How to Get an Entry-Level Financial Planning Job

Financial planning can open the door to a wide range of jobs, including financial advisor, investment analyst, wealth manager, retirement planner and tax advisor, among others. If you’re just starting out, the range of positions you qualify for may be smaller, but everyone has to start somewhere. Here’s a round up of entry-level financial planning jobs to consider as you embark on an advisor career.

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Types of Entry-Level Financial Planning Jobs

Financial planning is the process of helping clients develop and implement a plan for reaching their goals. Clients may look to different types of professionals to get help with financial planning. With that in mind, here are some of the most common jobs for entry-level professionals in the finance industry:

Client Service Associate

Client service associates act as intermediaries between financial advisors and clients. They offer support with operational tasks but they can also have interactions with clients on a day-to-day basis, which might include returning phone calls or emails, scheduling meetings and answering basic client questions.

A client service associate may be responsible for executing money transfers, verifying client information and updating client records in a customer relationship management (CRM) platform. This type of entry-level financial planning job requires excellent organization and communication skills, along with strong time management skills and attention to detail.

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for preparing and examining financial records of businesses, government entities, non-profit organizations and individuals. They ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and may also provide input for budgeting and financial decision-making.

Accountants can work for accounting firms, operate their own practices or work for an employer who needs an in-house accountant. A certified public accountant (CPA) accreditation can help you outcompete other workers in the industry and nab more lucrative positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants averaged $81,680 in 2024. ¹

Associate Advisor

Financial advisors work with individuals to help them make informed financial decisions. They assess clients’ financial goals, provide investment advice and develop personalized financial plans. Associate advisors provide support to senior or lead team members, who may in turn assume a mentorship role.

To succeed as a financial advisor, you’ll need: 

• Knowledge of investment options and financial planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of tax regulations and estate planning.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Financial Planner™, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)).

Associate advisors may join an associate training program at an established firm to gain professional experience. Many advisors choose to eventually go independent and start a registered investment advisor (RIA) firm. The median annual wage for personal financial advisors in 2024 was $102,140. ²

Tax Associate

Tax associates assist in the preparation and filing of tax returns for individuals or businesses. They stay current with tax laws, ensure compliance and help clients optimize their tax situations.

A tax associate typically has a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some may pursue professional credentials, such as a CPA license or an Enrolled Agent (EA) designation. Tax associate jobs frequently overlap with accountant roles, but the former is typically focused on compliance and tax prep while accountants may handle a broader range of financial planning issues for clients.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate market trends and conditions to provide insights for investing. They may work on budgeting, forecasting and evaluating investment opportunities. In this position, you’ll work for a bank, securities firm, or insurance company to help clients evaluate investment opportunities.

Financial Analysts earned a median salary of $101,350 in 2024. ³

Credit Analyst

Credit analysts evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans. They assess financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant information to help banks, asset management companies, and equity firms make lending decisions.

As a result, you’ll excel as a credit analyst if you’re naturally inquisitive and like research. This position doesn’t always require a bachelor’s degree, but if you forego college, you’ll likely need a certification to qualify for the job. The median salary was $94,750 in 2023. ⁴

Actuary

Actuaries use statistical models to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies, pension funds, and investment portfolios. They analyze data to calculate probabilities and determine the financial impact of uncertain events. These skills are relevant to projecting insurance claims and asset returns.

Becoming an actuary means getting a bachelor’s degree and passing numerous tests from the Society of Actuaries. The median annual salary for actuaries in 2024 was $125,720. ⁵

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations plan their finances by preparing budget reports, monitoring spending, and making recommendations for cost-saving measures. They ensure that expenditures align with organizational goals and work in both the private and public sectors.

If you like working with a team and tackling expense spreadsheets, this position is a fit. The median annual salary in 2024 was $87,930. ⁶

Paraplanner

Financial paraplanners provide support for financial planners and advisors, allowing those professionals more time to spend with clients. Paraplanners may handle administrative tasks, such as researching investments, analyzing data, generating financial reports and preparing meeting agendas.

The average paraplanner pay was $64,946 in 2026, according to Indeed ⁷ (the BLS does not track salary information for paraplanners separately from personal financial advisors).

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Other Entry-Level Finance Jobs

Beyond the scope of financial planning, there are other entry-level positions you might consider, depending on your interests, background and goals.

Economist

Economists study and analyze economic data and trends to provide insights into the performance of markets, industries, and economies. They may work for government agencies, businesses, research institutions and schools.

Economists usually have master’s degrees, although some government positions only require bachelor’s degrees. Earning a Ph.D. allows you to become an economics professor. The median salary for economists was $87,930 in 2024. ⁸

Insurance Claims Adjuster

Insurance claims adjusters assess insurance claims to determine the extent of coverage and facilitate settlement. They investigate claims, gather information, and negotiate settlements with policyholders. Additionally, some positions investigate fraud, protecting clients from criminal activity.

These positions usually don’t require bachelor’s degrees. Instead, you’ll need training and licensure specific to being a claims adjuster. The median annual salary for 2024 was $76,790. ⁹

Insurance Underwriter

Insurance underwriters evaluate insurance applications to determine the level of risk and set appropriate premiums. They analyze data, financial statements and other information to make underwriting decisions. The goal is to determine how risky each potential customer is and recommend approval or denial based on a comprehensive analysis.

You can qualify for this position with a bachelor’s degree or deep experience in the field. The median salary in 2024 was $79,880 a year. ¹⁰

Compensation and Benefits Specialist

Compensation and benefits specialists design and administer employee compensation and benefits programs. They analyze market trends, ensure compliance, and help develop competitive compensation packages. Doing so requires researching the salary levels of different jobs, writing job descriptions, and overseeing performance reviews. The median annual salary in 2024 was $77,020. ¹¹

Loan Officer

Loan officers work for banks, credit unions, and other lenders to help individuals and businesses qualify for loans. They evaluate loan applications, assess creditworthiness, and guide clients through the loan application process. As a result, a combination of financial knowledge and communication skills is necessary.

Many employers do prefer bachelor’s degrees, though they’re not universally required. The median annual salary in 2024 was $74,180. ¹²

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Tips to Finding an Entry-Level Financial Planning Job

If you’re ready to land an entry-level financial planning job, use these strategies to make yourself as qualified as possible and get a foot in the door of where you want to work.

Optimize Your Resume

A well-written resume is crucial for catching the attention of employers. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, education, and experiences. Emphasize any coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities related to finance. Use action verbs to describe your achievements, quantify results where possible, and keep the format clean and easily readable.

Build Relationships With Experienced Professionals

Networking is a powerful tool in any industry, and finance is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships with experienced individuals can provide insights into the industry, job opportunities, and potential mentors.

Research Industry Trends

Stay informed about current trends and developments in the financial industry. Demonstrating this kind of knowledge during interviews and in cover letters shows employers that you are proactive and engaged. To that end, keep up on financial journals, economic forecasts, and job-specific news (such as changes in accounting regulations).

Use Your College’s Career Center

College career centers offer valuable resources for job seekers. Take advantage of resume reviews, mock interviews, and career counseling services. Additionally, career centers often have connections with employers and can help you explore potential opportunities. This resource is most accessible while you’re a student. However, if you’ve graduated, your alma mater may also help alums, so it’s worth checking.

Get an Internship

Internships provide practical experience and exposure to the industry. Many employers prefer candidates with relevant internship experience. Internships enhance your resume, help you build a network of contacts in the field, and can introduce you to a mentor who can advise you on your career.

Practice Your Interviewing Skills

Strong interviewing skills are essential for landing a job. Practice common interview questions, research the company, and develop concise responses that demonstrate competence. Consider conducting mock interviews with career advisors, mentors, or peers to prepare for the real deal.

Bottom Line

When applying for entry-level jobs in financial planning, it’s important to show that you have good analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a clear understanding of the financial concepts and principles that you will need to use. Highlighting relevant coursework, internships, or certifications can make your application stand out. Additionally, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals, can greatly enhance your chances of securing a position in the field.

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