Associate Financial Planner

Background

ABOUT ARRIVITY FINANCIAL PLANNING

For the past 15 years, Arrivity Financial Planning has served as a trusted partner to families and individuals in the Pacific Northwest. We provide financial guidance, helping our clients navigate their cash flow and investments to stay on track to accomplish their goals. Helping them understand their individual financial situation – and opportunities – gives them that secure feeling about the future and confidence to make big decisions.

Financial planning team - At Arrivity, you are part of a financial planning team working closely with our clients to provide tailored advice to help them reach their goals. We believe that each member of our team has unique skills that they can share with our firm.

A different kind of financial plan - Our approach is personalized and flexible, and it’s all about the client. Our only interest in their money is helping them save, protect, and grow it. We’re not beholden to any investment funds or insurance companies, and we don’t earn commissions. We are fiduciaries - the plan we create is based 100% on the client’s financial needs and interests.

Pay for what they get - The fees the client pay are for the time it takes us to prepare their financial plan and review it with them. They get the same quality of planning regardless of their financial situation. When they return to us for reviews or updates, they only pay for the service we provide.

Planning for everyone - We don’t think it makes sense to wait until our clients have accumulated a lot of wealth to make a financial plan. In fact, their financial plan can help them achieve their goals sooner. Our clients may be at the beginning of their career, making big decisions as a family, planning for retirement, or managing financial independence – wherever they are on life’s journey, a financial plan helps them navigate the way.

Why become an Associate Financial Planner at Arrivity Financial Planning?

So many reasons!

- We have a 2-3-year training period for Associate Financial Planners to be ready to work directly with clients as a lead planner.

- There is a demonstrated pathway to ownership in our firm.

- Our training and onboarding process will engage you as part of our team so you are able to contribute quickly.

- As part of a team you work directly with and learn from financial planners, as well as the clients you are working with. We have a saying that “Our clients are our best teachers.”

- You will continue to learn and grow your financial acumen via deep dives, case studies, investment discussions and continuing education opportunities in our business community.

- We have a culture that values high quality work that is grounded in deep mutual respect, healthy work/life balance, clear communication, humor and joy.

THE JOB:

As we continue to expand our team we are seeking leaders who have internal drive, entrepreneurial mindsets and a desire for professional growth. You will assist in preparing financial plans for clients.

Client Related Responsibilities

Assist the Financial Planner in preparation of financial recommendations by developing skills and knowledge related to development of financial plans for clients using a variety of tools and software. These include:

- Ability to prepare Excel based worksheets to communicate client’s financial position related to Cash Flow and Liquid Assets.

- Knowledge of Federal Income Taxes and the impact on financial plans.

- Knowledge of Investment Vehicles (generally index funds) and ability to structure an investment portfolio in alignment with client’s comfort with risk.

- Retirement Planning Software (Moneytree)

- Work with clients via email or phone to gather any missing documents / information required for financial plan and annual review preparation.

- Sit in on client meetings at the discretion of the Lead Advisor with the goal to have the Associate gain skills for interacting with clients.

- This position is the backup for the Client Relations Specialist, as required.

Business Responsibilities

- Participates in weekly staff meeting to maintain the day-to-day operations of the firm.

- Attends monthly Financial Planner meeting to maintain knowledge areas and discuss and develop firm’s approach to various financial planning topics.

- Active participation (before and during) in Strategic Planning process to direct the long-term growth of the firm.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Able to be empathetic and compassionate in working with a wide range of clients with differing financial goals and situations.

- A persuasive and articulate communication style will be beneficial. Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in this people-oriented business.

- Must have excellent math skills including understanding of the time value of money.

- Understands the complex interconnection and trade-offs of cash flow, financial assets, investments and risk management.

- Highest level of attention to detail including error-free data entry, spelling and formatting.

- Excellent computer skills and ability to use multiple computer programs concurrently and transfer data from one program to another.

- Excellent use of Microsoft Excel /Word including extensive use of formulas in Excel.

- Manage multiple client relationships and be able to work concurrently on multiple projects.

- Participates in peer reviews of financial plans for colleagues and is able to deliver and receive feedback in a professional and courteous manner.

- Must be able to work independently and at times on projects with critical time demands.

- Ability to work in small entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

- Must be preparing to take or has passed CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional exam.

- A degree is a requirement of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or similar field that requires analytical ability is preferred.

- Must adhere to company Code of Ethics, Privacy Policy and other compliance requirements.

Reporting Structure

- Reports directly to assigned Team Leader.

- Works closely with other financial planners on strategic reviews, peer reviews and plan development.

Work Environment

- Full-time non-exempt position.

- Work is generally performed in our Seattle office in which there is minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. Working environment is generally favorable and lighting and temperature are adequate. Ability to sit for long periods of time is required.

In our recruiting, Arrivity Financial Planning is committed to a policy of non-discrimination pursuant to the high standards of our company values and in compliance with federal, state and local laws and will not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender stereotyping, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This applies to all personnel actions including, but not limited to, recruitment, training, compensation, hiring, promotions, benefits, layoffs, demotions, terminations and post-termination actions. The cooperation and support of all employees is required to maintain an environment free from discrimination. All information provided by you will be reviewed carefully, but the receipt of an application or other information does not imply that you will be offered the opportunity to enter into an employment relationship with Arrivity Financial Planning.