Lead Advisor

A fast-growing, independent RIA is seeking a Senior level Director of Financial Planning / CFP® Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead and elevate our centralized financial planning function. Our team works directly alongside lead wealth advisors and client service staff to deliver bespoke, sophisticated wealth strategies to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. Our internal SME model is a true differentiator—providing deep technical expertise, thought leadership, and peer mentorship across the firm rather than treating planning as an afterthought. About the Role The ideal candidate is an elite practitioner and technical SME who thrives on solving complex financial puzzles for HNW and UHNW clients. In this internal and client-facing leadership role, you will serve as the firm's go-to expert for advanced wealth planning strategies, guide and mentor a team of associate planners, and collaborate directly with advisors to present sophisticated solutions to complex client situations. Responsibilities Serve as the firm-wide Subject Matter Expert (SME) on advanced HNW/UHNW planning topics, including estate planning, executive compensation, wealth transfer, tax efficiency, and business succession. Review, refine, and quality-check complex financial plans created by the planning team to ensure technical accuracy and consistency. Mentor and train associate financial planners, fostering their technical growth, case preparation skills, and strategic thinking. Partner with wealth advisors in high-stakes client and prospect meetings to present advanced planning strategies clearly and persuasively. Establish and continuously improve firm-wide planning methodologies, standardized workflows, and deliverable standards. Stay current on regulatory, tax, and economic changes, translating complex updates into actionable insights for both internal teams and clients. Evaluate and optimize advanced planning tools and financial software to streamline high-touch workflows. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required (Master's in Financial Planning, Finance, or MST a plus). 8-10+ years of comprehensive financial planning experience, with a heavy focus on HNW ($5M+) and UHNW ($20M+) client cases. Required Skills Expert knowledge of estate planning structures (trusts, wealth transfer, gifting strategies), executive equity compensation (NQSOs, ISOs, RSUs), and business entity structuring. Strong leadership and peer-coaching ability with a passion for teaching and developing junior planning talent. Exceptional technical research skills and the ability to synthesize complex multi-generational wealth scenarios into executive summary-level insights. Superior communication skills, with proven success co-presenting in high-net-worth client environments alongside senior advisors. Mastery of modern financial planning and visualization tools (e.g., eMoney, RightCapital, MoneyGuidePro, Income Lab, Holistiplan). Pay range and compensation package Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance bonus and full benefits package. Standard Monday-Friday in-office/hybrid schedule, with occasional extended hours during peak client review cycles. Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr Squarely LLC