Paul Cupic has never looked back after choosing a career in financial advice

Some people stumble into a career. Paul Cupic made a choice and stood by it. Financial advice gave him the chance to apply his strengths in a way that still feels rewarding. Nearly five years ago, he joined our team to cover a maternity leave position as a relatively new adviser. Today, he’s helping train the next generation and remains energised by what’s possible for clients who want to build real wealth and long-term security.

At First Financial, we know our advisers are the heart of our client-centric services. They aren’t just good with numbers, they’re good with people and love building relationships. Paul is no exception. His approach reflects what we value most: clarity, care and being present for clients every day.

Having studied financial planning as part of his commerce degree, Paul realised early on that he enjoyed working with numbers and solving problems. Financial advice felt like a natural professional choice, and one that would let him apply his analytical strengths while working closely with people.

Paul’s first job out of university was at a small financial planning practice with about ten staff, where the size of the team meant he could be involved in everything from administration to preparing documents and sitting in on meetings. Starting in client services, he was often the first point of contact for people seeking help, which taught him the importance of being responsive, building trust early and understanding each client’s circumstances. Over time, he moved into an adviser role, applying his technical knowledge and becoming more confident in client-facing situations.

“It’s the only adult job I’ve ever had. I liked it, I was good at it, so I thought why not keep going?” Paul says about working in financial advice. And that mindset eventually led him to First Financial.

Paul came across the role at First Financial in 2020 after seeing a LinkedIn post from James Wrigley about a position to cover a maternity leave. He was ready for a new challenge and applied. “It was an opportunity to see how a bigger business operates and how things are done differently,” he says.

From the outset, he noticed how smoothly things ran. With clearly defined roles across the business, he could focus more on strategy and client discussions without being pulled in multiple directions.

Having the right people in the right roles meant there was always someone to turn to for specialised knowledge. Paul valued that collaborative environment, where he could tap into the expertise around him and deliver better outcomes for clients. “You know you’re supported, so you can just get on with doing the best job you can for the people you work with,” he says.

Life can throw curveballs, and most of them have a financial impact. Recently, Paul had a client who was diagnosed with cancer. He went to her home to help arrange her finances so she could feel more in control during treatment. It wasn’t a formal meeting, and there were no numbers on a screen, just a genuine chance to offer support. “It was about making sure she felt organised and had what she needed so she could focus on her health,” he recalls.

For Paul, moments like this are when advice matters most, not because of the financial outcomes alone, but because it removes stress when people are already dealing with enough.

Our clients often reach out to their adviser when the unexpected happens. This has shown Paul that financial planning goes beyond making investments and building wealth. It means being there in ways that make life easier and the future more financially secure. “If you can help someone breathe a bit easier in the middle of a crisis, that’s worth more than any spreadsheet,” he says.

When Paul first started advising, he was thrown in at the deep end and quickly had to develop his own style on the job. Over time, he’s found that keeping things simple is what works best. He avoids over-explaining and makes sure clients walk away with a clear understanding of their options. “It’s easy to get caught up in technical detail, but that’s not why people come to see us,” he says.

For Paul, client conversations are where the real work happens. He sees them as the best way to uncover what someone truly needs and to understand the priorities driving their decisions. It might be funding a child’s wedding, helping with a home purchase, or making sure there’s enough for travel in retirement. By focusing on these discussions, he can shape advice that fits the person, not just their portfolio.

Earlier in his career at First Financial, Paul learned from experienced advisers like James Wrigley. Now, he’s on the other side of that equation, helping new advisers through their Professional Year. He sees mentoring as a natural step for someone who plans to stay in the profession long-term. “It’s good to know you can pass on what you’ve learned and help someone else find their way,” he says.

With a client base of over 60, Paul’s days rarely look the same. Each one brings a new question, a change in someone’s circumstances or an unexpected scenario to work through. He enjoys the pace that comes with that variety, from answering quick queries to navigating more complex changes in a person’s financial position.

Staying across updates to legislation, such as the proposed $3 million super tax or aged care reforms, is part of the job. It’s also where advisers can make a real difference by explaining changes in plain language so clients can take the right steps forward.

Having a supportive team around him makes it easier to keep up with the demands of the role. Paul values being able to swap ideas, check interpretations of new rules and know that there is always someone to lean on if a tricky question arises. It’s just another part of the First Financial culture he’s come to appreciate.

Paul’s advice for anyone considering a career in financial advice is simple: give it a go and see if it fits. He believes the variety, problem-solving and personal connections make it a rewarding profession for the right person. “If you like working with numbers and talking to people, it’s worth trying,” he says.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys playing golf and getting out on his motorbike when he gets the chance.

If you’d like clear, practical financial advice from someone who takes the time to understand what matters to you, get in touch with our team today. And if a career in financial advice sounds like a path you’d like to explore, visit our careers page to learn more about the opportunities at First Financial.

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