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How to Become an Investment Advisor: Australian Careers in Finance

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What is a Investment Advisor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Investment Advisor?

An investment advisor helps people and businesses reach their financial goals. They give tailored advice on investments, retirement, and risk.

Advisors look at each client’s full finances. They check income, costs, assets, and debts. Based on this, they build a plan. The plan may cover shares, bonds, managed funds, and superannuation.

Day to day, they meet clients, check portfolio results, track market trends, and update plans as needed. They also teach clients about their options so every decision is well-informed.

In Australia, investment advisors must hold an AFS licence or work under one. ASIC regulates this profession. All advisors must complete an approved degree and pass the national financial adviser exam. They must also finish a professional year before they can advise clients on their own.

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Career snapshots For Investment Advisors

Around 63,400 people work as financial investment advisors and managers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 44. About 80% work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week. Women make up 40% of the workforce.

Median full-time weekly pay is $2,582, which is around $134,000 a year for the broader adviser and manager group (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The field grows by around 900 new roles each year. Future demand is rated as moderate (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025).

Most advisors work in financial planning firms, banks, or wealth businesses. All must hold an ASIC-approved degree and pass the national financial adviser exam. They must also complete a professional year before they can advise clients on their own.

What will I do?

Investment advisors guide clients through financial planning and investment decisions. They use market knowledge and clear communication to help clients grow and protect their wealth.

  • Client consultation – meeting clients to discuss financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences.
  • Portfolio management – building and overseeing investment portfolios tailored to each client’s needs.
  • Market research – tracking market trends, economic data, and investment opportunities.
  • Financial planning – creating plans covering budgeting, retirement, tax strategy, and superannuation.
  • Regulatory compliance – ensuring all advice meets ASIC requirements and the Code of Ethics.
  • Performance review – assessing portfolio results and adjusting strategies when needed.
  • Client education – helping clients understand investment options and financial decisions.
  • Networking – building professional relationships with clients and industry contacts.

What skills do I need?

A career as an investment advisor calls for a strong mix of financial knowledge and people skills. You need to know financial markets, investment products, and risk. Strong analytical skills help you look at client situations and build sound plans.

Good communication matters just as much. You must explain complex financial ideas in plain language. Clients need to feel confident in their choices. Active listening and empathy are as key as technical skill. Staying current on market trends, rule changes, and new products is a core part of the role.

Skills/attributes

  • Financial market knowledge
  • Investment analysis and strategy
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Financial planning and modelling
  • Client relationship management
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Knowledge of ASIC regulations and compliance
  • Time management and organisation
  • Adaptability to market changes
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Proficiency with financial planning software

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.