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Financial Professional Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Operations Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

By combining personalized financial planning with professional asset management, tax optimization ... Associate's degree in a related field, or equivalent professional experience. * Exceptional ...

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Financial Professional Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$41.8K

$82.2K

$127.3K

How much do financial professional associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial professional associate in Iowa is $82,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can financial advisors make $500,000 a year?

Financial Professional Associates typically do not earn $500,000 annually, as this level of income is more common among experienced financial advisors with established client bases, high-value portfolios, and advanced certifications like the CFP or CFA. Most earn a combination of salary and commissions or bonuses, with top earners reaching higher income levels after years of experience and a strong network. Achieving such income often requires significant business development and client management skills.

Is a CFP better than a CPA?

A Financial Professional Associate role typically involves financial planning and advising, where a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) credential demonstrates expertise in personal finance, estate planning, and investment management. A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) specializes in accounting, tax, and auditing services. The better credential depends on the specific job focus—CFPs are more suited for financial planning, while CPAs are ideal for accounting and tax-related roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Financial Professional Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Professional Associate, you need a solid understanding of financial products, sales acumen, and typically a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, financial planning tools, and relevant licenses such as FINRA Series 6 or 7 and state insurance licenses are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly help build client trust and long-term relationships. These skills are essential for helping clients achieve their financial goals while ensuring compliance and fostering business growth.

What are Financial Professional Associates?

Financial Professional Associates are entry-level financial advisors who work with clients to help them manage their finances, plan for their future, and achieve their financial goals. They typically assist with investment planning, retirement strategies, insurance needs, and other financial services. Financial Professional Associates often work under the supervision of more experienced advisors and receive training to develop their skills and knowledge in the financial industry. Their role is essential in guiding clients through complex financial decisions and building long-term relationships.

What does a financial associate do?

A financial professional associate supports financial advisors or firms by preparing client reports, analyzing financial data, and assisting with investment strategies. They often handle administrative tasks, maintain client records, and may use financial software, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. This role typically requires relevant certifications or training in finance or related fields.

Is $200,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?

For a Financial Professional Associate, $200,000 can be a substantial amount to invest or manage, depending on the client's financial goals and the advisor's fee structure. Many financial advisors require a minimum investment or net worth to provide comprehensive services, but some offer advice for lower amounts. The suitability depends on the specific services needed and the advisor's policies.

What are some common challenges faced by Financial Professional Associates when building their client base, and how can they overcome them?

Financial Professional Associates often encounter challenges in building a robust client base, especially early in their careers when they may lack an extensive personal network. Overcoming these obstacles typically involves proactive networking, leveraging mentorship opportunities, and utilizing company-provided resources such as training programs and marketing tools. Many successful associates focus on building trust with clients through education, transparent communication, and consistent follow-up. Developing a referral system and participating in community events can also help expand their reach and establish credibility within the financial services industry.

What is the difference between Financial Professional Associate vs Financial Advisor?

AspectFinancial Professional AssociateFinancial Advisor
Required CredentialsTypically Series 6/7, possibly life insurance licensesSeries 7, 66, or 65, and relevant licenses
Work EnvironmentSupport role in financial firms, assisting advisorsClient-facing, providing financial planning and investment advice
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in brokerage firms, banks, and financial institutionsUsed across independent and firm-affiliated financial planning practices

The main difference is that a Financial Professional Associate primarily supports financial advisors and handles administrative tasks, while a Financial Advisor directly interacts with clients to develop financial plans and investment strategies. The roles often require similar licenses initially, but their responsibilities and client engagement levels differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Financial Professional Associate jobs in Iowa? For Financial Professional Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Professional Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Professional Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Financial Professional Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Financial Professional Associate job openings:

Marketing Technology Business Analyst

EquiTrust Financial Services

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Us:
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Position Summary:
The Marketing Technology Business Analyst plays a key role in the evolution of EquiTrust’s Sales and Marketing digital platforms, driving improvements to the financial professional and distributor experience across e-application systems, externally facing tools, and other digital properties. This position collaborates with business and technology teams to identify opportunities and implement enhancements that improve platform functionality, usability, and overall effectiveness.

This individual is responsible for the evaluation, support, and continuous improvement of platform functionality, workflows, and user experience. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, IT, Administration, and external partners, the Marketing Technology Business Analyst identifies opportunities, defines business requirements, troubleshoots issues, and implements solutions that enhance efficiency and overall experience across digital engagement systems.

This role requires a strong understanding of how financial professionals and distribution firms interact with digital tools, along with a proactive approach to identifying friction points and delivering improvements that directly support Sales and Marketing outcomes.

What You'll Do:

  • Serves as a subject matter expert on e-application platforms, websites, and other digital tools, providing guidance and recommendations based on real-world usage and business needs.
  • Identifies, analyzes, and documents business needs by evaluating workflows, gathering requirements, and assessing the operational and technical impact of enhancements across marketing technology platforms.
  • Executes and supports enhancements to digital platforms, working with partners to deliver solutions.
  • Plans, coordinates, and executes user acceptance testing by defining test scenarios, validating system functionality, and partnering with stakeholders to ensure enhancements meet business needs and perform as expected.
  • Analyzes and identifies business, processing, and marketing technology platform and systems issues and helps provide problem resolutions and recomends improvements.
  • Monitors and communicates project and work status to Marketing Technology Manager and other key stakeholders.
  • Performs liaison functions between business and IT teams to coordinate changes.
  • Creates release summaries to inform the business of changes and enhancements that have been successfully implemented.
  • Conceptualizes and articulates complex ideas to management and stakeholders through various means (i.e. written descriptions, sketches, wireframes, prototypes, documentation, spreadsheets, sitemaps, workflows and user flows).
  • Uses creative problem-solving skills and technical expertise to ensure that the implemented solutions are operational and secure throughout end-user engagement.
  • Evaluates the financial professional and distributor firm experience across platforms and identifies and communicates to management any opportunities to improve usability, efficiency, and overall satisfaction.
  • Proactively identifies friction points in workflows and implements practical solutions to improve the end-user experience.
  • Supports the EquiTrust Sales and Marketing teams and other departments on an as-needed basis.
  • Willingly accepts additional responsibilities as requested in order to accomplish department and Company objectives.

    What You'll Bring:
    Education:

    • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

    Experience:

    • High School Diploma or Equivalent: A minimum of 5 years of related work experience.
    • Associate degree: A minimum of 3 years of related work experience.
    • Bachelor's Degree: A minimum of 2 years of related work experience. 
    • Minimum 3 years of experience in insurance or financial services required.
    • Minimum 2 years experience with life insurance and annuity business processes and knowledge of insurance systems required.
    • Experience working with e-application or digital transaction platforms (e.g., AFFIRM, FireLight, or similar).

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Strong understanding of financial professional and distributor workflows and digital experience expectations.
    • Ability to evaluate platforms from an end-user perspective and recommend practical improvements.
    • Knowledge and understanding of insurance products and complexities.
    • Professional communication skills, both verbal and written.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills are required, including a high degree of professionalism.
    • Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and solve problems as well as recognize situations that fall outside the parameters of normal or routine activity.
    • Proficiency with research tools and techniques.
    • Ability to multi-task and manage time in order to meet varying deadlines and execute under pressure.
    • Responsible, reliable, dedicated, and accountable.
    • Organized and self-directed.
    • Intuitive, analytical problem solver.
    • Solution-oriented mindset with a focus on execution.

    Where You’ll Work: 

    • West Des Moines, IA
    • Expected Travel: Infrequent travel (less than 5% of the time).

    Total Rewards:
    In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary incentive bonus and access to a competitive benefits package including: 

    • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage:
    • 401(k) with Company Match
    • Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
    • Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
    • Hybrid/Remote Work Options
    • Early Friday Closure

    EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers. 

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