Wealth Planning Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Wealth Planning Associate

Location: Richmond, VA

Reports To: Director of Financial Planning & Tax

Department: Financial Planning and Tax

Status: Full-Time | Hybrid Work Environment

Hybrid expectation: Typically 4 days/week in-office in Richmond (flexible based on role needs and training).

FIRM OVERVIEW

Heritage Wealth Advisors is an independently owned Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) that specializes as a multi-family office serving ultra-high-net-worth families, individuals, and institutions. We are dedicated to protecting, growing, and sustaining wealth across generations through deeply personalized, long-term strategies. Our comprehensive services span six financial pillars: Family Office, Financial Planning, Investment Management, Tax Planning, Philanthropy, and Institutions.

Founded in 2005, Heritage is rooted in enduring relationships and guided by a multi-generational mindset. With offices in Richmond, VA, Charlottesville, VA, and Pittsburgh, PA, we deliver thoughtful guidance and fiduciary care through every phase of life and legacy.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Wealth Planning Associate supports Wealth Advisors and Senior Wealth Advisors in delivering exceptional client service across financial planning, tax, and investment-related workflows. The role combines hands-on execution (meeting prep, follow-through, and documentation) with structured learning to build technical and operational expertise over time.

This is a growth-oriented role with increasing responsibility, supported by training, feedback, and evolving technology-enabled workflows. The Wealth Planning Associate reports to the Director of Financial Planning & Tax and partners with cross-functional teams to help execute client deliverables consistently and on time.

WHO WILL THRIVE HERE

You:

• Communicate early and clearly—especially when priorities shift or deadlines are at risk.
• Own the details, and know when to escalate and when to ask for guidance.
• Bring a calm, professional presence with clients and teammates, and handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Learn new tools and workflows (including AI-enabled tools) and share practical tips that make the team more effective.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning, Tax and Client Service

Priorities are driven by client deadlines and advisor direction. You’ll start with meeting prep/follow-through, documentation, and core client-service execution; over time you’ll take on deeper planning, tax, and (where applicable) family office work as you build proficiency.

• Client service & advisor support: partner with advisors across a shared coverage model and dedicated client teams; stay current on client priorities; drive client requests to resolution.
• Client meetings: prepare materials and follow-up items; attend/shadow meetings as needed; capture notes and document client interactions thoroughly in the CRM.
• Onboarding & coordination: partner with Operations to ensure smooth onboarding, paperwork completion, and timely processing.
• Financial planning & analysis (scope expands over time): support planning deliverables, including balance sheets and cash flow projections using Tamarac Advisor View and eMoney; assist with review and summarization of estate planning documents.
• Tax support (scope expands over time): assist with preparation of common tax forms and returns (e.g., W-2/1099, 1040, 1041, 1065, 990, 709) and tax projections/estimated payments. You will prepare (not sign) tax returns. During peak tax periods, workload may increase; we plan ahead as a team and communicate priorities clearly.
• Family office support (as applicable): support QuickBooks bookkeeping and reporting packages; perform bill pay; maintain trust distribution schedules; track loan and payment schedules (external or intrafamily), and coordinate next steps with advisors.

Apprenticeship & Collaboration

• Apprentice with advisors and the Senior Wealth Planning Associate to leverage historical client knowledge and build strong judgment.
• Collaborate across client teams to keep information flowing and deliver a consistent client experience.
• Experiment with new technology (including AI tools) to improve accuracy, speed, and consistency—while maintaining confidentiality and quality standards.
• Document and share efficient workflows (templates, checklists, prompts, best practices) so the team benefits from what you learn.
• Escalate internal or client-facing issues early with clear context and proposed options to the Wealth Advisor or Senior Wealth Advisor.
• Contribute to internal initiatives (task forces) that improve firm efficiency, quality, and growth; help train/supervise interns as needed.

Professional & Community Engagement

• Network with peers in the industry
• Attend firm events
• Develop a credentialing plan and engage with relevant professional and community organizations
• Serve as a Heritage ambassador in the local community by professionally representing the firm and living our values

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in accounting or finance.
• 1-3 years of relevant or transferable experience.
• Existing plan or desire to pursue certification. Preferred credentials for pursuit include Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Enrolled Agent (EA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
• Demonstrated alignment with Heritage Core Values:
  • Collaboration - Partners across teams to share information, align priorities, and deliver consistently.
  • Intellectual Curiosity - Learns continuously; embraces new tools and best practices.
  • Integrity - Exercises sound judgment and discretion with confidential matters.
  • Passion - Brings energy and commitment to helping clients achieve their goals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat, or willingness to learn quickly.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including strong listening and the ability to communicate progress, priorities, and risks early.
• Analytical and learning-oriented: able to analyze and synthesize information, learn technical concepts and firm processes, and seek guidance appropriately.
• Execution mindset: strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to balance quality and pace to meet deadlines (including during peak periods).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary and bonus potential, based on experience and performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with profit sharing.
• Partial and/or full financial support for professional development, including certification programs, continuing education, and leadership training.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays) with flexible scheduling and hybrid work options.
• Parental leave and family leave policies.
• Access to firm resources, internal planning services, and networking / thought leadership events.