Associate Advisor

Job Title: Associate/Junior Advisor

Xena Financial Planning

Location: virtual

Type: W2 employee, part-time to start (likely increasing to full time in 2022, if not sooner)

Target start date: August-September 2021

Xena Financial Planning launched in July 2020. Our focus is working with women in tech and women business owners. We currently serve about 50 households. Xena FP is a rapidly growing firm. The firm is fully virtual and works with clients in several states (currently registered in Washington state only). We have a strong focus on increasing DEI in the industry and are deeply committed to this mission, both in the industry at large and within the firm. The culture of Xena Financial Planning is designed to foster the success and career growth of all team members.

More info: you can hear the founder, Danika Waddell, interviewed here (https://nextgenplanners.co.uk/podcasts/launching-a-virtual-business-with-danika-waddell/) and/or read about her start in the industry here (https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/article/NGP/JUL21-my-career-path-featuring-danika-b-waddell).

Summary (Overview):

The Associate Advisor position works directly with the Lead Financial Planner to assist with the financial planning needs of clients. This role is a key member of the service team for all clients and facilitates a supportive process to assist the Lead Financial Planner in the delivery of financial plans to clients. This position is responsible for providing support in the areas of attending and documenting all client meetings, providing direction for client actions and follows up, as well as monitoring client tasks and workflows. The objective is for the advisor to have their own client relationships within ~6 months.

The ideal candidate is someone who can take charge of their responsibilities, is organized, takes ownership of their role, has a comfort level with technology, is client service minded, proactive, passionate about delivering great service, and asks questions when needed. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to grow long-term within an organization that is rapidly scaling.

Essential Functions:

Take detailed notes in all meetings

Assist with client onboarding, including input into financial planning software.

Creation and delivery of financial plans.

Acknowledge/respond to all client communication within 24 hours business hours

Assign appropriate meeting tasks and workflows to team members

Monitor client tasks and workflows to ensure tasks are completed

Demonstrate professional, ethical and courteous conduct in responsibilities and dealings with clients, prospects, COIs, colleagues and other businesses with which we interact.

Participate in strategic planning meetings for the firm.

Miscellaneous tasks as needed (this may include help with marketing, HR, compliance, etc). We are a small firm so everyone wears lots of hats.

Skills/Qualifications:

Ability to use effective communication, seek clarity when required.

Ability to prioritize and get projects done on time.

Ability to keep track of open tasks or project priorities.

Ability to interact with a variety of clients professionally.

Flexible in the day-to-day workflow.

Familiarity with the financial planning process and importance of planning phases.

Has a big picture perspective of team dynamics and importance of your role on the team.

Prior experience (2-5 years) in the Financial Services industry.

CFP® certificant, or have passed the CFP exam and are working towards the experience.

Experience with Wealthbox, Right Capital, Holistiplan a plus!

Understanding of the Kinder Life Planning process is preferred.

Attention to detail, time management and exceptional organizational skills are essential.

Excited to take on new challenges and adapt to change.

Empathy and high emotional intelligence in dealing with sensitive client issues.

We believe strongly in giving back to the community. Bonus points for volunteer work/membership with FPA or NAPFA.

Additional designations such as MBA, EA, CFA or CPA are a plus.

Exposure to/understanding of equity compensation issues is desired.

Compensation & Perks:

This will be a W2 role.

Competitive salary based on experience. Staring at $2,500/month for half-time (~20 hours/week). Exact schedule is flexible, but at least 50% of hours worked must be between 8 am and 5 pm PT.

Laptop, etc. will be provided.

We offer a 401(k) with company match.

Professional development budget- $2,000/year.

Potential track for equity partnership in the future.

We do not currently offer medical/life/disability insurance but plan to do so in the future, as the team grows.

Next Steps:

Send your resume and a short video (~2-5 minutes) explaining why you want to work for Xena Financial Planning. The video does NOT need to be professionally made/edited. Please just be yourself and don’t worry about the quality of the video. We recommend you use a free video tool to create a sharable link, such as Loom or Kapwing, vs sending a large attachment.

Send via email to: hello@xenafp.com