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Investment counselor vs finance advisor

The differences between investment counselors and finance advisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an investment counselor and a finance advisor. Additionally, an investment counselor has an average salary of $120,817, which is higher than the $64,993 average annual salary of a finance advisor.

The top three skills for an investment counselor include client service, capital markets and client relationships. The most important skills for a finance advisor are team support, wealth management, and securities.

Investment counselor vs finance advisor overview

Investment CounselorFinance Advisor
Yearly salary$120,817$64,993
Hourly rate$58.09$31.25
Growth rate15%15%
Number of jobs33,016106,311
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4545
Years of experience44

What does an investment counselor do?

Investment counselors can be called financial planners. They usually work in a financial institution to communicate with clients on how to invest in an investment. An investment counselor often assesses the client's financial situation to come up with a financial plan. Sometimes, they are also responsible for conducting training and workshops for both clients and bank employees.

What does a finance advisor do?

A Financial Advisor specializes in sharing their expertise with an individual or company on how to handle and boost finances. The responsibilities of a Financial Advisor include creating and proposing a strategy to attain financial gains through profits and investments, educating the client about new methods and opportunities, monitor and evaluate progress, and as well as plan policies according to the clients' life changes. Furthermore, it is also the duty of the Financial Advisor to research new investments that would be of great help to the client's assets.

Investment counselor vs finance advisor salary

Investment counselors and finance advisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Investment CounselorFinance Advisor
Average salary$120,817$64,993
Salary rangeBetween $68,000 And $213,000Between $34,000 And $121,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyCitiEnbridge
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between investment counselor and finance advisor education

There are a few differences between an investment counselor and a finance advisor in terms of educational background:

Investment CounselorFinance Advisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Minnesota - Twin CitiesUniversity of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Investment counselor vs finance advisor demographics

Here are the differences between investment counselors' and finance advisors' demographics:

Investment CounselorFinance Advisor
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 74.0% Female, 26.0%Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 8.1% White, 72.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 8.3% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between investment counselor and finance advisor duties and responsibilities

Investment counselor example responsibilities.

  • Manage $3MM private investment portfolio consisting of mid-cap/large-cap equities.
  • Adjust sector exposure to express personal macro views, selecting single stocks within sector base on fundamental analysis and technical indicators.
  • Monitor preparation of asset/liability management report.

Finance advisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage all budget and forecast submissions into Hyperion.
  • Manage $3MM private investment portfolio consisting of mid-cap/large-cap equities.
  • Structure and manage investment portfolios using a range of financial instruments, including equity securities and fix income instruments.
  • Manage and strengthen customer relationships through cross-selling and up-selling to maximize retention and income generation by contacting existing and prospective customers.
  • Research eligibility and status of all Medicare and Medicaid patients.
  • Perform portfolio analysis using MorningStar workstation and complete cost basis research project.
  • Show more

Investment counselor vs finance advisor skills

Common investment counselor skills
  • Client Service, 13%
  • Capital Markets, 11%
  • Client Relationships, 10%
  • Securities, 10%
  • Wealth Management, 8%
  • Brokerage, 7%
Common finance advisor skills
  • Team Support, 7%
  • Wealth Management, 7%
  • Securities, 6%
  • Strong Computer, 6%
  • Financial Services, 6%
  • Client Facing, 5%

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