Planning Associate - 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. As part of the firmwide Financial Planning team, the associate helps advisors and client service teams provide a consistent, timely, and high-quality client experience. The role provides centralized, scalable planning support across relationships where financial planning services are being delivered, rather than serving as a dedicated resource for an individual advisor or client relationship. Client interaction is limited and occurs in support of advisors and senior planners; the position does not own client relationships. The role has no direct reports and completes assigned work within established standards, escalating complex or higher-risk matters for review. The work environment may include an office, home office, client site, or a mixed environment, depending on the approved work arrangement. Travel is limited and based on business needs.
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, organization, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential client and firm information.
Nice To Haves
- Coursework, 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, or 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 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 covering topics such as 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 advisors or senior planners in communicating planning information.
- 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 requiring more experienced technical judgment.
- Partner with advisors through the Financial Planning team to provide centralized, scalable planning support.
- Incorporate review feedback, meet established standards and deadlines, complete assigned follow-up reliably, and demonstrate increasing technical proficiency, judgment, collaboration, and confidence communicating planning information.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
