
• Ensuring all advice complies with ASIC and FASEA regulations
• Managing client relationships through ongoing reviews and portfolio updates
• Liaising with paraplanners, compliance teams, and product providers
• Staying informed about legislative changes and market conditions

Depending on the firm, advisers may specialise in areas such as wealth accumulation, retirement planning, risk protection, or holistic financial advice.

Common Work Environments

Financial advisers work across a variety of professional settings, including:

• Financial planning and advisory firms – providing tailored advice to retail and high-net-worth clients
• Superannuation and investment firms – offering in-house advice to members and investors
• Banks and financial institutions – delivering wealth management and insurance solutions
• Accounting and multidisciplinary practices – providing integrated tax and financial services
• Corporate advisory and consulting firms – advising business clients on structure, investment, and succession planning

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are increasingly common, with many advisers managing client portfolios across digital and face-to-face channels.

Financial Adviser Salaries in Australia

Salaries for financial advisers vary depending on experience, client base, and remuneration model (salary, commission, or hybrid).

Recent data shows financial advisers in Australia typically earn between $90,000 and $150,000 per year, with senior advisers and principals earning significantly more.

Earnings often include performance-based incentives, particularly in private wealth and self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) advisory.

Employment Outlook and Industry Demand

Financial advice remains a cornerstone of Australia’s financial services sector, with demand continuing to rise despite ongoing regulatory change and adviser shortages.

Key factors driving demand include:

• Industry reform and adviser exits – the shrinking pool of qualified advisers has increased opportunities for new entrants
• Superannuation growth – as funds expand, so does the need for in-house and external advice capability
• Wealth transfer – an estimated $3.5 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer is driving demand for holistic financial advice
• Digital advice and hybrid models – technology is enhancing adviser efficiency, allowing more focus on client relationships
• Rising consumer confidence in advice – increased transparency and ethical standards are rebuilding trust in the profession

The financial advice industry is forecast to grow steadily over the next decade, with a strong need for technically proficient and client-focused advisers.

Skills and Qualifications

To work as a financial adviser in Australia, professionals must meet educational and ethical standards set by ASIC and the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).

Common qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning, Commerce, or Finance (mandatory for new entrants)
• Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (for experienced advisers transitioning to new standards)
• Professional accreditation through the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) or equivalent body
• Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain compliance

Key skills and attributes:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Analytical and strategic financial planning ability
• Comprehensive understanding of superannuation, investment, and insurance products
• Ethical decision-making and compliance awareness
• Confidence with financial modelling and CRM software

Advisers who blend technical knowledge with empathy and communication excel in building lasting client relationships.

Career Progression and Pathways

Financial advice offers diverse career pathways across individual, corporate, and institutional environments.

Typical progression includes:

• Associate Adviser / Paraplanner – supporting advice preparation and compliance documentation
• Financial Adviser – managing client relationships and providing holistic advice
• Senior Financial Adviser – leading complex portfolios and mentoring junior advisers
• Practice Principal / Partner – managing or owning an advisory firm
• Specialist Adviser – focusing on SMSF, aged care, or high-net-worth portfolios

With additional study or licensing, advisers can transition into roles such as Compliance Manager, Practice Development Consultant, or Head of Advice.

Industry Insights: What’s Shaping the Future of Financial Advice

Professionalisation of the Industry
The introduction of higher education and ethical standards is elevating the reputation of financial advice, positioning it as a trusted profession alongside law and accounting.

Technology and Personalisation
Digital tools and data analytics are enhancing advice delivery, enabling more efficient, client-specific strategies through hybrid service models.

Evolving Client Demographics
The next generation of investors prioritises transparency, accessibility, and sustainable investing, prompting advisers to adopt more modern, values-driven approaches.

Key Industries and Clients We Work With

Fuse Recruitment partners with financial planning firms, licensees, and superannuation providers across Australia, including:

• Boutique and independent advisory practices
• National dealer groups and licensees
• Superannuation and investment firms
• Accounting and financial services practices
• Private wealth and corporate advisory firms

We recruit for both permanent and contract positions, helping employers secure trusted professionals who deliver compliant, client-first advice.

Supporting a Boutique Wealth Firm’s Expansion

Fuse Recruitment partnered with a Melbourne-based boutique advisory firm during a period of rapid client growth.

The client required an experienced financial adviser to manage a growing portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and family groups, with a focus on holistic wealth and retirement planning.

Fuse identified and placed a candidate with strong technical knowledge, FASEA accreditation, and a relationship-driven approach. The placement allowed the firm to expand its client base and maintain exceptional service standards during a crucial growth phase.

Why Work With Fuse Recruitment

At Fuse Recruitment, we understand that great advice begins with great advisers. Our Financial Services recruitment specialists connect professionals with firms that value integrity, compliance, and long-term client relationships.

We provide:

• Access to financial adviser and paraplanner roles nationwide
• Opportunities across private wealth, superannuation, and corporate advisory
• Guidance on licensing, study pathways, and career progression
• Market insights into salaries, regulatory changes, and industry trends
• Permanent and contract placements tailored to your goals

We help financial advisers find meaningful careers where they can make a genuine difference.

Explore Related Financial Services Roles

Explore more opportunities in our Financial Services discipline:

• Paraplanner Jobs
• Wealth Associate Jobs
• Risk Adviser Jobs
• Compliance Manager Jobs
• Client Services Officer Jobs

FAQs About Financial Adviser Careers in Australia

Are financial advisers in demand?
Yes, the industry is experiencing a talent shortage, with significant opportunities for qualified professionals nationwide.

What qualifications do I need to become a financial adviser?
A bachelor’s degree in financial planning or equivalent, along with accreditation through a recognised professional association.

What’s the average salary for a financial adviser?
Most financial advisers earn between $90,000 and $150,000 per year, with senior advisers and practice principals earning more.

Is financial advice a good career?
Yes. It offers strong earning potential, job stability, and the satisfaction of helping clients achieve long-term goals.

Can I work as a financial adviser remotely?
Yes. Many firms now offer hybrid or remote advice models, particularly for ongoing client management.

Financial Adviser Jobs

Ready to build a career that makes an impact? Explore Financial Adviser Jobs with Fuse Recruitment to find opportunities across wealth management, superannuation, and corporate advice.

We’ll help you connect with respected employers who value compliance, trust, and client success.

Looking to Hire Financial Advisers?

If you’re an advice firm or licensee seeking skilled financial advisers, Fuse Recruitment can help.

Our Financial Services recruitment specialists source experienced professionals who combine technical expertise with a client-first approach.

Contact Fuse Recruitment to discuss your hiring needs. We’ll deliver tailored recruitment solutions that strengthen your advisory capability and support your growth.