Associate Financial Advisor

Job Description:

Our client is a fee-only financial planning firm located in Grand Rapids, MI, seeking an Associate Financial Advisor who will serve in a support and lead capacity within assigned client relationships. In the support role, this advisor partners closely with Lead and Senior Advisors to deliver a proactive, high-quality wealth management experience. Responsibilities include preparing and analyzing financial planning and investment strategies, supporting complex client needs, participating in client meetings, and ensuring thorough follow-through on all action items.

This role is designed for a developing advisor who is technically strong, highly organized, and committed to delivering exceptional client experience. As skills and experience grow, the advisor is expected to take on increasing responsibility in client relationships, deepen expertise in complex planning situations, and contribute to broader firm initiatives, including client service operations, investment management, and business development efforts.


A clear growth path toward Lead Advisor responsibility is built into this position. Ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship are provided to support the Associate Financial Advisors' professional development and long-term career advancement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advisor Support & Client Experience

• Support Lead Advisors in delivering proactive financial planning and wealth management services to assigned clients
• Attend client meetings, present planning analysis when appropriate, and document notes and follow-up action items
• Maintain ongoing planning support across investments, retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and other relevant planning areas
• Prepare materials for prospective client meetings, including planning presentations and advisory agreements
• Assist with onboarding new client relationships, ensuring a smooth and professional transition

Client Service Coordination

• Serve as a primary point of contact for day-to-day client service needs
• Track and coordinate completion of client action items with service, operations, and portfolio management teams
• Coordinate money movement, account maintenance, and documentation with the client service team
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client information in CRM and planning systems
• Respond to client communications promptly and professionally

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare and update financial plans, including retirement modeling, cash flow analysis, insurance reviews, estate summaries, and tax planning inputs
• Gather and organize client data and documentation
• Develop draft planning recommendations and supporting analyses for review with Lead Advisors
• Support annual tax planning and reporting coordination, including review of 1099s and collaboration with clients tax professionals

Portfolio & Investment Support

• Assist in portfolio reviews, rebalancing analysis, and monitoring for asset allocation alignment and tax efficiency
• Coordinate with portfolio management and trading teams as needed
• Review proposed trades and ensure portfolios align with internal guidelines and investment processes
• Review daily trade reports and be prepared to address client questions
• Conduct periodic reviews of assigned client accounts in portfolio systems, including account setup, maintenance, targets, benchmarks, and rebalancing settings

Business Development

• Participate in community outreach, networking, and marketing activities to support new business opportunities
• Support the firms business development process to identify, cultivate, and track prospective client relationships
• Leverage professional centers of influence to expand the firms referral network

Qualifications & Attributes

• Bachelors degree required; finance, financial planning, economics, accounting, or engineering preferred.
• CFP® designation completed or in progress strongly preferred
• Series 65 licensed or willingness to obtain, if CFP® not already obtained
• 3-7 years of experience in a financial planning or wealth management environment
• Strong technical knowledge of financial planning, including retirement, tax, insurance, and estate planning
• Solid understanding of investment principles and modern portfolio theory
• Experience with CRM systems, financial planning software, and portfolio accounting platforms
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and follow-through skills
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable participating in client meetings and presenting with mentorship
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a desire to learn and grow

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary starting at 80k+, plus bonus
• Health Insurance
• 401k with match
• Sabbatical Program