Associate Paraplanner

Commonwealth Financial Network • Waltham, MA

204d • Remote

About The Position

If you're looking for a high-energy, inclusive atmosphere and a company that understands the importance of work/life balance, Commonwealth is your match! From generous bonus and 401(k) programs to tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules, Commonwealth is focused on helping its employees thrive in an environment suited to their needs. On top of all that, the Advanced Planning department offers a hybrid work schedule, so you'll be able to work from home for part of the week! We're looking for an associate paraplanner to join our ranks. The Advanced Planning department provides educational and consultative financial planning strategies to our more than 2,000 independent financial advisors. Dedicated to helping their clients achieve their wealth management goals, our advisors lean on us to help them understand complex issues. Research plays a large part in the daily support we provide. As a virtual paraplanner, you will work closely with our network of financial advisors to create and assist in the delivery of financial plans. You will be primarily responsible for providing financial planning support through assisting with plan creation, analysis, and recommendation. Acute attention to detail is a must, as are effective communication skills.

Requirements

• Familiarity with plan creation using financial planning software (experience with RightCapital, MoneyGuidePro or eMoney planning software a strong plus)
• Excellent knowledge and communication of financial planning concepts and terminology
• Basic knowledge of and ability to explain products, such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, insurance, and annuities
• Proficiency with computer programs, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
• Ability to proofread and quality check own work in accordance with firm/regulatory criteria
• Excellent time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines
• Ability to identify and solve problems in a timely, efficient, and effective manner
• Demonstrated experience in using available resources to answer questions and resolve problems
• Ability to learn and efficiently use multiple technology platforms

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• CFP® (or willingness to work toward certification) desirable
• Prior experience in financial services a plus

Responsibilities

• Attending discovery, partnership development, and other virtual meetings as requested
• Conducting data gathering calls and virtual meetings with advisors and/or clients to obtain information required to develop or update the financial plan
• Assisting with developing, implementing, and updating financial plans using planning software provided by the firm
• Working collaboratively with advisors to put finishing touches on the plans and assist in client delivery as needed
• Using appropriate software and calculators to run calculations, projections, and side-by-side comparisons (e.g., mortgages, 529 plans, and social security)
• Communicating with advanced planning consultants and other allied professionals, as needed
• Collaborating with third party software providers for troubleshooting on plans, if needed
• Analyzing clients' income, taxes, insurance policies, expenses, assets, and debt (at least annually), updating this information in CRM and planning software
• Uploading clients' estate planning documents, tax returns, insurance policies, investment account statements, household balance sheets, and all other relevant documentation to their household in Investor360°
• Gathering insurance quotes as needed, working alongside Ash Brokerage
• Reading trade journals, publications, the Commonwealth Business Review, and articles featuring the industry
• Reviewing clients' goals and risk profile with the advisor
• Coaching advisors to quarterback the client relationship with clients, other professionals (e.g., an attorney or CPA), as well as helping advisors focus on the strategic big picture while walking them through planning issues
• Reviewing clients' planning objectives to help identify opportunities to meet their needs
• Support advisors with proprietary software tools and troubleshooting planning software issues

Benefits

• Generous bonus programs
• 401(k) programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Hybrid work schedule

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree