Lead Financial Planner
Company Overview
We are a full-service, holistic Wealth Management firm that has been serving the greater IL area for over 20 years! We have become one of the most reputable firms in our industry and have an outstanding reputation for exceptional service. We greatly value a healthy work-life balance and professional growth opportunities.
Position Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Lead Financial Planner to drive client-centered wealth planning. The Lead Financial Planner will be responsible for developing comprehensive financial plans, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering holistic wealth management strategies that help clients achieve their long-term goals. This role combines technical planning expertise, client relationship leadership, and practice management to grow assets under management and maintain high standards of fiduciary care.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive financial plans for high-net-worth and mass-affluent clients, integrating investment, retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and cash flow strategies.
- Manage and mentor a team of financial planners and support staff, providing training, review of planning work, and performance feedback to ensure consistent, high-quality advice.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for complex client relationships, conducting ongoing reviews, adapting plans to life changes, and coordinating with external professionals (CPAs, attorneys) as needed.
- Oversee portfolio implementation and rebalancing in partnership with investment teams; monitor AUM growth and work to optimize client asset allocation and fee relationships.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies, including supervision related to Series 65 activities and adherence to CFP Board standards and FINRA rules where applicable.
- Lead business development and client retention initiatives, participate in prospect meetings, and contribute to marketing efforts and referral programs to grow the practice.
- Design and refine processes and tools for scalable, repeatable financial planning delivery, including model plan templates, client reporting, and technology integration for planning and CRM systems.
- Evaluate and recommend insurance solutions (life insurance, annuities, long-term care) when appropriate, and coordinate with licensed producers to implement products in clients plans.
- Stay current on industry trends, tax law changes, investment strategies, and planning best practices to continually enhance the firms service offering.
Qualifications
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation is nice to have.
- Series 65 license required; Series 66 or Series 7 is a strong plus; FINRA registration experience preferred.
- Minimum 3+ years of experience as a financial planner or wealth advisor, with demonstrable experience leading client relationships and/or teams in a wealth management setting.
- Deep technical knowledge of financial planning disciplines including retirement income planning, tax-aware investing, estate planning coordination, insurance analysis (life, long-term care), and annuities.
- Proven experience working with AUM-based practices and understanding of fee models and asset management processes.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a client-first, fiduciary approach and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to diverse clients.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, including experience coaching staff and improving practice workflows and technology adoption.
- Ability to coordinate with external professionals and work cross-functionally within a firm (investment, compliance, tax).
- Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field preferred; advanced degree is a plus.
- High ethical standards, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining compliance with regulatory and professional standards.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401k w/ match
- PTO
- Excellent work-life balance