Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Financial Planning Courses
About Financial Planning
Financial planning sits at the centre of how Australians manage investments, super and long-term financial security. Planners assess a client’s full financial picture. They then build a strategy covering retirement, risk and tax-effective structures. The Financial Advice Association Australia, or FAAA, supports the profession nationally. It represents around 11,000 members and affiliates, including more than 4,000 Certified Financial Planners (FAAA, 2026).
The regulatory landscape has tightened in recent years, and this has raised the standing of the profession. Jobs and Skills Australia records about 63,400 people in financial adviser and investment manager roles. Median full-time earnings sit at $2,582 a week, with roughly 900 new roles added each year (JSA, 2025). Employers now value advisers who pair technical knowledge with strong client communication.
Technology is reshaping how planners work day to day. Fintech tools handle much of the routine analysis. This frees planners to spend more time on strategy and client relationships. The shift rewards professionals who blend data literacy with sound judgement, a combination licensees and boutique practices value highly.
For those planning a career move, the pathway is clear. New entrants need an approved bachelor’s degree or an equivalent higher qualification. They then sit the national adviser exam and complete a supervised professional year. Paraplanning and other support roles let you build real industry experience while you study, giving you a genuine foothold in a career built on trust.
Average Salaries
Financial Planning workers may earn between $60000 and $150000 per year
Jobs and Skills Australia data shows financial investment advisers and managers earn median full-time earnings of $2,582 a week, or roughly $134,000 a year (JSA, occupation profile, 2025). SEEK’s career advice data (July 2026) lists average financial planner salaries between $120,000 and $140,000 a year once fully qualified.
Entry-level support roles pay less while you build experience and complete study. PayScale data shows entry-level paraplanners earn an average of around $52,000 to $63,000 a year, rising as they gain experience (PayScale, 2025). Senior and self-employed planners can earn well above $140,000, depending on client base and specialisation.
Career Outcomes
After you finish a financial planning qualification, a range of roles opens up across the financial services sector. Many graduates start out working as a:
What do Financial Planning graduates do?
Financial planners help clients make sense of their finances and plan confidently for the future. They get to know each client’s goals, then build and manage strategies that bring those goals within reach. Typical day-to-day work includes:
- Meeting with clients to understand their financial situation, goals and risk appetite.
- Building tailored financial plans covering investment, superannuation, insurance and retirement.
- Explaining financial products and strategies clearly, so clients feel confident in their decisions.
- Reviewing and adjusting plans as clients’ circumstances or the market changes.
- Keeping up with regulatory changes and industry standards to give sound, compliant advice.
Financial planners often work alongside accountants, mortgage brokers and lawyers to give clients well-rounded advice. Many also run workshops or client seminars to build financial literacy and help people feel more in control of their money.
Is Financial Planning right for you?
Success in financial planning comes down to a mix of technical know-how and real people skills. Professionals who thrive in this field usually bring the qualities below to the job.
- Strong analytical skills, so you can read financial data and build sound strategies.
- Clear communication, so you can explain tricky topics in plain, simple language.
- People skills, so you can build lasting, trust-based relationships with clients.
- An eye for detail, since a small error can carry real consequences for a client.
- Problem-solving skills, so you can work through each client’s unique financial situation.
- Solid knowledge of financial rules and compliance requirements.
- Comfort using financial planning software and other digital tools.
- The discipline to work independently and manage a busy caseload of clients.
- Adaptability, since markets shift and client needs change all the time.
- A genuine commitment to ethical practice and ongoing professional growth.
Job opportunities
Financial planning offers a solid range of career paths. Demand for financial advice stays steady across Australia. Roles such as financial planner, paraplanner and financial adviser remain sought after. Jobs and Skills Australia data shows around 900 new positions opening each year in this field (JSA, 2025).
Opportunities exist across financial planning practices, banks, insurers and super funds. Many experienced planners also choose to run their own practice. This gives them control over how they work and who they serve. Strong client demand and a well-defined career ladder mean there is real scope to move into senior advisory or management roles over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you are settled as a financial planner, there is plenty of room to keep growing. Postgraduate study suits those aiming for senior roles or their own practice. A graduate diploma or an MBA with a finance major both work well here. The Financial Advice Association Australia, or FAAA, backs members through this next step. It has about 11,000 members and affiliates, plus more than 4,000 Certified Financial Planners (FAAA, 2026).
Specialising is common in this field. Many planners focus on retirement, self-managed super funds, or risk and insurance advice. Ongoing training requirements often support these paths. The SMSF Association runs dedicated education and accreditation for planners who want to specialise in self-managed super.
The field is set to keep growing. Jobs and Skills Australia projects about 900 new adviser roles each year. Part of this growth comes from an ageing population and rising demand for retirement advice (JSA, 2025). Tighter rules on entry have raised the bar, which is good news if you are already established in the field.
FAQs
What postgraduate options are available for financial planners?
Professionals seeking advanced credentials can pursue a graduate diploma or an MBA with a finance specialisation. These programs suit those aiming for leadership roles or self-employment. You can compare the postgraduate options listed on this page.
How does financial planning differ from accounting?
Accounting focuses on historical financial data and compliance. Financial planning looks forward, helping clients set and reach long-term financial goals. Many professionals find that skills in both areas complement each other well.
Can I specialise within financial planning?
Yes. Many financial planners specialise in areas such as retirement planning, self-managed super funds, investment strategy or risk management. The SMSF Association and other bodies offer accredited continuing professional development in these areas.
Is financial planning a growing profession?
Yes, particularly as Australia’s population ages and more people need retirement and superannuation advice. Jobs and Skills Australia projects steady annual growth in adviser numbers, and rising education standards mean qualified planners remain in strong demand.
