Personal Financial Advisors

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.91
Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.91
Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.89
Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.87
Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.86
Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.86
Recommend financial products, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or insurance.80
Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.80
Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.78
Prepare or interpret for clients information, such as investment performance reports, financial document summaries, or income projections.76
Explain to clients the personal financial advisor's responsibilities and the types of services to be provided.75
Investigate available investment opportunities to determine compatibility with client financial plans.74

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Guide clients in the gathering of information, such as bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plans, or wills.71
Open accounts for clients, and disburse funds from accounts to creditors as agent for clients.71
Monitor financial market trends to ensure that client plans are responsive.65
Recruit and maintain client bases.63
Meet with clients' other advisors, such as attorneys, accountants, trust officers, or investment bankers, to fully understand clients' financial goals and circumstances.60
Devise debt liquidation plans that include payoff priorities and timelines.59
Inform clients about tax benefits, government rebates, or other financial benefits of alternative-fuel vehicle purchases or energy-efficient home construction, improvements, or remodeling.44
Recommend environmentally responsible investments, such as cleantech, alternative energy, or conservation technologies, companies, or funds.39
Conduct seminars or workshops on financial planning topics, such as retirement planning, estate planning, or the evaluation of severance packages.27

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving66
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics66
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Service Orientation66
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness66
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Persuasion60
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis60
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

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Systems Evaluation60
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Management of Financial Resources47
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring16
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science10
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service86
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Economics and Accounting77
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language73
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics68
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Psychology52
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Administration and Management47
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Sales and Marketing47
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Computers and Electronics46
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government43
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administrative41
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media40
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training37
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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Therapy and Counseling35
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Personnel and Human Resources29
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Telecommunications24
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing15
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology13
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Sociology and Anthropology13
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Philosophy and Theology11
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Geography8
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Public Safety and Security6
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Design4
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Foreign Language2
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical1
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Medicine and Dentistry1
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Transportation1
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Biology0
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Building and Construction0
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry0
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics0
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Number Facility69
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning66
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Information Ordering60
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure41
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention19
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Hearing Sensitivity16
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception10
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity10
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information94
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing Data or Information92
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Working with Computers91
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships89
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems89
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information87
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge87
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others81
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization80
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Documenting/Recording Information76
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work76
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards75
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others75
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies73
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public62
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Scheduling Work and Activities62
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Selling or Influencing Others61
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events60
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Thinking Creatively60
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Assisting and Caring for Others57
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing Administrative Activities56
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Training and Teaching Others56
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coaching and Developing Others53
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People52
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates50
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others50
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing and Building Teams49
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings47
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others44
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources36
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units28
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Handling and Moving Objects2
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing General Physical Activities2
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Controlling Machines and Processes1
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness78
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity78
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Social Orientation77
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Achievement Orientation76
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance74
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Initiative70
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence66
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control61
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

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Sincerity59
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Stress Tolerance57
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Leadership Orientation56
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Empathy55
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Adaptability50
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity50
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Innovation43
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Optimism43
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility15
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising81
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional77
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social51
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative38
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic12
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic0
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day92%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important65%
- Very important31%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day88%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually65%
- More than half the time27%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom44%
- Some freedom44%
- Limited freedom12%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results31%
- Important results58%
- Moderate results12%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day44%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours54%
- 40 hours42%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom15%
- Some freedom69%
- Limited freedom15%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others23%
- Contact with others most of the time50%
- Contact with others about half the time23%

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Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important38%
- Very important35%
- Fairly important12%
Time Pressure
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day50%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive12%
- Highly competitive36%
- Moderately competitive44%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important21%
- Very important29%
- Important17%
- Fairly important21%
- Not important at all13%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious33%
- Serious29%
- Fairly serious17%
- Not serious at all13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important20%
- Very important20%
- Important24%
- Fairly important20%
- Not important at all16%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important36%
- Important28%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all20%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility22%
- Moderate responsibility43%
- Limited responsibility22%
- No responsibility13%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated12%
- Moderately automated24%
- Slightly automated44%
- Not at all automated16%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)16%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)28%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)40%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)16%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month76%
- Never12%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month69%
- Never15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Less than half the time36%
- Never44%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility42%
- No responsibility46%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time56%
- Never44%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Never77%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never77%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never81%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time20%
- Never80%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never88%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never92%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never92%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never92%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never92%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all96%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)96%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never96%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never96%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never96%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never96%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never96%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never100%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never100%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Master’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Customer relationship management CRM software
ACT! ACT4Advisors, Microsoft Business Contact Manager, Salesforce software, Web Information Solutions Pocket Informant
Presentation software
Financial planning presentation software, Microsoft PowerPoint, MoneyTree Silver Financial Planner (presentation feature)
Financial analysis software
Finance Logix Retirement Planner, Ibbotson Portfolio Strategist, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, WealthTec Foundations
Document management software
Cabinet NG CNG-SAFE, ScanSoft PaperPort Pro, SunGard LockBox, World Software Corporation Worldox
Data base user interface and query software
FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Structured query language SQL
Spreadsheet software
Corel QuattroPro, IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle Hyperion, Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
Word processing software
Automatic Data Processing ProxyEdge, Financial report generation software, Microsoft Word
Accounting software
Fund accounting software, Sage 50 Accounting
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Development environment software
Microsoft Visual Basic
Communications server software
IBM Domino
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Object or component oriented development software
Swift
Analytical or scientific software
Monte Carlo simulation software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Compliance software
ComplianceMAX
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Calendar and scheduling software
Pimlico Software DateBk

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Assess financial status of clients.
Interview clients to gather financial information.
Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
Recommend investments to clients.
Implement financial decisions.
Educate clients on financial planning topics.
Interpret financial information for others.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Identify strategic business investment opportunities.
Advise others on financial matters.
Disburse funds from clients accounts to creditors.
Analyze market conditions or trends.

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Develop business relationships.
Confer with others about financial matters.
Compute debt repayment schedules.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology