Planning Associate - Hybrid

Clearstead Advisors•Radnor, PA

4d•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Planning Associate supports Clearstead’s integrated planning model by preparing accurate analyses and client-ready deliverables under established standards and appropriate review. As an entry point into the Financial Planning career path, the role develops technical proficiency, organizes planning inputs, documents assumptions, completes assigned follow-up, and escalates matters requiring more experienced judgment. Working as part of the firmwide Financial Planning team, the Planning Associate helps advisors and client service teams deliver a consistent, timely, and high-quality client experience across the firm. The role provides centralized, scalable planning support across relationships where financial planning services are actively being delivered, rather than serving as a dedicated resource for an individual advisor or client relationship. It completes assigned analyses and deliverables within established standards and escalates complex or higher-risk matters for review. The position has no direct reports and limited client interaction in support of advisors and senior planners, with no primary relationship ownership. Travel is limited and based on business needs. Clearstead is a financial advisory firm serving wealthy families and leading institutions. It integrates financial planning, tax planning and compliance, trust administration services, and investment management to address complex financial situations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
CFP® certification, active progress toward certification, or a demonstrated commitment to pursuing the credential within an agreed-upon timeframe.
Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential client and firm information.

Nice To Haves

Coursework, an internship, or work exposure related to financial planning, finance, accounting, tax, estate planning, or wealth management.
Relevant coursework, internships, client service experience, or exposure to financial services may support success at this level; prior financial planning experience is not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain accurate net worth reports, reconcile account ownership and values, and flag changes in assets, liabilities, liquidity, and account titling that may present planning opportunities for advisor review.
Prepare cash flow analyses and reports in financial planning software by gathering and validating client data, coordinating information requests through the advisor, modeling planning scenarios, and summarizing findings for review.
Review client wills, trusts, powers of attorney, marital and partnership agreements, and other legal documents; prepare clear summaries and flowcharts and develop skill in identifying planning opportunities, potential gaps, and recommendations.
Assist with research and modeling of financial, charitable, estate, and tax planning strategies related to proposed or completed transactions under the direction of senior planners.
Prepare financial planning analyses and deliverables addressing Social Security, Medicare, education funding, insurance, pensions, and executive compensation.
Prepare performance reports and client communications highlighting key performance metrics and financial planning considerations.
Develop accurate, client-ready planning deliverables and meeting materials.
Prepare information and materials for client meetings and, when requested, support the advisor or senior planner in communicating planning information; the role does not own the client relationship.
Organize client information, identify missing inputs, and document assumptions for review.
Track assigned follow-up items and maintain accurate planning records.
Escalate questions or issues that require more experienced technical judgment.
Partner with advisors through the Financial Planning team to provide centralized, scalable planning support across relationships where financial planning services are actively being delivered.
Produce accurate and complete analyses within established standards, incorporate review feedback, and demonstrate measurable improvement in technical proficiency and judgment over time.
Prepare planning deliverables on time and reliably complete assigned follow-up work.
Demonstrate increasing technical proficiency, sound judgment, effective collaboration, and confidence communicating planning information in support of the client experience.