Financial Associate

Job Description

Job Description

At Financial Architects, Inc. (FAI) and FAI Advisors, Inc., we are dedicated to our mission of Helping People Live a Life of Freedom by Simplifying the Complexity of Money Decisions. Our culture is grounded in these core values:

• Strive for Improvement Every Day
• Think Beyond Limits
• Serve Others First

We are looking for a Financial Paraplanner who is eager to grow their planning expertise, contribute to client success, and develop along a professional path toward becoming a future Lead Advisor. Similar industry roles are Financial Assistant.

Position Overview:

The Financial Paraplanner plays a vital role in delivering our Financial Architecture process. Working closely with Lead Advisors and Client Relationship Coordinators, this role helps ensure the successful design, implementation, and ongoing management of client financial plans.

This is an excellent opportunity for a developing professional who has a strong foundation in financial planning and is motivated to expand their skills, gain direct client exposure, and grow into increased responsibility.

Core Responsibilities:

• Assist in creating, updating, and maintaining financial plans, ensuring alignment with the client’s goals within our Financial Architecture framework.
• Support Lead Advisors in discovery, modeling, and strategy meetings; prepare deliverables, gather client data, and document outcomes.
• Conduct research on investment, insurance, retirement, tax, and estate strategies. Perform scenario modeling and provide insights that strengthen recommendations.
• Coordinate account openings, transfers, and plan implementation steps. Partner with custodians and strategic partners (CPAs, attorneys, insurance providers, etc.) to execute recommendations.
• Work hand-in-hand with lead advisors and Client Relationship Coordinators to ensure seamless client service. Keep Client Relationship Management Software and planning systems databases current and accurate.
• Pursue ongoing professional development, including CFP® coursework, advanced licensing, or equivalent credentialing, with firm support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, or equivalent experience.
• 2–5 years of financial planning or paraplanning experience, ideally in an RIA or fiduciary advisory environment.
• Progress toward the CFP® designation or similar certifications strongly preferred (CFP® candidates encouraged).
• Working knowledge of financial planning concepts including retirement, cash flow planning, insurance, investments, and tax basics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and planning software (RightCapital, eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, or equivalent).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Effective communicator — able to explain concepts clearly to clients and team members.

Opportunity for Growth:

This role is intentionally designed for growth. As a Financial Paraplanner, you will:

- Gain hands-on experience in advanced planning cases.
- Build client-facing skills while supported by senior Lead Advisors.
- Develop toward a Lead Advisor track with increasing responsibility.
- Receive mentorship, CE support, and opportunities to contribute to firmwide innovation and service design.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
- Full benefits package including medical insurance, retirement contributions, and support for continuing education.
- Clear career development track within a growing advisory firm.