Certified financial planner is a title conveyed by the International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners. To become a certified financial planner, one must pass a series of exams and enroll in ongoing education classes. Knowledge of tax preparation, insurance, and investing is essential for certified financial planners.

The sales forecast is typically the starting point of the certified financial planner jobs. Most of the financial variables are projected in relation to the estimated level of sales. Hence, the accuracy of the financial forecast depends critically on the accuracy of the sales forecast. Although the financial manager may participate in the process of developing the sales forecast, the primary responsibility for it typically rests with the certified financial planner.

Sales forecasts may be prepared for varying planning horizons to serve different purposes. A sales forecast for a period of 3-5 years, or for even longer duration