Associate Financial Advisor

Job Summary

The Associate Financial Advisor participates in a structured training and development program designed to build expertise in financial planning, investment analysis, portfolio management, consultative sales, client service, and regulatory compliance. This role partners closely with a senior Financial Advisor to support existing client relationships while progressively developing an individual book of business.

The Associate Financial Advisor works collaboratively with Investment Advisor Representatives and the client service team, interacting regularly with clients, internal departments, vendors, and producing advisors. The role supports onboarding new clients and servicing existing clients, with the goal of deepening relationships and expanding the use of the company’s full suite of services.

Sales Support and Existing Client Servicing

(Approximate time allocation: 45% in years 0–1; 30% in years 1–2; 25% in years 2–3)

• Support senior advisors throughout the sales and advice delivery process.
• Develop and recommend portfolio and product solutions aligned with client risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon, in coordination with the senior advisor.
• Prepare illustrations, hypotheticals, and other client-facing deliverables.
• Execute trades to implement approved portfolio recommendations.
• Participate in or lead client meetings to present recommendations and deliver advice.
• Coordinate follow-up activities and hold clients accountable to agreed-upon action items.
• Document all client interactions and activities in Redtail.

Sales - Prospecting and Networking

(Approximate time allocation: 20% in years 0–1; 30% in years 1–2; 35% in years 2–3)

• Attend company-sponsored client, prospect, and networking events.
• Generate new client opportunities through referrals, networking, and centers of influence.
• Track and document all prospecting, networking, and referral activity in Hub Spot.
• Develop and execute a business plan to generate investment and life insurance sales in collaboration with the VP of Sales & Marketing and the marketing team.
• Partner with sales professionals across Duncan Financial Group lines of business to identify and pursue cross-selling opportunities.
• Achieve established annual sales goals.

(Approximate time allocation: 10% in years 0–1; 15% in years 1–3)

• Conduct comprehensive financial assessments, including risk tolerance, goals, and time frames.
• Perform case analysis and develop tailored financial and investment recommendations.
• Persuade clients to implement suitable advice and recommendations.
• Execute transactions on behalf of clients.
• Prepare for and conduct client meetings focused on financial planning discussions.
• Provide ongoing account service, answering client questions and delivering timely information.
• Monitor investment portfolios and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Assist clients with retirement, estate, and tax planning strategies.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and review meetings.
• Collaborate with external professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants) to deliver holistic financial solutions.

(10%)

• Create and maintain a professional development plan aligned with career progression.
• Maintain all required licenses and certifications through continuing education and training.
• Develop and sustain productive wholesaler relationships.
• Attend and actively participate in department meetings, sales meetings, IPC sessions, weekly Duncan Advisor Resources calls, and other required forums.
• Participate in sales seminars, company meetings, and educational programs to enhance sales effectiveness and remain current on market and industry trends.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an investment advisory firm.
• Active FINRA Series 7 license required, along with a Series 65 or Series 66 (Series 63/65 combination).
• Life, Accident & Health license preferred; must be willing to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Experience using CRM platforms and/or agency management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel,…