Financial Advisory - Lead Advisor

Kestra • Fairfield, NJ

62d • Onsite

About The Position

At U.S. Financial Services, the Lead Advisor is responsible for managing and strengthening client relationships, delivering financial planning and investment advice, and actively developing new business for the firm. This role serves as the primary advisor for assigned client relationships and is expected to build a pipeline of qualified prospects, convert opportunities into client relationships, and expand existing client relationships through thoughtful planning, asset consolidation, and referrals. The Lead Advisor works collaboratively with service advisors, associate advisors, operations, and investment resources to provide a seamless client experience while taking direct ownership of relationship growth and new business development.

Requirements

• Series 65, Series 7/66, or equivalent required
• CFP®, CFA, or similar professional required, or must be obtained within 12 months
• Additional licenses may be required based on state and additional role requirement
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Financial Management, Economics, Business, or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial services, wealth management, or advisory roles
• Experience preparing and presenting financial plans, working with investment recommendations, and managing client relationships
• Experience with Microsoft Office required
• Client-focused professional with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to confidentiality and delivering high-quality, collaborative client experience
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise accountability, and follow through effectively in a fast-paced team environment

Nice To Haves

• experience with CRM, financial planning software, and custodian or portfolio platforms preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client relationships and maintain strong, trusted relationships over time
• Prepare for and conduct client meetings, including discovery, planning, review, onboarding, and follow-up conversations
• Understand each client’s unique circumstances, needs, goals, and priorities and translate those needs into clear planning and service actions
• Document client interactions, meeting notes, recommendations, and follow-up items in CRM
• Proactively deepen client relationships, consolidate outside assets, ask for referrals where appropriate, and identify new business opportunities that contribute to measurable firm growth
• Develop and maintain a consistent prospecting pipeline, including prospective clients, centers of influence, referrals, and other business development opportunities aligned with the firm’s growth objective
• Gather client information, review planning assumptions, and deliver financial planning recommendations aligned with client objective
• Coordinate financial planning, investment management, insurance, estate, tax, and other advisory considerations with appropriate internal and external professionals
• Present financial plans, planning updates, investment recommendations, and client meeting materials
• Research planning and investment issues and communicate recommendations clearly and professionally
• Monitor and update client plans and portfolios based on changing circumstances, life events, and firm guidance
• Work with investment and operations teams to implement approved investment recommendations, trades, account openings, transfers, and rebalancing activities
• Ensure client onboarding and transition activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with firm processes
• Review client reports, statements, planning summaries, and meeting materials for accuracy and clarity
• Follow through on client requests and coordinate internal resources to resolve questions or issues
• Collaborate with Service Advisors, Associate Advisors, client service, operations, and planning team members to deliver consistent client service
• Provide coaching and guidance to less experienced team members on client preparation, planning quality, and professional communication
• Participate in client and prospect events, firm initiatives, and process improvement efforts
• Support a positive team culture grounded in accountability, professionalism, and client care

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits with a large employer (over 1600 employees nationwide)
• 401(k), health insurance, and a competitive benefits package
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment committed to professional excellence
• Help clients navigate meaningful financial decisions with confidence
• Opportunities for training, development, and long-term growth within the firm
• Tuition reimbursement for qualified expenses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior