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Entry Level Financial Planning Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ... Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning * Crewmember Assistance Program

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ... Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning * Crewmember Assistance Program

Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ... Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning * Crewmember Assistance Program

New

Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ... Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning * Crewmember Assistance Program

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ... Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning * Crewmember Assistance Program

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat ... Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning * Crewmember Assistance Program

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Financial Planning information

See Iowa salary details

$33.3K

$56.9K

$98.2K

How much do entry level financial planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level financial planning in Iowa is $56,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $64,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level financial planners, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level financial planners often face challenges such as building a client base, gaining trust, and staying updated with evolving financial regulations. It can be intimidating to establish relationships with clients who may prefer more experienced advisors. To overcome these hurdles, new planners can focus on continuous learning, seek mentorship, and leverage networking opportunities within their firm or industry groups. Regularly attending training sessions and collaborating with senior team members can also accelerate skill development and confidence.

What is the difference between Entry Level Financial Planning vs Financial Advisor?

AspectEntry Level Financial PlanningFinancial Advisor
CertificationsBasic certifications (e.g., CFP® exam prep, FINRA licenses)Typically holds CFP®, Series 7, 66, or 65 licenses
Work EnvironmentInternships, entry-level firms, financial planning firmsIndependent or firm-based, client-facing roles
Job FocusAssisting with financial plans, research, data gatheringProviding personalized financial advice, client management
Experience Level0-2 years2+ years experience often required

Entry Level Financial Planning roles typically involve supporting financial advisors and gaining foundational knowledge, while Financial Advisors actively manage client portfolios and provide tailored financial advice. The entry-level position is a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed and experienced financial advisor.

What is the best entry-level financial planning job?

An entry-level financial planning job typically involves assisting with client financial analysis, preparing reports, and supporting financial advisors. Common roles include financial planning assistant or paraplanner, often requiring knowledge of financial software and certifications like the CFP exam. These positions provide foundational experience for a career in financial planning.

How to start a career in entry level financial planning?

To start a career in entry level financial planning, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as finance, accounting, or economics, and develop strong analytical and communication skills. Gaining industry certifications like the Series 7 or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can improve job prospects, and entry-level roles often require familiarity with financial software and client service experience.

How to get an entry-level job in financial planning?

To secure an entry-level financial planning position, candidates should obtain relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related fields, and develop skills in financial analysis and client communication. Gaining certifications like the Series 7 or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can improve job prospects, and internships or entry-level roles in financial services provide valuable experience. Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency with financial planning software are also beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level financial planner?

To thrive as an Entry Level Financial Planner, you need a solid understanding of financial principles, analytical skills, and a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Familiarity with financial planning software, spreadsheets, and pursuing certifications like CFP or Series 7/63 is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly are vital soft skills. These competencies help ensure accurate planning, regulatory compliance, and client trust, which are essential for long-term success in financial services.

What is entry level financial planning?

Entry level financial planning refers to roles where professionals help individuals or businesses manage their finances, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for retirement. People in these positions typically work under the supervision of experienced financial planners and may assist with preparing client reports, researching investment options, and learning the basics of financial advising. These roles are ideal for recent graduates or those new to the finance industry who want to gain experience and work toward certifications like CFP (Certified Financial Planner). Entry level financial planners often develop strong analytical, communication, and client service skills, which are essential for career growth in the financial planning field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Planning jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Financial Planning jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Financial Planning jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Financial Planning jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Financial Planning jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Financial Planning jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Financial Planning jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Financial Planning job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Financial Planning job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,935 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Entry Level Sales Executive - Employee Benefits

Cottingham & Butler

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Cottingham & Butler rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 308 rated insurance


Job description

Cottingham & Butler is actively looking for ambitious and driven entry-level Sales Executives at our headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa! Seeking all sales minded, soon-to-be college graduates, recent college graduates, or individuals with 1-3 years of sales experience who are motivated by financial rewards.

What You'll Get:

At Cottingham & Butler, we offer an exceptional sales career that opens the door to boundless opportunities and unlimited earning potential. You will be immersed in a dynamic environment surrounded by a team that is dedicated to equipping you for success. Through comprehensive training, unparalleled service support, unique resources, and the necessary tools, we ensure that you have everything you need to build a highly lucrative sales career.

What You'll Do:

  • Learn the business and become a trusted advisor to company leaders.
  • Identify, qualify, and close prospects.
  • Manage and retain your book of business and actively work towards its growth to unlock substantial financial growth.
  • Strategize and develop customized solutions for clients, leveraging available programs to deliver services that exceed client expectations.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with top decision makers, ensuring long-term client retention.
  • Collaborate with our service team to create compelling proposals and deliver impactful presentations to clients and prospects.
  • Earn relevant designations and stay up-to-date on continuing education credits provided by the company to enhance your professional growth and earning potential.

There are 30,000 insurance brokers in the US that claim to offer great sales careers, but in reality, very few sales executives ever achieve a $1 million book of business. We put our money where our mouth is - almost ALL of our sales executives have a million-dollar book by their 10th anniversary.

How do our producers achieve such consistent results? We make it easy by surrounding them with everything they need to be successful, including:

  • Experienced Account Management Teams - Your clients will be in good hands with our account management teams. They are capable and proficient. In addition to having skilled account managers, we intentionally build redundancy into the teams to ensure that clients get the best service possible.
  • In-House Specialists- Our team includes people that specialize in compliance, HR consulting, analytics, client communications, worksite products, stop loss and technology. 
  • Tools & Resources- You will have assessments, checklists, audits, etc. that you can use to tailor custom strategies for each client. You will also have access to partner companies that will provide you with additional resources, such as ThinkHR and Zywave, etc.

We are consultants, not just insurance shoppers. In addition to designing employee benefits packages, we help with strategic planning, analytics, cost containment, regulatory and compliance issues, and M&A/ due diligence, etc.

People We Hire:

If you thrive in a fast-paced, competitive environment and possess a relentless drive for success, Cottingham & Butler is the ideal place for you. You will be surrounded by industry-leading professionals, including several teammates who manage books of business exceeding $1 million. Additionally, you'll have access to our exceptional service teams and in-house specialists focused on account management, technology, compliance, analytics, client communications, and more-resources that will elevate your sales performance and financial success.

About Cottingham & Butler:

At Cottingham & Butler, we sell a promise to help our clients through life's toughest moments. To deliver on that promise, we aim to hire, train, and grow the best professionals in the industry. We look for people with an insatiable desire to succeed, are committed to growing, and thrive on challenges. Our culture is guided by the theme of "better every day" constantly pushing ourselves to be better than yesterday - that's who we are and what we believe in.

As an organization, we are tremendously optimistic about the future and have incredibly high expectations for our people and our performance. Our ability to grow as a company, fuels investments in new resources to better serve our clients and provide the amazing career opportunities our employees want and deserve. This is why we are a growth company and why we are committed to being better every day. 

Want to learn more? Follow us on www.CottinghamButler.com | LinkedIn | Facebook


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