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Financial Professional Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr Associate, RFP

Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

What You'll Do We are hiring for a Senior Associate, RFP who is responsible for leading the ... professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services ...

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Showing results 1-20

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:
Associate Director, Legal (Corporate Counsel)

Associate Director, Legal (Corporate Counsel)

Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.

Fairfield, IA • On-site, Remote

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job SummaryThe Associate Director of Legal plays a critical role in supporting a fast-growing financial services organization by delivering practical, business-focused legal guidance across a wide range of initiatives. Reporting to Legal and Risk Leadership, this individual partners closely with internal stakeholders to manage complex legal matters, including contract drafting and negotiation, regulatory analysis, and advisory support tied to strategic business activities such as M&A, vendor oversight, and risk mitigation.
This role is ideal for a proactive attorney who thrives in a dynamic environment and is energized by balancing day-to-day legal needs with longer-term strategic priorities. With the firm experiencing significant growth in both revenue and regulatory complexity, the Associate Director of Legal will help scale the legal function, protect the organization, and enable continued expansion.Key Deliverables and Responsibilities
  • Provide research and analysis with respect to issues or problems assigned by department management

  • Reviewing and drafting contracts applicable to the Company's business

  • Perform in-depth research, analysis and monitoring of federal and state laws, rules and regulations, within both the securities and the investment advisory area, and assist in ensuring operations are working within the scope of said laws, rules and regulations

  • Accurately communicate questions and concerns from financial professionals to senior management and appropriate home office personnel, assisting with any matter presented for consideration

  • Coordinate with senior management and the Compliance department on arbitration and mediation issues

  • Interface within the company in a professional and courteous manner to achieve the Company's common goals and ensure communication of those goals and statuses to all necessary parties

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and business-minded attorney who brings strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach to legal challenges. They are comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing competing priorities, and translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable guidance for non-legal partners. With experience in financial services, securities law, or a similarly regulated environment, they are adept at contract work, regulatory research, and cross-functional collaboration.

This individual is curious, adaptable, and motivated to grow with an evolving organization-someone who sees legal as a strategic enabler rather than a gatekeeper. They communicate with clarity and confidence, build trusted relationships across the business, and take ownership of their work while contributing to a high-performing, team-oriented legal function.

Certifications:

  • License in good standing with the Iowa Bar.

  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA Accredited Law School

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7 and Series 24 or 66 required within 18 months of hire.

Salary Range:$90,000 - $110,000. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate based on the ideal candidate's qualifications, the company's operational needs, and other factors permitted by law. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, education, performance, internal equity, and geographic location.

Why Cambridge?Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. We offer paid time off, paid holidays and floating holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability, and company-paid life insurance. Associates also enjoy volunteer time off, wellness incentives, and additional benefits that support you both personally and professionally.

You can find more details about our comprehensive benefits packagehere.

Company Overview: At Cambridge, our purpose is simple: to make a difference in the lives of our financial advisors, their clients, and our associates. Founded in 1981, we have nearly 45 years of experience supporting independent financial advisors with industry-leading tools, compliance, and transition services. Guided by our core values-integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness-we put financial advisors first in every decision we make.

Cambridge is an internally controlled, growth-focused independent broker-dealer with $254 billion in assets under advisement and $1.97 billion in annual revenues. We rank among the largest and fastest-growing firms in the industry, providing financial advisors with the flexibility, resources, and support to thrive. With home offices in Fairfield, Iowa, and Phoenix, Arizona, and a nationwide reach, our 900 associates maintain a 4:1 advisor-to-associate ratio to ensure personalized service.

Our community of over 4,000 producing financial advisors includes diverse business models-RIA, corporate RIA, hybrid, fee-only, and brokerage-and offers a broad selection of investment solutions with no proprietary products. At Cambridge, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace, where 60% of our associates and 18% of our financial advisors are women, and 17% of our advisors are under 40.

Join us to help financial advisors succeed, make an impact, and discover your Something Wonderful. For further information about Cambridge, please visit https://www.joincambridge.com/

Work Environments: This role offers a hybrid schedule, requiring three days weekly in the office. Applicants should be located near one of our hubs (Fairfield, IA or Phoenix, AZ) and must be willing to work this schedule.

Recruiting Agencies: This position is being managed directly by Cambridge's Talent Acquisition team. We will reach out to our preferred agency partners in the rare instance we require additional talent options. Fees will not be paid for unsolicited submissions. Your respect for this process is appreciated.

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