Financial Planning Specialist

Financial Planning Specialist

Location: Orange, CA

We are a client-focused financial planning practice dedicated to helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals through comprehensive planning, personalized advice, and exceptional service. Our team is committed to building long-term client relationships and delivering thoughtful financial guidance that helps clients make confident decisions about their future.

We are seeking a highly organized and client-focused Financial Planning Specialist to join our growing team. This position plays a vital role in supporting advisors throughout the financial planning process by preparing plans, coordinating client deliverables, managing planning workflows, and serving as a knowledgeable resource for clients during the implementation of financial planning recommendations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys financial planning, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is looking to continue building a long-term career within the wealth management industry.

Position Overview

The Financial Planning Specialist serves as an integral member of the advisory team, partnering closely with Financial Advisors and Paraplanners to ensure every client receives a seamless and exceptional financial planning experience.

This role is responsible for coordinating the financial planning process from data gathering through implementation by preparing planning materials, maintaining accurate client information, creating and tracking deliverables, communicating with clients throughout the planning process, and ensuring advisors have the resources they need to deliver comprehensive financial advice.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically proficient, proactive, and passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning Support

• Enter, update, and maintain client financial information within MoneyGuide
• Review and interpret client financial statements and supporting documentation
• Assist clients throughout the financial planning process by answering questions regarding:
• Outside investment accounts
• Ameriprise accounts
• Money movement requests
• Bank authorizations
• Prepare planning reports, follow-up correspondence, and client documentation for advisor review and signature
• Coordinate meeting preparation by updating agendas, preparing reports, and ensuring all planning materials are complete
• Track financial planning deliverables from creation through completion
• Upload planning deliverables to the Home Office for review
• Assist advisors with implementation of financial planning recommendations

Client Service & Administrative Support

• Maintain organized electronic client files and planning documentation
• Ensure planning records remain accurate, complete, and compliant
• Manage planning workflows and prioritize multiple deadlines
• Complete miscellaneous projects and operational initiatives assigned by advisors
• Support a smooth and efficient planning experience for both advisors and clients

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Two or more years of experience in financial services, wealth management, or financial planning preferred
• Experience supporting Financial Advisors, Paraplanners, or Financial Planners strongly preferred
• CFP® certification preferred but not required
• Strong understanding of comprehensive financial planning concepts
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Licensing Requirements

Candidates should currently hold—or be willing to obtain within six months of employment—the following licenses:

• Series 7
• Series 66 (or Series 65 & 63)
• State Life, Accident & Health Insurance License

Licensing support may be available for qualified candidates.

Preferred Skills

• Experience using MoneyGuide or similar financial planning software
• Working knowledge of Ameriprise systems and processes preferred
• Ability to interpret financial statements and planning documents
• Experience preparing comprehensive financial plans and client meeting materials
• Strong technology skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, and CRM software
• Ability to process money movement requests accurately
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Outstanding client relationship and communication skills
• Strong time management and organizational abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with advisors and team members

Growth & Development

We are committed to investing in the professional development of its team members.

This position offers the opportunity to deepen your financial planning knowledge, gain hands-on experience supporting sophisticated planning strategies, and work alongside experienced advisors dedicated to delivering exceptional client service.

Individuals who demonstrate strong performance, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning will have opportunities to expand their planning responsibilities and grow their career within the practice.

Compensation & Benefits

• $31.25–$43.27/hr , based on experience
• Non-exempt position
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Long-term disability insurance
• Licensing and professional development support

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time, in-office position located in Orange, California
• Monday through Friday
• Collaborative, team-oriented office environment
• Fast-paced financial planning practice
• Significant interaction with advisors and clients
• Opportunity to directly contribute to the firm's financial planning process and overall client experience

Why Join the Practice?

Financial planning is at the heart of everything we do. As our Financial Planning Specialist, you'll play a meaningful role in helping advisors deliver comprehensive planning solutions that improve clients' financial lives.

You'll join a collaborative, high-performing team that values integrity, accountability, continuous learning, and exceptional client service. If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your financial planning expertise while making a lasting impact on both clients and the practice, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

A background check will be conducted as part of the hiring process, and successful completion is required for employment in accordance with applicable laws.