Free Financial Advisor Timesheet Template
Independent financial advisors who charge on a fee basis need accurate time records to support client invoices and demonstrate the value of their advice. Timesheets are also important for compliance purposes, as regulators in many countries require advisors to document the work carried out in connection with advice given. Clear records protect both the advisor and the client.
Currency
Live Preview
Ready to invoice this work? Go to Invoice tool →
What should a financial advisor put on a timesheet?
A financial advisor timesheet records hours by client and activity, with the date, the task, and the time spent. Note the client, whether the entry was a meeting, research, or report preparation, and the matter it relates to. Time records support a fee charged for advice and document the work behind each recommendation.
Typical line items
- Date of work
- Client name or reference
- Activity (meeting, research, report, call)
- Matter or product area
- Hours worked
- Billable or non-billable flag
- Hourly rate
- Running total for the period
How the work is charged
Financial advisors who charge fees usually log time by the hour against each client and task. Research and report preparation are recorded as their own entries so the fee reflects the work behind a meeting.
Payment terms and deposits
A timesheet supports an invoice rather than collecting payment itself. Fees are commonly billed on completion of a plan or for a review, so keep entries dated and described well enough for the client to follow.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, that applies on the invoice the timesheet supports, not the timesheet itself. Advice fees can be treated differently in some places, so confirm the rules that apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to log time on my timesheet to satisfy regulatory requirements?
In most European jurisdictions, advisors operating under MiFID II or equivalent frameworks are required to document the work performed in connection with advice. A detailed timesheet supports that documentation and makes regulatory audits straightforward.
How should I record time spent on investment research for multiple clients?
If the research benefits a single client, record it against that client. If you are researching a product or fund that will be recommended to several clients, you may allocate the time proportionally or record it as a general research entry. Be consistent and document your allocation method.
Should I charge for the time it takes to prepare a client's annual review pack?
Yes. Reviewing portfolios, running performance reports, and preparing presentation materials all take substantial time and are a core part of the service. Record them clearly so the client can see what their fee covers beyond the meeting itself.
Related timesheet templates
More free tools
Read the complete timesheet guide to see how to log hours and turn a tracked timesheet into an invoice.
Back to Timesheet Generator