Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)

Under new national regulations, people looking to start their career as a financial planner will need to study a FASEA-approved degree from 2019. As a result, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) predicts there will be a shortage of financial planners and a high demand for newly-qualified graduates. There is no better time to launch your career.

Course content has been designed and developed with leading industry experts to ensure that what you learn is practical and relevant. Throughout your studies, you'll have access to cutting-edge research associated with meeting client-specific needs in light of complex regulatory requirements.

Our Centre for Applied Finance and Economics provides multi-disciplinary research on the dynamics of domestic and global economies and financial systems, bringing together economists, accountants and finance specialists from a range of backgrounds.

You'll also be able to build your professional network through our Business Career Mentor Program which pairs you with an experienced business professional. The six-month program is offered online and runs from March every year.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) - the world's leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

You'll start with a solid foundation of business, before moving into your financial planning specialisation. You'll develop a strong skill set in areas such as personal budgeting, superannuation and retirement planning, investment management, financial risk management, insurance planning and tax planning.

This degree has a strong focus on real-world, practical learning. As a student, you'll learn to prepare a Statement of Advice for a client using XPlan - the most widely used financial planning software in Australia. Throughout your studies, you'll use databases like Morningstar to research financial products, investigate real-world case studies from UniSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds and be involved in statistical analysis and 'trading games' using real industry data.

As a graduate, we'll make sure you stand out from the crowd. You'll learn contemporary career planning strategies and techniques to enhance your employability and achieve your career goals. You'll also have opportunities to connect with the leading industry body, the Financial Planners Association (FPA) and other industry professionals.

The role of a financial planner extends beyond investing money. It's a valued profession that empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions for themselves and their families.

As a financial planner, your career options are endless. You could find yourself working at financial institutions, investment banks, superannuation and insurance funds, financial advisory firms - or you could be self-employed and set up your own practice. Financial planners can also choose to specialise in a number of areas, such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.

Under new national regulations, people looking to start their career as a financial planner will need to study an accredited degree from January 2019. All financial planners currently working in industry will need to complete a FASEA-approved degree by 2024 in order to continue practising. In addition to new education standards, financial planners are required to meet new professional requirements set by FASEA. This includes completing a professional year, passing a national exam, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and completing a code of ethics course.

Careers to consider include:

• Qualified financial planner or financial adviser:Help clients meet their short-term and long-term financial goals; assist with legal and financial documents, financial laws and regulatory requirements; provide advice on personal investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning; and deliver a high-quality customer experience.
• Investment manager: Develop financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and organisations; monitor investment performance and review investment plans based on needs and changes in the market; buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients; and provide advice on tax implications, securities, insurance cover, pension plans and real estate.
• Insurance broker:Research and review available finance and insurance products to meet client requirements; arrange insurance, home loan mortgages and other types of finance for clients through banks, lenders, financiers and insurance companies; help clients understand insurance policy conditions, risks, premium rates and benefits; prepare reports for underwriters and liaise with other insurance professionals.
• Estate planner: Provide clients with legal, financial and accounting advice to ensure long-term financial protection of their estate during life and post-mortem; help ensure any assets are dispersed according to the wishes of the deceased in an effective way; and develop estate plans which may include preparing wills, life insurance, family trusts and manage tax implications for beneficiaries.
• Superannuation consultant: Provide compliant financial advice in areas such as personal and business superannuation, retirement income stream products, pensions rollovers and annuities; interpret new legislation changes and consider the impact of those changes on the portfolio of funds, help clients understand the merits of Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF), and develop retirement plan strategies.
• Wealth manager: Deliver holistic wealth management strategies and plans to help clients grow and sustain long-term financial goals; provide services across a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, and financial advice on pensions, trusts, inheritances, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax bands; and possess knowledge of software solutions and key platforms in the industry.
• Client relationship manager: Proactively engage clients by providing high value, holistic and strategic financial advice; identify opportunities to build new client relationships and strengthen existing ones; research the latest products and regulations; and focus on delivering a high-quality customer experience.