Financial Planning Associate

Lead Advisor; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lead Advisor is a wealth management recruiting and consulting firm seeking a Financial Planning Associate in Elgin, IL. This role supports Financial Advisors by preparing planning materials, developing client recommendations, and delivering a high-touch client experience.

The position coordinates with advisors to create comprehensive financial plans, analyzes client data, and ensures accuracy before meetings. 2+ years in financial services preferred; CFP coursework desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Finance, Financial Planning, Business, Economics or related field.
• 2+ years in financial planning, wealth management, or related financial services role preferred.
• Experience using financial planning software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare client meeting materials (agendas, reports, analyses, presentations).
• Develop comprehensive financial plans and refine recommendations with advisors.
• Prepare proposals for prospective clients and communicate planning matters.
• Coordinate with advisors to meet meeting objectives and deliverables.
• Update plans reflecting goals, life events, and market changes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Project management

Multitasking

High-touch client service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Financial Planning/Related field

Tools

Financial planning software

Job description

Lead Advisor is a wealth management recruiting and consulting firm. This role is for one of our clients in Elgin. To view other open roles, visit jobs.lead-advisor.com

Position Summary

The Financial Planning Associate plays a critical role in supporting Financial Advisors by preparing comprehensive financial planning materials, developing client recommendations, and ensuring superior client experience. This position serves as the bridge between the advisor, the client, and the financial plan, helping to deliver thoughtful, accurate, and actionable financial strategies. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking to identify planning opportunities and support the firm's financial planning process.

Key Responsibilities

Client Meeting Preparation

• Prepare all materials required for client review meetings, including agendas, financial planning reports, account summaries, investment analyses, and presentation materials.
• Ensure all client information is accurate, complete, and updated prior to meetings.
• Coordinate with advisors to identify meeting objectives and required deliverables.
• Develop comprehensive financial plans for clients.
• Analyze client financial information and use critical thinking to identify planning opportunities and potential risks.
• Create and maintain retirement, investment, insurance, estate, tax, and cash flow planning analyses.
• Update and maintain existing client financial plans to reflect changing goals, life events, and market conditions.
• Collaborate with advisors to refine recommendations and implement planning strategies.

New Business & Proposal Development

• Prepare proposals and presentations for prospective clients.
• Research and develop recommendations for new accounts and financial planning opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between advisors and clients regarding financial planning matters.
• Communicate with clients to answer planning-related questions.
• Monitor outstanding planning action items and assist in driving implementation.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities.
• Planning-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate client needs and identify opportunities.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to delivering a high-touch client experience.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Financial Planning, Business, Economics, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in financial planning, wealth management, or a related financial services role preferred.
• Experience utilizing financial planning software

Licenses & Certifications

• FINRA Series 6 and Series 63 licenses are a plus.
• CFP® coursework, CFP® certification, or progress toward certification is highly desirable.

Success Factors

A successful Financial Planning Associate will:

• Consistently deliver accurate and timely client meeting materials.
• Proactively identify financial planning opportunities that add value to clients.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Serve as a trusted resource to advisors and clients throughout the planning process.
• Help ensure every client receives a comprehensive, well-executed financial planning experience.