Financial Advisor Development Program

Vanguard; Scottsdale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay for performance bonuses

Industry-leading retirement savings

18+ paid days off + 10 holidays

Medical cost coverage ~77%

HSA seed and 5x match

Health and wellbeing programs

Sponsorship not offered

Job summary

Vanguard’s Financial Advisor Development Program offers full-time rotations across four core units to build the skills needed to manage client portfolios and relationships independently. Trainees gain hands-on experience in advisor support, retail sales, and advice, while developing the personal financial planning process.

With robust mentorship from CFP professionals and leadership, you’ll work toward CFP certification through the Apprenticeship pathway and prepare for a career in Personal

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred.
• CFP Board-registered undergrad/graduate program eligibility to sit for the CFP exam within 6 months from hire date.
• Successful completion of the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam prior to start date.
• Progress toward CFP exam highly preferred.
• Ability to pass Series 7 and 66 licenses within Vanguard’s FINRA Licensing Policy timeframe.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in academic, professional, or community settings.
• Strong commitment to helping and educating clients and to Vanguard’s mission.
• Integrity, focus, and stewardship in line with Vanguard values.
• Strong investment orientation and enthusiasm for advancing knowledge.
• Interest in providing asset management services.
• Excellent written, verbal, and CRM skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong time management.

Responsibilities

• Receive hands-on exposure across four core business units, culminating in independent client portfolio management.
• Develop skills across the personal financial planning process to become a successful Financial Advisor.
• Receive robust mentorship from CFP professionals and senior management while building leadership networks.
• Advance toward CFP certification via the CFP Board Apprenticeship pathway.

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!

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:

• 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:

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.