Where to Find Financial Planning Jobs
So, you’re looking for a job in financial planning? We’ve compiled a list of the best places to start your search, along with tips and recommendations to help you find the perfect role.
Remember, when seeking an entry-level position, search for titles such as Analyst, Client Support Specialist, Paraplanner, Support Advisor or Advisory Associate. Some of these terms are also used in corporate finance jobs, where the focus will be very different, so be sure to confirm that a job listing is specific to personal financial planning before applying.
CFP Board Career Center
The CFP Board Career Center is the premier job website in financial planning. The Career Center connects employers with job seekers and enables candidates for CFP® certification to gain the necessary work experience through jobs and internships.
The Career Center includes a job board where companies from around the U.S. post thousands of open positions for candidates who are pursuing or have completed CFP® certification.
Additionally, each year the Career Center hosts virtual career fairs that enable employers and job seekers to connect in real time through one-on-one video chats. These online events allow hundreds of candidates from all backgrounds and experience levels to network and apply for open positions across the U.S.
Financial Planning Association® (or FPA®) Career Board and Local Chapters
The FPA maintains a career board that contains many job postings specific to the financial planning profession.
In addition, local FPA chapters often maintain their own job listings and host their own localized meetings where new professionals can network and search for job opportunities
Extra Resource
Organizations such as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors also provide opportunities and events for new professionals to connect with a variety of employers.
LinkedIn is a resource for both job seekers and companies that are recruiting, and many financial planning firms prefer it for their job postings.
Popular Online Job Sites
Financial planning firms regularly advertise positions on major online job-searching sites such as Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, BrokerHunter and Google for Jobs.
When using these websites, look for job titles such as Financial Planner, Financial Advisor, Wealth Advisor, Investment Advisor and Financial Planning Analyst, among others.
College and University Career Offices
Career centers at colleges and universities, especially those with a CFP Board Registered Program, employ a number of advisors and counselors who can help alumni find relevant employers, job and internship postings, or recruiting events to network with potential employers in your area.
Financial Services Firms
Most financial services firms welcome the interest of professionals seeking a financial planning career and maintain a career section on their websites. You can also compile a list of companies that interest you and reach out directly to seek informational interviews or opportunities.
Large companies typically have a human resources department that receives inquiries, while smaller firms are often managed by owner-advisors who field these types of requests themselves.
Specialized Recruiters
There are several recruiting companies that specialize in the placement of financial planning professionals. For example, New Planner Recruiting focuses on placing new CFP® professionals in their first jobs.