Associate Financial Advisor

Summary

The Wheaton, Illinois branch of Benjamin F. Edwards is seeking Associate Financial Advisors to join our team and assist our Lead Advisors in the development and delivery of strategies that aim to address each client’s specific goals and objectives. The Associate Financial Advisor role is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring financial advisors, providing valuable experience and opportunities to develop skills while contributing directly to the team’s client service and financial planning efforts.

The right candidate must be able to work across the team and across the firm to respond quickly and accurately to client questions and concerns, with a focus on the ongoing management, retention, and expansion of existing client relationships. The Associate Financial Advisor is an integral member of the advisory team and is responsible for delivering a consistent, positive client experience to help ensure all commitments are completed and delivered in a timely manner.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Works with existing clients to gather financial information, analyze data, and develop financial plans using the MoneyGuidePro planning software. Thoroughly understands and utilizes financial planning tools to analyze complex financial information and lead presentations in partnership with the Financial Advisor.
• Provides extensive support to lead advisor in client meetings – from preparation of client reports and agendas to note-taking during the meetings to post-meeting activities including documenting next steps and items for execution.
• Effectively leverages internal technology tools like Orion’s Wealth Management Platform, Salesforce CRM, and Pershing’s NetX360.
• Upon licensing, works with advisors and clients on the execution of orders in Brokerage and Advisory accounts.
• Monitor and review client portfolios, conduct research and analysis to identify potential investment opportunities, and recommend adjustments based on changing market conditions and individual client circumstances.
• Support the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns that support business objectives and promote the company's brand and services.
• While this position is not required to develop new client relationships, the candidate is encouraged to do so particularly if they have an interest in building a practice over time.
• Develop an understanding of firm policies, procedures, and firm capabilities to deliver fully for clients.
• Manages events, webinars and seminars by organizing, marketing and setting up the venue in collaboration with the Financial Advisor.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Professional presence with strong client service and interpersonal skills across a wide variety of communication channels (in-person, over the phone, and using video technology).
• Computer proficiency with basic applications (Office 365), and a proven ability to learn other software and technology. A plus for those experienced in Pershing/NetX360, Salesforce, Orion, and MoneyGuidePro.
• A keen attention to detail that anticipates client, and advisor needs and leaves no stone unturned.
• An ability to manage a variety of tasks from a variety of sources and prioritize execution appropriately in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Must be able to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Quality of Work: the way the responsibilities are completed with accuracy, thoroughness, responsiveness, and good decision-making.
• Interpersonal Skills: the effectiveness of an individual’s interactions with others and as part of a team and their level of participation.
• Communication Skills: the ability to express information to others through writing and speaking and the willingness to do so with tact and diplomacy.
• Approach to Work: the posture an employee takes while performing assignments. Approaches encouraged include actively seeking new ways to improve processes, a willingness to take risks, being to new ideas and approaches, remaining organized yet flexible, being punctual and reliable.
• Quantity of Work: the level of an employee’s success in producing the required amount of work through effective prioritization and time management.
  
  
  

Education And/or Work Experience

• Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field.
• Working Experience: 3 - 5 years of experience in the financial services industry with previous client-facing roles in the advisory space a plus. Career changers with transferable skills will also be considered.
  
  
  

Licenses/Registration

• Minimum Required: Securities licensing (SIE/Series 7, and 63/65 or 66) required
• Progression towards the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification
  
  
  

Pay Range: between $75,000.00 to $150,000.00

Work Environment

This position requires the ability to work in a stationary position for several hours at a time and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally. Some filing is required. The work environment is an air-conditioned, smoke-free, office environment. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.

About Benjamin F. Edwards

If you are interested in joining a different kind of firm that truly puts the interests of its advisors and clients first, you have come to the right place. Founded in 2008 and serving more than 300 advisors with over $45 billion in assets, Edwards has the scale our advisors expect and the ability to deliver the personal touch and concierge-level service our clients deserve.

We are a firm that values our legacy of family and colleagues and cherishes an environment where all succeed through collaborative support. To us, legacy is not only about the past - it is building an experience that prepares all of us, and our clients, for the future.

We invest in our team and recognize and appreciate the value of hard work. The rewards of the job are founded in the difference you will make in the lives of our clients and extend throughout a culture that inspires you to learn, grow, and be your best. Having fun is part of the firm’s mission statement.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability, and paid time off.

Our client-first mission is grounded in the Golden Rule; when you join Benjamin F. Edwards you are well cared for, and we welcome all applicants with the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to do a great job regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Benjamin F. Edwards is an Equal Opportunity Employer.