Finance is the lifeblood of any organization, be it nano, small, large, for-profit, not-for-profit, etc. It is, therefore, extremely important that the finances of the organization are managed in the most efficient and effective manner to ensure long-term viability, sustainability and profitability (except not-for-profit organizations). The functions of financial management include (but are not limited to):

• Fund procurement
• Fund utilization
• Financial Reporting
• Financial control, etc.

Also Read : 8 Major Roles and Functions of Financial Management

Today, more people realize the importance of financial management in personal and professional spheres. Not just the demand for finance professionals but the demand for finance courses has also increased. It is possible today for even non-finance professionals to learn the concepts and skills related to financial management and accounting through online courses in finance.

Importance of Proper Utilization of Funds:

While all the functions of financial management are equally important, special stress is laid on fund utilization. This is because effective and efficient fund utilization enables organizations in profit and wealth/ returns maximization, minimization of the cost of capital, improving savings and bettering its value. When funds are optimally utilized, it will help the organization grow and flourish in the long-run.

If funds are under- or over-utilized or mismanaged, it will be detrimental to the sustainability, viability and growth of the organization, which may even have to shut down operations as a result. This is because the capital needs of the organization are met through external sources in most cases and if the organization is letting the funds sit idle, it is not earning to its maximum capacity. If it is using it all up in an imprudent manner, it will have to raise more funds and in turn, increase its tax/ dividend burden or lose more control over its working. And beyond a certain level, it may not be able to raise more funding. Utilization of funds also impacts the liquidity, safety and risk management of the organization.

Also Read : Role & Impact of Risk Management on Financial Performance of Organisations

Constituents of the Fund Utilization Function:

Investment Decisions

Every organization requires fixed assets, and since these will be used for a longer duration and involve heavy fund requirements, they are an investment. Some fixed assets appreciate while others depreciate and will have to be replaced. The investment should also be such that there is enough left for the organization to meet its operational expenses and purchase current assets. So, organizations need to properly plan and prioritize the purchase and replacement of the various fixed assets through capital budgeting, profit and loss analysis, opportunity cost analysis, etc.

Working Capital and Cash Flow Management

Organizations need liquidity and cash flow in the short-term in order to meet their operational costs, working capital requirements and emergencies. The level of cash flow and liquidity have an impact on the credit-worthiness of the organization.

Utilization of Surplus

The surplus or profits over and above the fixed costs and tax payments of the organization need to be effectively allocated and utilized for its growth and sustenance. Dividends to shareholders and bonuses to employees must be optimal to enlist continued support and involvement; it must not be too high or too low.

If you are interested in kick starting your career as a finance professional, enrol yourself in an online course in finance and give yourself a competitive edge.

We all have short-term and long-term life goals and financial goals that we want to accomplish. For instance, buying a house, putting children through college, taking a world tour, developing a farmhouse for retirement, etc. To this end, we need to not just save a portion of our current income but also ensure it grows. Hiding money under the mattress or saving it in a safe at home is not a safe or advisable option. Money needs to make money and that is possible through proper investment either in banks and financial institutions or an array of financial instruments.

There are a multitude of investment options available today. Each investment option has a different set of risks and returns. Making the choice requires detailed research and analysis, grounded in an in-depth understanding of the overall monetary and economic environment and legislation. This process can be tedious, confusing and even intimidating to many. So, how do you make these decisions? This is where financial advisors come in.

Financial advisors are professionals who aid their clients to make the best investment decisions that will get them a higher rate of return and monetary growth. They work with clients in trying to understand their life goals and objectives related to investment and assess their financial needs. They, then, assess the present financial situation and financial health of their clients in terms of their assets, liabilities, income, expenses and expected future income. Financial advisors also take into account the risk tolerance capacity, tax situation, insurance requirements, etc. of their clients before making suggestions on the investments.  Based on these and the overall economic conditions, they make a comprehensive financial plan as a roadmap for the future.

Also Read : Tools to Control Financial Risks in Organizations

Career Outlook

Financial advisors work with banks and financial institutions (NBFCs, insurance companies, mutual funds companies, etc.), companies and as independent consultants. Their clients can be individuals or institutions. There has always been a steady demand for financial advisors, but recent years have seen a much steeper rise in demand. This can be attributed to the increasing incomes and increasing awareness of the need to save and invest for our growing needs.

Simply put, there is a lot of uncertainty and instability in the politico-economic space and the business cycles are causing severe turbulence and damage. So, the working professionals of today understand that they need to be financially prepared in the face of such instability and insecurity. However, this rise in demand for financial advisors has not been met with the supply of qualified and skilled financial advisors.

Also Read : Career Prospects in Advanced Financial Risk Management

How do you become a financial advisor?

Educational Requirements:

To become a financial advisor, the basic minimum requirement is for you to possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, statistics, economics or other related fields. A post-graduate or doctorate degree in the finance field like MBA, commerce, economics, statistics, etc. will improve your chances of getting a high-paying job. Even non-finance graduates and non-finance professionals can get into the field by taking finance or financial management courses. There are plenty of good online finance courses available today. Finance courses equip you with the necessary knowledge and technical skills necessary. Experts say that choosing a specialization improves your job prospect and scope.

Also Read : Role & Importance of Financial Management in a Business Organization

Certification

There are a number of certifications available for financial advisors such as Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Analyst, Personal Financial Specialist, Chartered Financial Consultant, etc. that give them authority in the field. It is advisable to obtain at least one certification. In some areas such as insurance and portfolio management, certification is a compulsory requirement. The need for certification may also vary from country to country. It is, therefore, necessary to do your research and get the relevant certification.

Also Read : How Good is The Online Certification in Financial Management from TalentEdge

Skills and Other Requirements

Financial advisors must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written. They must be excellent in cultivating and maintaining interpersonal relationships. They must be proficient with MS Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, and tech-savvy in general. You should have good networking and negotiation skills.

It is extremely important for financial advisors to be well-versed in local, state and national financial laws, rules, regulations and guidelines. They must keep themselves abreast of changes in these as well as a global economic, fiscal and monetary scenario.

Also Read : How much do you make as a Financial Advisor

Pay Scale for financial advisors

The national average pay scale for financial advisors is approximately Rs. 3,30,000 per annum. According to experts and the available data, the most important factor that has a bearing on the pay scales of financial advisors is their level of experience. Freshers may receive around Rs. 3,00,000 per annum, mid-level executives with 5 to 9 years of experience earn Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 7,00,000 per annum. Financial advisors with over 10 years of experience earn salaries as high as Rs. 7,00,000 to Rs. 12,00,000 per annum.

So, if you are a non-finance professional considering taking up a career as a financial advisor, you must take an online finance course and equip yourself with the skills and knowledge.

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