Senior Wealth Planning Associate

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management in Santa Monica, CA, seeks a Senior Wealth Planning Associate to support high-net-worth clients and financial advisors. This role emphasizes comprehensive financial planning, client service excellence, and managing complex planning initiatives.

The ideal candidate has CFP certification (or is pursuing it), Series 65, and 3–5+ years in wealth planning or advising.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience supporting financial advisors in wealth management or financial planning.
• CFP certification or active CFP candidate preferred.
• Series 65 license (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Strong understanding of retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and investment planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to build client relationships.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with financial planning software and CRM systems.
• Professional, collaborative, client-focused with integrity and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Financial Advisors to deliver an exceptional client experience and provide comprehensive planning support.
• Prepare, update, and analyze comprehensive financial plans, including retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and cash flow planning.
• Assist advisors in developing planning recommendations and implementing client strategies.
• Serve as primary point of contact for client service requests, ensuring timely and professional communication.
• Conduct research on investment strategies, financial planning topics, and industry trends.
• Coordinate account openings, transfers, and other client account maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate client records and planning documentation.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and special projects that support the advisory team and firm initiatives.
• Embrace change and adapt quickly to evolving priorities, processes, and technology.

Skills

Financial planning

Client management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Integrity and confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/Business

CFP certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Financial planning software

Job description

Gerber Kawasaki is one of the fastest-growing and most influential independent wealth and investment management firms in the country. We are seeking a Senior Wealth Planning Associate to join our growing advisory team.

This role is ideal for a financial planning professional with several years of experience supporting high-net-worth clients and financial advisors. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in financial planning, exceptional client service skills, and the ability to manage complex planning initiatives in a fast-paced environment. CFP® certification (or active pursuit of the designation) is strongly preferred.

Salary: Starting at $100K, DOE, plus competitive bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

This position is 100% in-office

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with Financial Advisors to deliver an exceptional client experience and provide comprehensive planning support.
• Prepare, update, and analyze comprehensive financial plans, including retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and cash flow planning.
• Assist advisors in developing planning recommendations and implementing client strategies.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client service requests, ensuring timely and professional communication.
• Conduct research on investment strategies, financial planning topics, and industry trends.
• Coordinate account openings, transfers, and other client account maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate client records and planning documentation.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and special projects that support the advisory team and firm initiatives.
• Embrace change and adapt quickly to evolving priorities, processes, and technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience supporting financial advisors within a wealth management, RIA, or financial planning environment.
• CFP® certification or active CFP® candidate strongly preferred.
• Series 65 license (or equivalent) required, or the ability to obtain promptly if not currently licensed.
• Strong understanding of comprehensive financial planning concepts, including retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and investment planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build strong client relationships.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with financial planning software and CRM systems is preferred.
• Professional, collaborative, and client-focused with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality.

Why Join Gerber Kawasaki?

• Work alongside some of the most respected advisors in the wealth management industry.
• Support sophisticated clients and participate in comprehensive financial planning strategies.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team that values innovation, continuous learning, and exceptional client service.
• Build a long-term career with a firm known for promoting from within and investing in employee growth.
• Be part of a nationally recognized, independent wealth management firm committed to making a meaningful impact on clients' financial lives.

At Gerber Kawasaki, we strive to build diverse teams that reflect the clients we serve. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.