The industry of helping private and business clients manage revenues and investments Finance professionals research the marketplace for suitable products and services. They subsequently advise their clients of which products and services are available and make recommendations based on their clients' needs at any particular time. The role involves a substantial amount of marketing as well as providing advice. Finance professionals promote and sell products and negotiate with product providers to obtain the most competitive rate for their clients.

Finance professionals typically come from a variety of backgrounds. They may already have established a network of private and business contacts by working in a community, charity or business organization. However, most finance professionals possess a bachelor's degree or master's degree in finance or a related discipline. They also need to hold a relevant professional certificate in order to practice their profession. Finance professionals must be highly motivated and self-confident. They are required to form trusted relationships with their clients, so excellent communications skills are a necessity.

Finance professionals work to provide informed, objective financial advice. Clients use such advice as the basis for making decisions on debt, savings, investment, insurance and other factors that affect their financial future. On a daily basis, the work of finance professionals typically involves contacting existing and prospective clients, arranging meetings and reviewing clients' financial circumstances. They analyze information and design financial strategies based on that information.

Some finance professionals focus on specific areas such as mortgages or pensions, while others provide advice on the whole spectrum of financial products and services. Finance professionals must also comply with strict government legislation. They frequently contact their clients to keep them informed of any changes to legislation that may affect their savings and investments.