Financial Planning Associate I

Nichols College; Dudley; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial planning firm in Dudley is seeking a Financial Planning Associate to assist in client management and financial planning processes. This role offers a clear two-year growth trajectory, allowing you to work towards your Certified Financial Planner certification while actively contributing to client success. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and a passion for financial planning. The firm emphasizes values-based planning and personal relationships with clients, aiming to deliver top-quality services.

Benefits

Starting Salary: $55,000-$60,000

Performance-based increases

CFP exam reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Technology stipend

Hybrid flexibility after training period

Qualifications

• Passion for serving others and commitment to long-term career development in financial planning.
• Customer service or client-facing experience preferred.
• Interest in or coursework related to financial planning, investments, or personal finance a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review client portfolios and participate in team planning meetings.
• Assist with client presentation preparations and support operational functions.
• Lead client meeting preparation and document detailed meeting notes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proactive mindset

Strong written and verbal communication

Time management

Analytical thinking

Interest in financial technology

Collaboration

Problem-solving capabilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field

Job description

and the job listing Expires on December 25, 2025

Full-Time Job Accounting, Data Analytics, Economics & Finance

At Freedom Financial Partners (FFP), we are redefining how financial planning is delivered. Our mission is to elevate our industry by focusing on values-based planning and delivering a deeply personal, relationship-driven experience to our clients. We help clients answer two essential questions: “Am I OK?” and “Can I live the life I want?”

We offer thoughtful, values-based financial advice to help clients align their financial choices with their life goals. Our process is grounded in truth, understanding, and discipline. We’re committed to transparency, both with clients and within our team culture, operating as fee-only fiduciaries who always put our clients’ interests first.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Financial Planning Associate I to join our growing team. This role offers exceptional career development opportunities, with a clear two-year growth trajectory designed to launch your career in financial planning. You’ll blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice and firm-wide involvement, working toward your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification while developing into a senior client-facing planning role.

A Day in the Life

As a Financial Planning Associate, you might start your morning reviewing client portfolios in Black Diamond, participate in a team planning meeting, assist with a client presentation preparation, shadow a senior planner during a client meeting, and end your day updating financial plans in eMoney. You’ll be actively contributing to client success while building your expertise under expert mentorship.

Year 1: Foundations & Operations Excellence

• Master the core principles of the financial planning profession
• Receive comprehensive training on industry-leading systems and tools (Black Diamond, eMoney, financial planning software)
• Assist with insurance case processing, documentation, and client communications under the guidance of the Head of Insurance, ensuring accurate completion of applications and policy maintenance
• Support critical operational functions:
  • Preparing and processing client paperwork (money movements, beneficiary updates, account maintenance)
  • Assisting with balance sheet updates and comprehensive financial plan development
  • Running detailed portfolio reports and supporting account management
  • Collaborating with our insurance specialist on client and carrier communications
• Shadow internal planning meetings and contribute to firm-wide strategic projects
• Contribute towards special initiatives to enhance firm efficiency through AI tools and modern technology solutions
• Begin CFP exam preparation after six months with full firm support
• Mentorship: Weekly one-on-one sessions with senior planner + monthly check-ins with other firm personnel

Year 2: Client Engagement & Advanced Planning

• Develop expertise in advanced financial planning strategies and techniques
• Take leadership role in preparing for and participating in client meetings, especially with smaller client relationships
• Document detailed meeting notes and manage comprehensive follow-up workflows
• Complete CFP certification with salary increase upon passing
• Lead enhanced meeting preparation including plan drafts, scenario analysis, and targeted planning recommendations
• Lead insurance case management from application through policy delivery, coordinate directly with the Head of Insurance on complex cases, and ensure seamless client communication throughout the insurance implementation process
• Continue supporting money movement logistics while taking on more complex client service responsibilities
• Contribute to one-time projects and firm efficiency initiatives, including implementation of AI tools and systems optimization
• Lead special initiatives to enhance firm efficiency through AI tools and modern technology solutions
• Growth Opportunity: Transition to Financial Planner role with expanded client responsibilities and compensation increase

What We’re Looking For

Core Attributes & Skills

• Attention to detail – Precision is critical in financial planning
• Proactive mindset – You anticipate needs and take initiative
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for client and team interactions
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities to handle multiple priorities
• High personal integrity and emotional intelligence essential for fiduciary relationships
• Collaborative spirit and desire to learn within our supportive team environment
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Interest in financial technology and modern planning tools, including AI applications
• Innovation mindset for contributing to firm efficiency and process improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field
• Passion for serving others and commitment to long-term career development in financial planning
• Customer service or client-facing experience preferred
• Interest in or coursework related to financial planning, investments, or personal finance a plus
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software systems quickly

Total Compensation Package

• Starting Salary: $55,000–$60,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Performance-based increases throughout the program
• CFP Salary Raise: $5,000 upon successful completion
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (company contributes significantly to premiums)
• 401(k) with company matching
• Professional Development: Full reimbursement for CFP exam, prep materials, and continuing education
• Conference Attendance: Annual budget for industry conferences and networking events
• Technology Stipend: Equipment and home office setup support
• Hybrid Flexibility: 3 days in office, 2 days remote after initial training period
• Modern office environment with collaborative spaces
• Minimal travel required (occasional client meetings)
• Growth Path: Clear advancement to Financial Planning Associate II role upon completion of first year

Our Culture Guide

Empathy

• Build deep, authentic relationships with clients and colleagues
• Genuinely seek to understand diverse perspectives and experiences
• Listen actively and seek understanding before responding
• Support team members through challenges and celebrate their successes

Commitment/Dedication/Attentiveness

• Care intensely about colleague success and Freedom Financial’s mission
• Take extreme ownership of your work and professional development
• Proactively suggest improvements and lead implementation efforts
• Understand that attention to detail directly impacts our clients’ financial futures

Integrity

• Do the right thing when no one is watching
• Treat all employees and clients with respect, fostering unity and inclusion
• Provide respectful, constructive feedback to colleagues and leadership
• Admit mistakes openly and learn from them transparently
• Consistently deliver high-quality work that colleagues and clients can rely upon
• Demonstrate strong performance that elevates the entire team
• Help colleagues grow while enhancing clients’ financial well-being
• Execute relentlessly on behalf of our firm and clients
• Express genuine appreciation for colleagues’ contributions weekly
• Show appreciation for clients who trust us with their financial futures
• Find positives even in challenging situations and learn from setbacks