Financial Planning Associate

Blue Trust Inc•Cockeysville, MD

About The Position

The Financial Planning Associate role offers a career progression path in financial planning. The associate learns and develops technical financial planning expertise, analyzes confidential client financial information, and integrates Blue Trust’s financial planning philosophy and biblical principles into customized plans that help clients achieve their goals. The position supports client meetings and inquiries, investment management, tax planning, and the preparation of reports and presentations. It also requires maintaining compliance standards and working in accordance with the company’s Core Values and service philosophy. Blue Trust offers a Career Development Plan (CDP) designed to support progression from Planner to Advisor. The plan provides a defined career-path roadmap and standardized development process. Its areas of focus include Biblical Wisdom, Leadership/Management, Technical Knowledge, Client Service, Pursuit of Designations, Business Development, and People Skills. The position may require occasional travel by car or other reasonable means of transportation to support client service.

Requirements

Desire to serve clients and co-workers 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 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 discreetly handle confidential data.
Demonstrated computer literacy and knowledge of specialized office programs.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferably in a finance-related field.
Prior experience, particularly in financial planning, financial services, taxes, or accounting.
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 after 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 cash, securities, or other property gifts, bonus payments, and stock options.
Continually increase knowledge of Blue Trust’s financial planning philosophy and biblical principles, including learning associated scripture memory verses, and integrate that philosophy into client counsel and services.
Develop accurate, attractive, high-quality professional reports and presentations that integrate a biblical worldview into financial recommendations.
Apply technical knowledge in education funding, debt management, income tax estimation and minimization, charitable giving, cash flow, retirement, insurance, and estate planning.
Use computer programs and specialized 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, interactions, and relationships in a manner consistent with the company’s Core Values.
Maintain compliance by following the company’s Human Resource guidelines, compliance policies and procedures, professional designation standards, and applicable industry regulatory standards.