Advance to Financial Planning Advisor

Vanguard; Scottsdale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work model

CFP certification support

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Vanguard is launching an Advance to Financial Planning Advisor Program in Scottsdale, AZ, a full-time development track designed to train the next generation of financial advisors through real client exposure, mentorship, and structured skill-building.

The program enables CFP certification progression and culminates in a Mass Affluent Financial Advisor role after about 18–24 months, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, relationship building, and tailored investment advice, all within a

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; GPA 3.2+ preferred.
• CFP Board registered undergrad/grad program or pursuing the designation.
• SIE exam completed prior to start date.
• Plan to obtain Series 7 and 63 licenses within the licensing window.
• Demonstrated leadership in academics, work, or community settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication; CRM skills.

Skills

CRM skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Time management

Investment knowledge

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree (GPA 3.2+)

CFP Board registered undergrad/grad program

SIE exam completed

Series 7 & 63 pursuit within licensing window

Job description

Take a stand for investors

At Vanguard, we’re taking a stand for all investors. You can help us advance this mission by joining Vanguard as we strive to redefine the advice industry. Our Advance to Financial Planning Advisor Program is a structured pathway designed to build the next generation of financial advisors—combining real-world client experience, intentional development, and a clear progression into a Financial Advisor role. When you join Vanguard, you’ll help steer the financial futures of our clients. Make it count!

In this full-time development program, you will

• Gain comprehensive and hands-on exposure in a client-facing service role, designed to build critical skills and knowledge through direct interaction with advice clients.
• Benefit from robust mentorship opportunities and support from Vanguard Advice professionals and senior management while building the network and leadership skills to prepare you for a career in Personal Wealth Advice.
• Receive dedicated advisor development time, including building skills focused on the seven elements of the personal financial planning process.
• Achieve your CFP® certification experience requirement in two years through the CFP Board Apprenticeship pathway.
• After approximately 18-24 months, launch into a promotional position as a Mass Affluent Financial Advisor where you will work within a collaborative team model to build strong relationships with our clients, identify investment needs and provide tailored financial advice and portfolio management guidance.

Advance your skill set and your career

Do you have the grit and determination to work and learn in a demanding, unique program? Then take the first step into the ever-changing field of financial planning. Your real passion for investing with integrity and drive to do what’s right for our clients will propel you through the experience. We’ll stand by you as you stand up for thirty million investors, worldwide.

What it takes

• Undergraduate degree required. Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred.
• Completion of a CFP Board registered undergrad/graduate program or a commitment to pursue the designation is preferred. We offer a corporate CFP program to support crew in acquiring the designation.
• Successful completion of Securities Industry Essentials (“SIE”) exam prior to start date, required.
• Learning agility to successfully pass the Series 7, and 63 (or equivalent licenses) within the time frame described in Vanguard’s FINRA Licensing Policy by utilizing resources and support provided by Vanguard.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in academic, professional, or community settings. Industry internship preferred.
• Strong commitment to helping and educating clients as it relates to their investment portfolios and dedication to Vanguard’s mission of providing them with the best chance for investment success.
• Support of Vanguard’s overarching values of integrity, focus, and stewardship.
• Strong investment orientation and enthusiasm for advancing this knowledge on a continuous basis.
• Excellent written, verbal, and Client Relationship Management (CRM) skills.
• Exhibit resilience and a positive attitude when faced with challenges and learning opportunities. Skillfully navigate ambiguous situations and embrace change.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, balance multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and demonstrate exceptional time management skills.

Special Factors

• Vanguard is not offering sponsorship for this role.
• The start date for this program will be July 2027.

Total Rewards

Our Total Rewards package reflects our mission and values, providing care, security, and fulfillment for you and your family – today and long-term. We support the key areas of your life with best-in-class benefits for your financial, physical, and personal wellness:

• Pay for performance, including annual performance bonuses, merit increases, and an annual Partnership bonus.
• Industry-leading retirement savings plans:
• 401(k) contribution 55% above the national average.
• Quarterly 401(k) contribution of 10% of your eligible pay.
• At least 18 paid days off, plus 10 federal holidays.
• 77% of your medical costs are covered, compared to 68% by other financial services companies.
• Unparalleled Health Savings Account (HSA) seed and match – 5x the amount as other contributing employers.
• Top-tier programs for your emotional and mental health:
• Access to 2x more coaching and therapy sessions compared to other employers.
• A caregiving concierge program, something only one in five employers offer.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don’t just have a mission—we’re on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients’ lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don’t just have a mission—we’re on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients’ lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.