Financial Planning Associate

Blue Trust•Hunt Valley, MD

About The Position

The Financial Planning Associate role offers a career progression path in financial planning. The associate develops technical expertise, analyzes confidential client financial information, and integrates Blue Trust’s financial planning philosophy and biblical principles into customized financial plans that help clients achieve their goals. The position may involve occasional travel by car or other reasonable means of transportation to support client service. Blue Trust offers a Career Development Plan (CDP) intended to guide progression from Planner to Advisor. The program provides a defined career-path roadmap, consistent messaging, and nationwide process standardization. Its Planner to Advisor Track curriculum focuses on Biblical Wisdom, Leadership/Management, Technical Knowledge, Client Service, Pursuit of Designations, Business Development, and People Skills.

Requirements

Desire to serve clients and coworkers with excellence.
Aptitude and passion for learning.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and take direction from others.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a high level of expertise in MS Excel.
Strong understanding of personal financial concepts.
Organizational and operational efficiency.
Ability to prioritize and complete multiple time-sensitive tasks.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Proven technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational skills and systems acumen.
Strong business mathematical skills and keen attention to detail.
Personal integrity and ability to handle confidential data discreetly.
Demonstrated computer literacy and knowledge of specialized office programs.
Bachelor’s degree required.
If holding a license to sell securities or insurance, the employee must allow it to expire after leaving the prior employer; Blue Trust does not allow employees to park licenses with Blue Trust or another company.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a finance-related field is preferred.
Prior experience related to financial planning, financial services, taxes, or accounting is valuable but not required.
Interest in or active pursuit of the Certified Financial Planner® designation.
Additional education or credentials such as an MBA, ChFC, or CPA.

Responsibilities

Assist with client meetings, record meeting notes, follow up on meetings, and respond to client and outside-advisor inquiries.
Perform investment management tasks, including trading, tax-loss harvesting, rebalancing, and account reviews.
Assist with tax planning, including estimating tax withholding or quarterly payments and planning for gifting, bonus payments, and stock options.
Continue learning Blue Trust’s financial planning philosophy and biblical principles, including associated scripture memory verses, and integrate them into client counsel and services.
Develop accurate, high-quality, attractive, and professional reports and presentations that integrate a biblical worldview into financial recommendations.
Demonstrate technical knowledge and competency in education funding, debt management, income tax estimation and minimization, charitable giving, cash flow, retirement, insurance, and estate planning.
Use specialized and company-specific software applications, including eMoney, Salentica (CRM), and Orion.
Understand and support the counsel and biblical basis upon which Blue Trust serves its clients.
Conduct work and professional relationships in a manner consistent with the company’s Core Values.
Maintain compliance by following Human Resource guidelines, compliance policies and procedures, professional designation standards, and industry regulatory standards.