Financial Planning Associate; Paraplanner

The Role

As an Apella Financial Planning Associate, you’ll serve as a paraplanner to clients under the direct supervision of a seasoned team of wealth advisors. You will be charged with assisting these experienced advisors as they lead client relationships and deliver holistic financial advisement across retirement planning, investments, tax planning, estate management, and insurance. Apella’s centralized planning department supports our financial advisors and planners nationwide with new financial plan construction, existing financial plan updates, and supporting analyses necessary for financial plan presentation and recommendations.

The Financial Planning Associate must have the ability to use critical‑thinking skills, work within a team, and anticipate firm needs and client questions with an unrelenting focus on follow‑through and exceptional client service.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a well‑supported, high‑trust financial planning role within a national, fee‑only RIA. You’ll receive unparalleled training and education into the best practices of financial planning and how to leverage all the technological and financial resources that comes with being an Apella employee.

Though the position is client facing, this is not a sales‑related role and there is zero expectation of business development. As such, we seek individuals aligned with our culture and who look forward to working closely with a collaborative team led by seasoned CFP® practitioners and leaders in the profession.

This role will be located on our Huntington Beach, CA‑based team and be expected to be available for in‑office meetings with some remote work flexibility as determined by your specific team leadership.

• All aspects of pre‑client meeting activities to include preparation of meeting agendas, investment policy statements and asset allocations
• Post‑client meeting tasks such as developing meeting notes, performing financial situation analyses and coordinating planning implementation with outside professionals if necessary
• Preparing financial analyses for clients, including retirement, estate‑planning, education‑funding, stock options, and risk‑management needs
• Collect necessary data, using our comprehensive data gathering technology, for financial plan construction for clients and prospects
• Input, reconcile, and analyze client data relevant to the planning exercise
• Compare and contrast varying portfolio models and articulate differences to clients with skill
• Present financial plans to advisors and clients using our cashflow based planning software
• Assist clients in maintaining their online client portals
• Participate in financial planning projects as needed by the centralized financial planning team

• A four‑year degree in business, finance, economics or similarly relevant field
• Current Series 65 license or willingness to obtain license within 6 months of hire (required)
• Experience in financial services industry highly desired
• Exceptional critical thinking abilities and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong listening skills; professional demeanor
• Strong organizational, prioritization and project management skills
• Ability to multi‑task and manage time effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook); ERP and CRM software
• Eager to learn and able to adapt quickly to multiple technology platforms and rapid change

A base salary range of $65K – $85K with discretionary bonus and career path to become an Apella Advisor.

• Day 1 Medical, Dental, and Vison health insurance coverage for you and your specific needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options w/company contribution
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match to help you achieve your financial goals
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy to ensure you have time to rest and recharge when needed
• Employer‑paid life insurance, AD&DD, short-term disability, and long‑term disability coverage options
• Maternity/paternity leave programs and adoption assistance support to help you start a family
• Continuing education and certification fee reimbursement for professional development
• Discount perks on travel, childcare, fitness, electronics, meal delivery, pet insurance, and more
• Most importantly:
  The chance to help shape the future of a growing regional team and firm