Strategic Advisor - Business Owner & Private Wealth Advisory

Univest Financial Corporation•King of Prussia, PA

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Girard, a Univest Wealth Division, we are seeking a Strategic Advisor for our Business Owner & Private Wealth Advisory practice. This role is ideal for individuals energized by complex planning, meaningful client relationships, and the opportunity to grow into a trusted lead advisor. It's designed for those ready to advance their careers by handling more complex client work or for experienced professionals looking to operate at a higher level within a sophisticated advisory model. You will work closely with a senior advisor in a collaborative, apprenticeship-style environment, with the expectation of becoming an independent lead advisor for Business Owner client engagements within 18-24 months. Our practice focuses on advising business owners and high-net-worth individuals and families on complex business, financial, and personal decisions, particularly concerning liquidity events, succession planning, and multi-generational wealth. Our approach is planning-driven and strategy-led, with investments being one component of a broader strategy, not the primary focus. We value thoughtful advice and lasting relationships.

Requirements

Strong judgment, initiative, and interest in complex advisory work.
Relevant experience may include: Wealth management, private banking, or family office; Investment banking, private equity, or M&A advisory; Consulting, value creation, or business strategy; Corporate finance, CFO, or FP&A roles; Trust & estate, tax, or legal advisory.
Experience with financial planning software (e.g., eMoney) preferred
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
Professional presence and ability to engage with sophisticated clients
High ownership mentality; proactive and self-directed
Comfortable operating in complex, unstructured situations
Interest in long-term development as a client-facing advisor

Nice To Haves

CFP®, CEPA®, JD, CFA®, CPA
Candidates with multiple designations (e.g., JD/CFP/CEPA) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Participating in client meetings involving business transitions, personal wealth planning, and family decision-making
Developing analyses, financial plans, and client-facing materials (including use of eMoney)
Helping frame and solve complex client decisions across business, financial and personal domains – not limited to traditional planning areas
Contributing to, and over time, leading strategy development across areas such as: Business succession and exit planning, High- and ultra-high-net-worth wealth planning, Trust and estate structuring (in coordination with attorneys), Income tax-aware planning (in coordination with CPAs), Charitable and philanthropic planning, Real estate and capital structure analysis, Ownership structuring, buy-sell agreements, and generational transitions, Family governance and decision-making dynamics
Coordinating closely with external professionals, including attorneys, CPAs, investment bankers/M&A advisors, commercial banking partners, valuation professionals, and CFOs
Over time, this role will transition from contributing to strategy development to leading engagements and serving as the primary advisor.
This role offers an accelerated development path, providing exposure to complex client situations and a clear progression toward leading client engagements within approximately 18–24 months.

Benefits

Health Insurance: Medical, dental and vision coverage (single or family; begins the first of the month following start date)
Retirement Plan: Participation in 401(k) plan with up to a 3% employer match after 6 months of employment
Paid Time Off (PTO): 25 days annually (prorated your first year)
Short Term Disability: 12 weeks of sick time with a doctors note after 6 months of service
Holiday Time Off: 11 paid holidays
Company paid life insurance
Supplemental insurances
Tuition reimbursement
Employee Wellness programs: including fitness club discounts and fitness tracker discounts/ annual reimbursement
Discounts: on loan products
Professional development trainings