Financial Planner, Paraplanning Services

Financial Planning Associate

Under limited supervision uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training or certification to serve as a resource to Financial Advisors and their clients by building GPM plans and assisting in the presentation to the clients. Plans may require knowledge and expertise regarding overall financial planning issues which may include portfolio design, Social Security, healthcare planning, retirement income planning, long-term care, life insurance and risk management, qualified retirement plans, estate planning, education funding, and small business planning. Resolves or recommends solutions to complex problems. Deliver superior client service through accuracy, timeliness, and consistency. Continuously gains knowledge of the financial industry and markets through on-going education.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• The primary responsibility of this position is to work with Financial Advisors to create a GPM plan to present to their clients. The associate may or may not assist the FA in presenting the GPM plan to the client.
• Partners with Financial Advisor to review clients' current portfolio design, understand client goals, enter client data, and conduct financial analysis.
• Designs and recommends a tailored financial analysis or comprehensive financial plan for clients and prospects that meets their short and long-term financial needs and goals.
• Evaluates overall individual and employer-based retirement needs, researches various options, and recommends planning alternatives.
• Researches and provides recommendations related to risk management concerns, including insurance.
• Prepares presentations that clearly communicate the recommendations and alternatives related to the client's financial analysis and comprehensive plan design.
• Performs detailed document reviews; analyzes client information and situations across the financial planning spectrum to develop plan.
• Research information as necessary on a case-by-case basis and writes customized financial plan observations and recommendations for each client case.
• Prepares files for meetings with existing and new clients.
• Prepares, coordinates, and follows through on any needed communication with new or existing clients.
• Responds to client questions by telephone, email, and occasional personal visits.
• Educates client on the functions of various securities markets and the principal factors that affect them.
• Provides guidance on estate planning options and techniques.
• Responds to and directs education funding questions including 529 savings plans.
• Assists with guidance on small business planning.
• Conducts research as needed related to assigned client cases, including but not limited to basic income tax questions and other legal issues requesting guidance when appropriate.
• Stay abreast of, and comply with, company and department policies and procedures.
• Ensures firm and regulatory policies are followed within compliance standards
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of

• Understanding of personal financial planning concepts.
• Familiarity with financial planning software including MoneyGuidePro (GPM).
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Financial industry concepts including security reorganizations, compliance requirements, alternate security valuations, cost basis, and gain/loss.
• Securities products including equities, fixed income, annuities, and options.
• Various investment and retirement accounts.
• External Accounts and Data Aggregation system.
• Portfolio Management applications.
• Contact Management applications.
• Proprietary broker and financial planning applications.
• Concepts, practices and procedures in supporting computer hardware and software.
• Software installation and removal.
• Computer maintenance, backup and restoration procedures.
• Data networks and protocols.

Skill in

• Operating personal computers, peripheral equipment, and telecommunication devices.
• Using operating system administration and diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.
• Using software to remote control end user computers.
• Learning and applying new information skills and processes quickly and providing comprehensive and objective analysis.
• Organization and attention to detail sufficient to prioritize multiple tasks while working in a fast-paced dynamically changing environment.
• Microsoft Office applications sufficient to produce documents, spreadsheets and email.
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications, sufficient to provide basic troubleshooting.

Ability to

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm, courteous and professional manner.
• Apply critical thinking to quickly ascertain true nature of problems and clearly communicate resolutions in a non-technical manner.
• Work well and support others in a team approach to problem solving as well as work independently when required.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all organizational levels.
• Manage multiple tasks with changing priorities to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with constant interruptions.
• Read, interpret, and apply information from technical manuals and other materials.
• Exhibit initiative and self-direction when performing tasks.
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) in related field with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the financial, retirement and estate planning field or in marketing these services.
• OR ~
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training as approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications

• SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.
• Series 7.
• Series 63, 65 and/or 66 as required by state.
• Obtain licensing required to come under the RJA and RJFSA registered investment advisor.
• Must have Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation or currently working toward completion.

Workstyle

Hybrid