Support Advisor/Paraplanner

Hopwood Financial Services is an independent fee-only investment management and financial planning firm. We have been chosen by Washingtonian magazine as one of the top wealth management firms in the Washington metropolitan region. Our clients include high net worth individuals, businesses and institutions. We exist for one reason: To provide our clients with financial peace of mind.

What We Do

Comprehensive Wealth Management: We serve as your financial quarterback. This entails the dynamic, ever-changing combination of investment management, financial planning and the many essential ingredients that together constitute your financial landscape.

No Conflict of Interest: We receive a fee for our services and do not receive commissions, thereby removing potential conflicts of interest. We objectively recommend what we believe is the best solution and have no incentive to push a particular product or service. If you do well, we do well.

Superior Service: We strongly believe that the lost art of world-class service is crucial to a successful and continuing relationship. By consistently delivering on our promises, we strive to meet and exceed your expectations.

Risk Conscious: While we seek superior returns over time, we also remain very sensitive to your risk tolerance. Whether investment related or a general financial planning issue, our approach is to constantly balance the risk factors involved with the potential rewards.

Expertise: We have over 80 years of combined experience in the investment management and financial planning business. Our professional staff includes: Certified Financial Planner practitioners (CFP®), and Chartered Financial Analyst charterholders (CFA). 

Position Overview: The Support Advisor/Paraplanner works directly with Lead Advisors of the firm to assist with the wealth management and financial planning needs of clients. This position is responsible for providing support to Advisors including data gathering, case design, scenario building, financial plan development and financial plan implementation.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Initiate and field client calls and e-mails on various planning items, miscellaneous requests and advice on various topics as appropriate.

• Perform special request analyses for clients (e.g., mortgage analysis, social security analysis, etc.).

• Provide support for the financial planning needs of clients including:

o Conduct research as needed and work with client’s other advisors (attorneys, CPAs, etc.) to obtain all necessary data for financial planning analyses.

o Prepare all retirement forecasts, cash flow analyses, education forecasts, insurance analyses, estate flows, etc.

o Identify areas of opportunity and risk for clients based on financial planning analyses.

o Create drafts of financial plans.

• Prepare materials for client meetings; work with other team members to ensure client meetings are prepared for thoroughly and accurately.

• Attend client meetings and take notes as requested; manage/delegate/complete all meeting follow-up items.

• Liaise with client’s attorneys and accountants as needed.

• Develop and effectively implement systems and tools that will increase the efficiency and accuracy of the documentation of advice.

• Assist in portfolio management and investment management functions as needed.

• Assist with special projects as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in business, accounting, finance, economics or related experience.

• 1-2+ years of experience (may include internships) in client service in the financial services industry (preferably with an independent registered investment advisory firm).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with various financial planning (MoneyGuide Pro preferred), CRM, portfolio management and document management software.

Other Skills & Experience:

• Continuously exhibits personal integrity and professional initiative.

• Reliable, follows through on commitments, does not shrink from new challenges.

• Possesses a passion to help new and existing clients.

• Must be organized, detail-oriented and able to manage and prioritize tasks.

• Demonstrates a commitment to accuracy by delivering high quality work.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Collaborative and able to work effectively with others.

• Self-starter who can meet deadlines working independently when needed.

• Flexible team player who is highly adaptable to change and open to new ideas.

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in an entrepreneurial, small company environment.

• Maintain professional competencies and adhere to the firm’s ethical standards and cultural values.

• Proven to be responsible when dealing with confidential and sensitive material.