Financial Planning Associate - Career Path to Financial Advisor

About the Position

Baxter & Associates, Inc. is a local, independent financial planning and wealth management firm in Wichita, Kansas. We are looking for an ambitious, dependable, and motivated Financial Planning Associate to join our growing team.

This is not a traditional administrative position. We are looking for someone who wants to build a long-term career in the financial services industry and ultimately become a Financial Advisor.

The right candidate will begin by learning the day-to-day operations of a successful financial planning practice while working closely with our advisors and clients. Over time, we want this individual to take on increasing responsibility in financial planning, investments, client relationships, business development, and ultimately transition into an advisory role.

This is an opportunity for someone who is willing to work hard, learn the business from the ground up, and grow with the firm.

What You'll Do

The Financial Planning Associate will have a diverse role with responsibilities that evolve as your knowledge and experience grow.

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Serve as a friendly, professional point of contact for clients.
• Assist clients with account paperwork, service requests, and routine questions.
• Prepare for client meetings and help ensure follow-up items are completed.
• Develop strong relationships with clients and learn what is important to them.
• Help create an exceptional client experience.

Financial Planning Support

• Assist advisors with preparation for client meetings and financial planning engagements.
• Gather and organize client financial information.
• Assist with financial planning software and client data.
• Help prepare reports, presentations, and planning materials.
• Learn how investments, retirement planning, insurance, tax planning, and other areas of financial planning work together.
• Gradually take on more responsibility in the financial planning process.

Investment & Account Support

• Assist with opening and maintaining investment accounts.
• Help process contributions, distributions, transfers, and other account-related requests.
• Learn investment concepts, portfolio management, and the firm's investment philosophy.
• Become familiar with various financial products and investment strategies.

Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate client records and documentation.
• Assist with scheduling, correspondence, paperwork, and other daily office responsibilities.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and financial planning technology.
• Help improve internal processes and efficiency.
• Support the advisors and team wherever needed.

Marketing & Business Development

• Assist with marketing initiatives and client communications.
• Help develop relationships with centers of influence and other professional contacts.
• Participate in community and networking activities.
• Learn how a successful financial planning practice attracts and serves new clients.\

Career Development

Our goal is to develop the right person into a Financial Advisor.

As you demonstrate knowledge, initiative, and the ability to work effectively with clients, your responsibilities will expand. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced financial advisors and progressively take on more client-facing and advisory responsibilities.

For the right individual, the long-term career path may include pursuing industry licensing and professional credentials such as the Series 7, Series 66, and Life & Health insurance licenses, followed by increasing responsibility as a Financial Advisor.

We are looking for someone who wants to build a career—not simply find a job.

The ideal candidate is:

• Ambitious and motivated to build a successful career.
• Dependable and takes pride in showing up and following through.
• Interested in finance, investing, and financial planning.
• A strong communicator who enjoys working with people.
• Professional, personable, and comfortable interacting with clients.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• A quick learner who is comfortable learning new technology and financial software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
• A strong writer with excellent attention to detail.
• Willing to perform routine administrative tasks while learning more advanced aspects of the business.
• Interested in eventually becoming a Financial Advisor.
• Competitive and motivated to be successful professionally and financially.

Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree in Finance, Financial Planning, Business, Economics, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.

Prior experience in financial services is helpful but not required. We are willing to train the right person who has the work ethic, personality, intelligence, and desire to learn.

Recent college graduates and candidates early in their careers are encouraged to apply.

Why Baxter & Associates?

At Baxter & Associates, you'll have the opportunity to learn the financial planning business from the inside out and work directly with experienced advisors and real clients.

We are a medium sized, independent firm, which means you won't be confined to one narrow job description. You'll have the opportunity to learn client service, investments, financial planning, technology, marketing, business development, and the business of running a financial planning practice.

If you're ambitious, willing to work hard, and want to eventually sit across the table from clients as a Financial Advisor, we want to talk with you.

Baxter & Associates is a leading wealth management firm dedicated to providing personalized financial solutions to our clients. With a commitment to excellence and integrity, we specialize in guiding individuals and businesses toward their financial goals through comprehensive planning and strategic investment management.