Financial Planning Associate

Firm Overview

We are a boutique, fee-only Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm serving individuals and families through thoughtful, relationship-driven financial planning. Our approach emphasizes long-term client relationships, proactive guidance, and highly personalized service.

As our firm continues to grow, we are looking for a professional who can contribute meaningfully to both the planning and operational side of the firm while helping us maintain a high standard of client care and follow-through.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Financial Planning Associate to support lead advisors with financial planning, client service, and ongoing relationship management.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the technical and relational aspects of financial planning—someone who takes pride in accuracy, organization, responsiveness, and helping clients feel supported.

The position will initially focus heavily on financial planning support, implementation follow-through, and workflow management, while also providing opportunities for increasing client interaction and long-term professional growth.

This role will help coordinate planning implementation, client follow-up, and workflow management across the firm, helping ensure that commitments made to clients are completed accurately and on time.

This is not simply an administrative support role. We are looking for someone who can take ownership of responsibilities, help create operational stability, communicate professionally with clients, and become a trusted part of the advisory team over time.

This position is based in our Rolling Meadows, Illinois office and is intended to be primarily in-person.

We place a high value on collaboration, mentorship, and team development, particularly during onboarding and as responsibilities grow. Candidates should expect to work primarily from the office.

Limited flexibility may be available after onboarding and demonstrated proficiency; however, this is not a remote-first position.

• Prepare and maintain financial plans, retirement analyses, tax projections, and planning recommendations using firm software
• Assist advisors with meeting preparation, analysis, and follow-up implementation
• Take detailed meeting notes and ensure timely completion of action items
• Conduct planning-related research involving retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and investment topics
• Assist with account paperwork, service requests, transfers, beneficiary updates, and implementation details
• Maintain accurate CRM records, workflows, and client documentation
• Coordinate with custodians, CPAs, attorneys, and insurance professionals as needed
• Help improve firm workflows, operational processes, and client service systems

• Communicate directly with clients regarding planning updates, service requests, and follow-up items
• Participate in client onboarding and financial data gathering
• Attend client meetings and assist with preparation and follow-up
• Gradually assume responsibility for portions of client meetings and ongoing client relationships as appropriate
• Build trust with clients through professionalism, responsiveness, organization, and attention to detail

• Demonstrate strong follow-through and accountability on assigned responsibilities
• Proactively identify outstanding items, incomplete tasks, and next steps
• Assist in monitoring planning and service workflows to help ensure client commitments are completed
• Learn and internalize the firm’s planning philosophy and client service standards
• Continue developing technical planning knowledge and communication skills
• Pursue CFP certification if not already completed
• Contribute positively to a collaborative and growth-oriented firm culture

• Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in financial services, financial planning, banking, accounting, tax, or a related professional field preferred
• CFP certification or CFP track candidate preferred
• Strong…