If you are a student in any type of Accounting and Management program, this article is for you. Throughout this article, you will learn everything you need to become a financial advisor. You will learn more about the studies required, the salary, the kind of tasks you might do, the dangers of this job, where would you work, the risks of being replaced by robots and even, the age you can expect to retire.
Being a financial advisor means giving advice to people or companies about their finances. You help them to reach their goals fast with multiple strategies.
A financial advisor is a professional working in the finance field. He gives advice to his customers about their finances either about their own finances or their company's. They help them reach their financial goals by suggesting strategies to lower their expenses, increase their wealth and to stay away from debts.
Their day begins early in the morning by taking a look at their schedule for the day. Making sure to not forget any appointment is key to success. Then, they make some blogs or publicity to get some new clients. That way, they are developing a personal network and prospects can visit it and that can lead to new clients. After that, they still have to do some administration chores, but those are not the major part of the day. They go to their scheduled appointments and talk with their clients. Let's not forget the most important part, doing financial planning. Financial advisors never take a day off, they always work and take a look at the market to seize the best opportunities. Also, they always keep learning new things to improve their skills which is why they keep on reading.
They are many places to work as a financial advisor. You can either be self-employed or work in banks, trust companies, investment companies, insurance companies or even work for the government.
Many paths are possible, one of them is to complete a DEC in Accounting and Management and then, do a bachelor in finance or business administration. That way, you get some knowledge, and you can get your license. This license will give you the right to work as a financial advisor. It is called the Canadian Securities Course. Here in Quebec, you also need to be approved by "Autorité des marchés financiers".
According to Indeed, in March 2026, in the Quebec province, a financial advisor make an average salary of $72,903 each year.
To upgrade your career, you will need a Personal Fiancial Planner and a Certified Financial Planner license. You also have to keep on learning through the years. You can't just work and hoping that everything will be fine. You have to take some lessons, read, stay updated with the financial market. You also have to do some on-the-job training before starting your career. That kind of training will help you see the daily basis of some financial advisors, and you will be able to see what type of behavior you have to take with your clients.
As I said, in most of the workplaces, you have to find your own clients. That way, you don't have a stable income at the beginning of your career. Also, you rely on the market. If it crashes, you will certainly lose some customers and that will affect your paycheck. Then, you have to pay attention to the small details. A comma can be the difference between the legality or not. You have to do everything in order to maximize your client's money, but to stay legal. You're also always under pressure and for some, that can be enough to drown them down.
Some of the basis will obviously be replaced soon, but not everything can be replaced. Robots are not able to understand feelings and are not well-developed enough to plan everything in details. Like I said, some things will disappear, but financial advisors will still be needed in a near future.
The age is not specific for everyone. It is between 65 and 70 years old. Some don't want to retire at a young age because they have business roots in themselves. Now with technology, it is also possible to work from home and make it possible to work at an older age. It is important to know that with their annual income, they could retire younger, but love their job.
I'm currently finishing my second year in the Accounting and Managment program. After my third year, I will go to the University in Business Administration, but specialized in finances. Then, I will be able to get my license and start building my network. Being someone who talks a lot will probably help me out to get my network.
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: recognized author
Date: recently published
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document
Sources: no sources cited
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: research journal
Date: recently published
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document
Sources: no sources cited
Rationale: to inform or educate
Authority: government
Date: still relevant
Accuracy: probably true
Relevance: relevant for this document
Sources: no sources cited