Financial Advisor Development Program

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonuses

Merit increases

Partnership bonus

401(k) contribution above national avg

Quarterly 401(k) contribution

Paid time off

Medical cost coverage

HSA seed and match

Coaching and therapy sessions

Caregiving concierge

Job summary

Vanguard in Malvern offers the Financial Advisor Development Program, a full-time rotational track designed to build core skills for client portfolios and relationships, with rotations through advisor support, retail sales, and advisory services.

You will work with CFP professionals, complete CFP requirements, and gain mentorship while preparing for FINRA licenses; Vanguard emphasizes integrity, client-focused investing, and a path to CFP certification.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Eligibility to sit CFP exam within 6 months from hire date, required.
• Successful completion of SIE exam prior to start date, required.
• Progress toward CFP exam highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide exposure across four core business units to manage client portfolios and relationships.
• Develop skills in personal financial planning process and CFP competencies.
• Receive mentorship from CFP professionals and leadership.
• Support early career path toward CFP certification.

Skills

Client relationship management

Leadership

Communication

Learning agility

Time management

Investment planning

Education

Undergraduate degree

CFP Board-registered undergrad/graduate program eligibility

SIE exam completion

CFP exam preparation

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. Combining rigorous study and development opportunities with hands‑on experience, Vanguard’s one‑of‑a‑kind Financial Advisor Development Program will lay the foundation needed for a rewarding career in financial planning. When you join Vanguard, you’ll help steer the financial futures of our clients. Make it count!

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. Combining rigorous study and development opportunities with hands‑on experience, Vanguard’s one‑of‑a‑kind Financial Advisor Development Program will lay the foundation needed for a rewarding career in financial planning. When you join Vanguard, you’ll help steer the financial futures of our clients. Make it count!

In this full-time rotational program, you will

• Receive comprehensive and hands‑on exposure across four core business units, each designed to build critical skills and knowledge culminating in the ability to manage client portfolios and relationships independently. Rotations could include advisor and client support, retail sales, and advice.
• Develop skills focused on the seven elements of the personal financial planning process as you become a successful Financial Advisor and put our clients on the path to investment success.
• Receive robust mentorship opportunities and support from Vanguard CFP® professionals and senior management while building the network and leadership skills to prepare you for a career in Personal Investor Advice.
• Achieve your CFP® certification experience requirement in two years through the CFP Board Apprenticeship pathway.

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 and help you gain your CFP® certification. 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 the CFP Board‑registered undergrad/graduate program, granting the eligibility to sit for the CFP® exam within 6 months from hire date, required.
• Successful completion of Securities Industry Essentials (“SIE”) exam prior to start date, required.
• Progress towards preparation for or completion of the CFP® exam highly preferred.
• Learning agility to successfully pass the Series 7, and 66 (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 for 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.
• Interest in providing asset management services.
• 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 June 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.

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.