Financial Planning Specialist

Firm Overview

Clifford Swan Investment Counselors is an independent, 100% employee-owned registered investment adviser serving affluent individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations. With $4.5 billion in assets under management and approximately 950 clients, Clifford Swan is committed to providing objective investment management based on rigorous investment research and financial advice, with personalized, responsive client service. Clifford Swan embraces a culture of mutual respect among colleagues, rooted in our founders' timeless values — client interests above all other considerations, highly personalized service, attention to detail, and complete commitment to our clients' financial success. We believe this culture makes Clifford Swan an exceptional place to build a rewarding career.

Position Overview

The Financial Planning Specialist works within a collaborative team of experienced investment professionals and client service specialists to deliver wealth management services to Clifford Swan clients. In this role you will collaborate with investment counselors to support the firm’s financial planning offering. Your responsibilities will include gathering essential client data, utilizing financial planning software, preparing client-ready presentations and working with external professionals. This is an internal position which does not require building a book of business or achieving direct business development objectives. This role requires a working knowledge of employer benefits including stock plans, executive compensation, retirement plans, tax returns, intergenerational wealth transfer, philanthropy and insurance products.

Job Responsibilities

• Engage directly with clients to collect comprehensive financial data, including assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and financial goals.
• Enter and maintain client information in financial planning software (eMoney) and other technology platforms to create a solid foundation for financial analysis.
• Synthesize information and produce financial plans to assist investment counselors in creating strategies aligned with client’s objectives.
• Prepare clear and professional presentations that effectively communicate financial plans and recommendations to clients.
• Communicate with other financial professionals, including CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and insurance professionals, to gather data. 

Qualifications

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Candidate and CFP course completion preferred.
• 5 years of experience in investment management and/or financial advisory services, preferably with a registered investment adviser.
• Must have in-depth, hands-on experience and mastery of eMoney.
• Thorough knowledge of financial products, investment strategies, and industry regulations.
• Experiential examples of the desire and ability to work successfully in an entrepreneurial, small-company environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to assign priorities to multiple concurrent, competing requests while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Regularly demonstrating the ability to identify problems and delivering related, unsolicited, creatively curated solutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products and experience with financial planning, client relationship management, portfolio management and document management software. (RedBlack, eMoney, Orion, Salesforce CRM)
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship or restrictions.

Expected base salary for the role will generally be $90,000 – 110,000 per annum at the commencement of employment with a target annual bonus of 25% of base salary. However, base salary if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include other forms of compensation such as, discretionary bonuses, incentive packages, and firm-sponsored benefit programs.

All applications must include a resume and cover letter. Please send this information to Gretchen Lee via email at GLee@cliffordswan.com.