Senior financial planning associate

Location: Remote (U.S.)

Compensation: $85K–$95K Base Salary + Discretionary Bonus + Benefits

Position Overview:

Our client, a successful and growing independent wealth management firm, is seeking an experienced, proactive Senior Financial Planning Associate to identify financial planning opportunities, deepen existing client relationships, and support the firm's continued growth. This position goes beyond traditional paraplanning, combining technical financial planning expertise with proactive client engagement and relationship development. The primary focus is to review existing client relationships and financial circumstances, uncover planning opportunities, and initiate meaningful conversations that lead to greater client engagement and advisor involvement. The firm takes an intentional, multigenerational approach to wealth management, building relationships with clients as well as their children and grandchildren. Legacy planning and strengthening family relationships are important parts of the firm's philosophy. The ideal candidate enjoys the analytical and technical side of financial planning but is equally comfortable engaging with clients. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who prefers working behind the scenes, takes initiative, and enjoys building relationships without necessarily wanting to become a lead financial advisor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactive Financial Planning & Opportunity Identification: Review existing client portfolios, financial plans, and circumstances to identify opportunities for additional planning and engagement. Identify planning needs involving retirement, Social Security, tax strategies, estate and legacy planning, equity compensation, and other financial considerations. Recognize opportunities to engage clients' children, grandchildren, and other family members as part of the firm's multigenerational planning approach. Identify less-engaged clients and develop thoughtful strategies to reconnect and strengthen relationships. Initiate proactive outreach, including annual portfolio review communications, planning updates, and follow-up. Recognize when planning opportunities or client complexities warrant advisor involvement and coordinate next steps. Collaborate with the firm's planning resources to develop, update, and maintain comprehensive financial plans.
• Client Engagement & Relationship Development: Build trust and deepen client relationships through proactive, personalized communication. Initiate conversations to better understand clients' evolving financial circumstances, goals, and planning needs. Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact for routine client questions and planning-related follow-up. Support client review preparation, scheduling, information gathering, and follow-through. Ensure identified planning opportunities result in appropriate advisor engagement and timely follow-up.
• Investment Operations & Portfolio Coordination: Assist with routine trading, portfolio rebalancing, distributions, and cash management activities as needed. Coordinate with third-party investment management firms and custodians to support portfolio activity and investment implementation. Monitor client accounts to identify potential planning or service needs and ensure accurate processing and follow-through.
• Team Collaboration & Process Improvement: Collaborate closely with the advisory team to ensure client needs, planning opportunities, and follow-up activities are consistently addressed. Maintain organized client workflows, communications, and documentation while contributing to process improvements. Participate in regular team meetings focused on collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement. Utilize the firm's technology platforms, including RightCapital, Holistiplan, Redtail CRM, Redtail Speak, GReminders, and Microsoft Office 365.

Ideal Candidate:

5+ years of experience within an independent advisory firm, RIA, or wealth management environment, ideally in a paraplanner, financial planning associate, or similar role. Strong financial planning knowledge with the ability to independently review client information, identify opportunities, and determine appropriate next steps. Understanding of retirement planning, tax considerations, estate and legacy planning, and multigenerational wealth planning. Series 65 preferred, or willingness to obtain within 6–12 months of hire; CFP®, ChFC®, or progress toward a financial planning designation is a plus. Familiarity with investment operations, portfolio activity, and coordination with custodians or third-party investment managers. Experience with RightCapital, Holistiplan, Redtail, or similar financial planning and CRM platforms preferred. Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a proactive, independent approach to work. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to initiate client conversations and build trust across a variety of personalities. An "extroverted introvert" who enjoys analytical, behind-the-scenes work but is equally comfortable engaging warmly and confidently with clients. Collaborative, adaptable, and self-motivated, with demonstrated success working remotely and an interest in contributing to a growing firm's culture.

Compensation & Benefits:

$85K–$95K base salary, Discretionary performance bonus, Employer-paid individual health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, Life insurance and disability insurance, Fully remote work environment, Long-term professional growth and the opportunity to help shape the firm's planning and client engagement functions.