Financial Planner Job Description Template

An effective description can help you hire the best fit for your job. Check out our tips to provide details that skilled professionals are looking for.

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Tips for Writing a Financial Planner Job Description

A financial planner is a professional who helps individuals, families, and businesses manage their finances and plan for their future. A planner can help you make decisions on your retirement, taxes, and long-term savings.

There are many types of financial planners, including tax advisors, insurance advisors, and estate planners. A financial planner’s role can take many forms. Depending on what clients need, a capable financial planner might provide the following:

Financial planning and investment advice. This service involves accurately understanding the goals and objectives of the client in order to develop a financial road map designed to help them achieve those goals.
Retirement planning. Whether the client is a 25-year-old newly hired employee or a small-business owner nearing the end of a career, retirement planning is an area of expertise many financial planners offer.
Risk and tax management. Financial planners can help clients avoid financial pitfalls associated with tax responsibilities by planning ahead and avoiding surprises.
Estate planning. Many clients rely on financial planners to help them streamline the transition of their estate to family members, charities, or other entities in cases of being incapacitated or when looking to pass assets onto the next generation.

The section below will cover a sample job description, exploring the daily responsibilities and necessary qualifications for a financial planner.

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The Job Overview

We are seeking a financial planner to help us develop and follow a long-term financial plan for our company. As a financial planner, you will be responsible for helping us manage our company's financial resources, including the selection and implementation of our investment strategy. We are looking for someone who can help us maximize our returns in a financially and ethically sound way.

Responsibilities

Below are some of the responsibilities a financial is expected to assume in their position:

Meet with clients to understand their situation and provide financial advice
Analyze clients' financial situations and develop detailed plans for proper wealth management
Build relationships with clients and provide ongoing guidance
Design financial strategies to help clients achieve their goals and retirement plans
Streamline the financial planning process for maximum client satisfaction
Build and maintain client databases and financial planning portfolios
Keep up-to-date with the latest tax regulations and industry trends
Prepare detailed financial reports for clients
Understand the clients' risk tolerance and develop strategies to minimize risk

Maintain professional licensure and certifications

Job Qualifications and Skill Sets

Below are the qualifications expected of a financial planner:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business, finance, economics, or statistics; Master's degree, CPA, or diploma in financial planning a plus
CFP certification or other designation required by the state or professional organization
Minimum of one year of experience as a financial planner or financial consultant
Strong understanding of financial planning, debt management, and investment management concepts
Working knowledge of the financial services industry
Demonstrable expertise in financial planning software such as Quicken
Experience working with clients to develop financial plans

Knowledge of relevant tax laws in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Excellent communication skills

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4 Steps to Creating a Financial Planner Job Description That Fits Your Needs

With a financial planner job description template in hand, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a complete job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project. Below are some factors to consider when writing your job description:

1. Determine What Type of Financial Planner You Need

There are a variety of financial planners to choose from. Some financial planners focus solely on helping individuals plan for their future and accomplishing financial goals, while others work exclusively with businesses and organizations.

The rate charged by financial planners will usually reflect their focus on individual or business planning. Financial planners who work with companies may charge a substantial fee to help organizations get back on track financially, while those working with individuals offer more affordable prices.

Understanding the type of financial planning help you need is a good start in finding the right financial planner.

2. Employee vs. Independent Contractor vs. Firm

Financial planners can be hired in-house, contracted through a firm, or hired independently as a freelancer. A freelance financial planner might specialize in a particular area, such as investments, retirement decisions, or saving to start a business.

A financial planner can also be hired to fill a single talent gap within your team. A firm will have team members who can help you understand and make financial decisions, whether personal or business-oriented. It all depends on how granular you want to get with your talent staffing needs. Worker classification can be tricky, so check out our compliance services resources page for more information.

3. Experience

The more experienced a financial planner is, the more complex financial tasks they’ll be able to perform for you or your business. An entry-level financial planner might help your business with simple tax, investment, financial products, or savings decisions. Alternatively, you might consult with a senior-level or a certified financial planner who can help you with more-complex investments, expansion, acquisitions, and transition planning. Your project scope and the complexities of your financial decisions will determine the type of experience required for your financial planner job.

Seasoned personal financial advisors are capable of understanding a client’s financial objectives, helping that client understand complex financial information, and ensuring the client reaches their objectives. Because not all financial planners or financial planning firms are a perfect fit for every individual or business, finding the right one for you requires a bit of digging in relation to what a particular financial analyst does and what they don’t do.

4. Industry

Many industries require specialization when it comes to financial planning. For instance, organizations that operate in financial services, such as banking or insurance, must meet regulatory requirements. In these cases, finding a senior financial planner with experience in adhering to industry regulations is critical. For individuals or organizations operating in the not-for-profit space, there are specific requirements that should be understood by a financial planner in this area as well.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to write an effective financial planner job description, you’re ready to check out our list of top financial planners on Upwork. Their qualifications are listed along with their experience, giving you all the information you need to find the right fit for you.

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Financial Planners you can meet on Upwork

$75 hourly
Yousha M.
- 5.0
- (5 jobs)
Skokie, IL
Financial Plans
Business Planning & Strategy
Bank Reconciliation
Business Valuation
Financial Accounting
Certified Tax Preparer
CPA
Bookkeeping
Financial Audit
Tax Return
Payroll Accounting
Accounts Receivable
Intuit QuickBooks
Accounts Payable Management
Hello! I’m Yousha Makda, a licensed CPA with extensive experience helping small businesses, startups, and established companies with accounting, tax planning, and financial advisory services. Unlike many who simply claim the title, I am fully certified and can provide proof of my credentials upon request. Although most of my valued clients come from referrals and outside this platform, I’m committed to delivering the same high level of expertise and accuracy here on Upwork. Services I provide include: Accounting & Advisory (GAAP standards): Monthly, quarterly, and yearly accounting | CFO & Controller services | Industry-specific accounting for SaaS, real estate, e-commerce, restaurants, construction, manufacturing, law firms, and non-profits | Reconciliations | QuickBooks & Xero setup and management Tax Services (IRS standards): Tax preparation & planning | Individual and business tax returns (Forms 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) | S-corp elections | IRS notices and first-time abatements | BOI reporting Assurance Services (AICPA standards): CPA-signed audit reports | Review, compilation, and comfort letters If you’re looking for a reliable CPA who can help streamline your accounting, reduce tax liabilities, and provide strategic financial advice, please feel free to reach out. I’m happy to discuss your needs and how I can help your business thrive. Best regards, Yousha Makda, CPA & CEO YM TAX CPA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Yousha and the YM TAX CPA team are outstanding! They handled our small business taxes with precision and helped us save significantly. Highly recommended!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Professional, detail-oriented, and always available to answer questions. The fractional CFO services really helped us streamline our finances.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great experience working with Yousha. She explained all tax documents clearly and helped us with ITIN applications seamlessly.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Prompt, knowledgeable, and trustworthy CPA. Our partnership accounting has never been smoother. I highly recommend YM TAX CPA.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Excellent bookkeeping and tax planning services. Their advice on S-corp election saved our business a lot in taxes.”
$50 hourly
Mayur D.
- 0.0
- (0 jobs)
Rajkot, GJ
Financial Plans
Analytics Account Setup
Decision Making
Communication Skills
Problem Solving
Profile Title: Experienced Accountant & Tax Consultant | Financial Planning, Tax Strategy, and Compliance Overview: Are you looking for an experienced accountant and tax consultant to help you navigate the complexities of financial management and tax compliance? Look no further! With over 4 years of experience in accounting and tax consulting, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure your financial success. About Me: I am a dedicated and detail-oriented accountant and tax consultant with a proven track record of helping businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals. My extensive background in financial planning, tax strategy, and compliance allows me to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you need assistance with bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial analysis, or strategic planning, I am here to help. Services Offered: Accounting and Bookkeeping: Comprehensive bookkeeping services, financial statement preparation, and general ledger management. Tax Planning and Preparation: Expert tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Preparation and filing of individual and business tax returns. Financial Analysis: Detailed financial analysis and reporting to help you understand your financial position and make informed decisions. Budgeting and Forecasting: Development of accurate budgets and financial forecasts to guide your business planning and growth. Payroll Services: Efficient payroll processing and management, including tax withholdings and reporting. Audit Support: Assistance with internal and external audits, ensuring all financial records are accurate and complete. Consulting Services: Personalized financial consulting to address specific challenges and opportunities within your business. Why Choose Me: Expertise: With a strong background in accounting and tax consulting, I stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices to provide you with accurate and reliable services. Tailored Solutions: I understand that every client is unique. I take the time to understand your specific needs and provide customized solutions that fit your financial goals. Reliability: You can count on me to deliver timely and accurate results, ensuring your financial matters are always in good hands. Client-Centric Approach: I prioritize clear communication and transparency, keeping you informed at every step of the process. Client Testimonials: "Working with Mayur Desai has been a game-changer for our business. Their expertise in tax planning and financial management has saved us significant amounts of money and provided peace of mind." – Tech Mech Composites Private Limited. "I highly recommend Mayur Desai for any accounting and tax needs. Their professionalism and attention to detail are unmatched." – Tech Mech Composites Private Limited Let's Connect: Ready to take control of your finances and achieve your financial goals? Contact me today to discuss how I can help you with your accounting and tax needs. Let's work together to ensure your financial success! Skills: Accounting Tax Preparation and Planning Financial Analysis Bookkeeping Payroll Management Budgeting and Forecasting Audit Support Financial Consulting QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software Experience: 5 years of experience in accounting and tax consulting
$100 hourly
Nathan B.
- 5.0
- (136 jobs)
Essexville, MI
Financial Plans
Investment Strategy
Certified Financial Planner
Real Estate Investment Assistance
Personal Budgeting
Investment Research
Finance & Accounting
Financial Modeling
Financial Planning
Financial Analysis
I am a Certified Financial Planner and own an operate a fee only registered investment advising firm. I work with small business owners for financial planning, retirement plan administration and wealth management. I also work with individuals for wealth management, Investments, Cash flow modeling, Budgeting, debt management and estate planning. I have worked with numerous Fintech startups on AI based software interactions. My focus on early-stage AI product training, troubleshooting, and iterative model improvement. Experienced in evaluating model behavior, identifying gaps, and providing structured feedback to refine product performance. Skilled at testing new features, validating outputs, and collaborating with engineering teams to help shape AI tools during rapid development cycles.

$75 hourly
Yousha M.
- 5.0
- (5 jobs)
Skokie, IL
Financial Plans
Business Planning & Strategy
Bank Reconciliation
Business Valuation
Financial Accounting
Certified Tax Preparer
CPA
Bookkeeping
Financial Audit
Tax Return
Payroll Accounting
Accounts Receivable
Intuit QuickBooks
Accounts Payable Management
Hello! I’m Yousha Makda, a licensed CPA with extensive experience helping small businesses, startups, and established companies with accounting, tax planning, and financial advisory services. Unlike many who simply claim the title, I am fully certified and can provide proof of my credentials upon request. Although most of my valued clients come from referrals and outside this platform, I’m committed to delivering the same high level of expertise and accuracy here on Upwork. Services I provide include: Accounting & Advisory (GAAP standards): Monthly, quarterly, and yearly accounting | CFO & Controller services | Industry-specific accounting for SaaS, real estate, e-commerce, restaurants, construction, manufacturing, law firms, and non-profits | Reconciliations | QuickBooks & Xero setup and management Tax Services (IRS standards): Tax preparation & planning | Individual and business tax returns (Forms 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065) | S-corp elections | IRS notices and first-time abatements | BOI reporting Assurance Services (AICPA standards): CPA-signed audit reports | Review, compilation, and comfort letters If you’re looking for a reliable CPA who can help streamline your accounting, reduce tax liabilities, and provide strategic financial advice, please feel free to reach out. I’m happy to discuss your needs and how I can help your business thrive. Best regards, Yousha Makda, CPA & CEO YM TAX CPA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Yousha and the YM TAX CPA team are outstanding! They handled our small business taxes with precision and helped us save significantly. Highly recommended!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Professional, detail-oriented, and always available to answer questions. The fractional CFO services really helped us streamline our finances.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great experience working with Yousha. She explained all tax documents clearly and helped us with ITIN applications seamlessly.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Prompt, knowledgeable, and trustworthy CPA. Our partnership accounting has never been smoother. I highly recommend YM TAX CPA.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Excellent bookkeeping and tax planning services. Their advice on S-corp election saved our business a lot in taxes.”
$50 hourly
Mayur D.
- 0.0
- (0 jobs)
Rajkot, GJ
Financial Plans
Analytics Account Setup
Decision Making
Communication Skills
Problem Solving
Profile Title: Experienced Accountant & Tax Consultant | Financial Planning, Tax Strategy, and Compliance Overview: Are you looking for an experienced accountant and tax consultant to help you navigate the complexities of financial management and tax compliance? Look no further! With over 4 years of experience in accounting and tax consulting, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure your financial success. About Me: I am a dedicated and detail-oriented accountant and tax consultant with a proven track record of helping businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals. My extensive background in financial planning, tax strategy, and compliance allows me to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you need assistance with bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial analysis, or strategic planning, I am here to help. Services Offered: Accounting and Bookkeeping: Comprehensive bookkeeping services, financial statement preparation, and general ledger management. Tax Planning and Preparation: Expert tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Preparation and filing of individual and business tax returns. Financial Analysis: Detailed financial analysis and reporting to help you understand your financial position and make informed decisions. Budgeting and Forecasting: Development of accurate budgets and financial forecasts to guide your business planning and growth. Payroll Services: Efficient payroll processing and management, including tax withholdings and reporting. Audit Support: Assistance with internal and external audits, ensuring all financial records are accurate and complete. Consulting Services: Personalized financial consulting to address specific challenges and opportunities within your business. Why Choose Me: Expertise: With a strong background in accounting and tax consulting, I stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices to provide you with accurate and reliable services. Tailored Solutions: I understand that every client is unique. I take the time to understand your specific needs and provide customized solutions that fit your financial goals. Reliability: You can count on me to deliver timely and accurate results, ensuring your financial matters are always in good hands. Client-Centric Approach: I prioritize clear communication and transparency, keeping you informed at every step of the process. Client Testimonials: "Working with Mayur Desai has been a game-changer for our business. Their expertise in tax planning and financial management has saved us significant amounts of money and provided peace of mind." – Tech Mech Composites Private Limited. "I highly recommend Mayur Desai for any accounting and tax needs. Their professionalism and attention to detail are unmatched." – Tech Mech Composites Private Limited Let's Connect: Ready to take control of your finances and achieve your financial goals? Contact me today to discuss how I can help you with your accounting and tax needs. Let's work together to ensure your financial success! Skills: Accounting Tax Preparation and Planning Financial Analysis Bookkeeping Payroll Management Budgeting and Forecasting Audit Support Financial Consulting QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software Experience: 5 years of experience in accounting and tax consulting
$100 hourly
Nathan B.
- 5.0
- (136 jobs)
Essexville, MI
Financial Plans
Investment Strategy
Certified Financial Planner
Real Estate Investment Assistance
Personal Budgeting
Investment Research
Finance & Accounting
Financial Modeling
Financial Planning
Financial Analysis
I am a Certified Financial Planner and own an operate a fee only registered investment advising firm. I work with small business owners for financial planning, retirement plan administration and wealth management. I also work with individuals for wealth management, Investments, Cash flow modeling, Budgeting, debt management and estate planning. I have worked with numerous Fintech startups on AI based software interactions. My focus on early-stage AI product training, troubleshooting, and iterative model improvement. Experienced in evaluating model behavior, identifying gaps, and providing structured feedback to refine product performance. Skilled at testing new features, validating outputs, and collaborating with engineering teams to help shape AI tools during rapid development cycles.
$95 hourly
Matt R.
- 5.0
- (3 jobs)
Manchester, ENGLAND
Financial Plans
Personal Finance & Wealth Management
Wealth Management
Life Insurance
Investment Strategy
Investment Portfolio Review
Pension Plan
Financial Planning
After working in various roles in the Financial Planning industry, I knew there was a better way of providing financial planning to people earlier in their lifetime. One that made it clear how they can meet their financial goals and doesn’t require them to have huge amounts of money already. I started Momentum Wealth to ensure professionals and business owners make smart decisions with their money from the outset. Day-to-day, I work with clients on their financial plans, ensuring they can enjoy their life now whilst having a plan in place that means they’re provided and protected for in the medium and long term. Outside of work, my wife and I enjoy taking our Black Labrador Bruno out on walks. You’ll often find me on a golf course or keeping fit by going to the gym or cycling, with the occasional bike trip around Europe.
$250 hourly
Michael S.
- 5.0
- (79 jobs)
Charleston, SC
Financial Plans
Investment Research
Certified Financial Planner
Financial Planning
Financial Analysis
I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with over 15 years of experience in the wealth management industry. My mission is to help you align your finances with your goals and values by simplifying complicated concepts in a fun and approachable manner. I strive to provide personalized and customized guidance to help you achieve financial success. My areas of expertise include: Budgeting / cash flow management Investment portfolio review Tax strategies Retirement planning and analysis Social Security optimization Do not hesitate to reach out! I will respond to any inquiries ASAP. Thanks!
$40 hourly
Ross L.
- 5.0
- (3 jobs)
Atlantic Beach, FL
Financial Plans
Blog Writing
Certified Financial Planner
Travel Planning
Lifestyle & Travel
Content Creation
Content Writing
Business
Strategic Planning
Copywriting
Financial Writing
Technical Writing
Travel & Hospitality
Business Writing
Creative Writing
-Over 150 blog posts on travel written for Motley Fool owned PointsWithaCrew.com -Expert editor and reviewer of content for over 60 articles for an international financial services education and comparison website -Advisor to the Board for a financial services and education related app company -Reader Success Story on ThePointsGuy.com -Personal Travel Blog, Traveloehrs.com with over 100 posts created to first follow us on a 13 month round the world trip and then to follow us as we traveled to 7 countries with 2 children over 5 months -Technical Research paper “Long-Term Investing With Leveraged Exchange Traded Funds” published in International Journal of Arts and Commerce in 2013 -Content and quote creation completed for HARO responses for multiple companies with numerous quotes being published -Editorial Committee Member for College Savings Plan Network Blog -4 blog posts published on College Savings on CSPN.org site -4 Investment research articles and content created for Registered Investment Advisory Firm Raisonne and Hammer Price website -Lead technical writer for multiple RFP responses for 529 College Savings plans
$65 hourly
Annabelle B.
- 5.0
- (10 jobs)
Suwanee, GA
Financial Plans
Website Content
Administrative Support
Essay Writing
Microsoft Office
Time Management
Organizational Plan
English
Academic Writing
Ghostwriting
Excel Formula
Virtual Assistance
English Tutoring
Personal Finance & Wealth Management
Spreadsheet Automation
Online Writing
Personal Budgeting
Blog Writing
Typing
Microsoft Excel
Proofreading
I currently work at the largest bank in the U.S. (JPMorgan Chase) and previously worked at the 2nd largest bank in the U.S. (Bank of America). I have a degree in Finance, am certified in Microsoft Excel, have the first 3 certifications in Google Data Analytics, am working on my CFP (Certified Financial Planner), and have completed 2 semesters of my Master's in Economics. Throughout my writing and tutoring career, I have worked with High School aged students through college Graduates, and have edited hundreds of essays and articles. I also write fictional short stories in the realistic fiction, horror, romance, thriller, sci-fi, and fantasy genres. I have experience ghost-writing, and am happy to create anonymous content for clients. My non-fiction work includes six published magazine articles, Graduate school application essay editing, case studies, and academic essay writing. My fictional work includes 25+ blog posts, short stories, and ghost writing pieces. I have experience with: - Microsoft Excel - Budgeting and Financial Planning - Data Analytics - Data cleaning - creating website content - academic essays + applications - editing / proofreading - blog writing - ghost writing - article writing - writing speeches and presentations - writing fictional short stories - tutoring - administrative organization - event planning and management - schedule management
$100 hourly
Anthony P.
- 5.0
- (1 job)
Reno, NV
Financial Plans
Financial Accounting
Financial Statement
Accounting
Chart of Accounts
Tax Preparation
Tax Law
Bookkeeping
Tax Return
Bank Reconciliation
Microsoft Excel
Intuit QuickBooks
I lead a tax and accounting firm with a dedicated team of six staff, and together we have filed more than 500 returns, and successfully saved clients $10 Million in taxes. Our collective expertise ensures that every client receives top-tier service backed by experience and attention to detail. Our mission is to help clients utilize the best financial strategies to make the highest returns and pay the least amount in taxes as legally allowed. We specialize in not only preparing accurate and timely tax returns but also in providing ongoing tax planning. This means developing strategies to optimize tax outcomes and assisting clients in staying on track throughout the year with their financial and tax plans. We also offer FP&A and fractional CFO services, including cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial projections, KPI analysis, and strategic goal setting. We have successfully integrated these services with multiple clients, helping them gain deeper financial insights and achieve their business objectives I am a Certified Public Accountant with years of experience in advising clients in tax and finance while preparing returns of all types(1040, 1041, 1065, 1120S, 1120, 990). Experienced in full-charge bookkeeping including AP and AR functions. Financial statement preparation. Audit and attest engagement experience.
$60 hourly
Fitz Gerard V.
- 5.0
- (2 jobs)
Las Pinas, NCR
Financial Plans
Certified Financial Planner
A professional in the financial services industry and an online content creator for financial education. Skilled in financial and investment planning, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing.
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