Associate Advisor

Associate Advisor (Full‑Time)

Essential Planning, LLC | Portsmouth, NH (In‑Office)

Essential Planning, LLC is seeking an Associate Advisor to join our team and grow into a trusted client‑facing planning role. This position is ideal for someone who already has a foundation in financial planning and is ready to deepen their skills, build confidence with clients, and take increasing ownership of relationships over time.

This is not a purely paraplanner role. The Associate Advisor works closely with Lead Advisors and clients, supporting planning conversations and preparing to lead them in the future.

What This Role Is Really Like

As an Associate Advisor, you will be actively involved in both the technical and relational sides of financial planning. On a typical week, you may:

• Prepare and assist with client meeting agendas, analysis, and follow‑up
• Participate in client meetings and begin leading portions of conversations
• Help translate complex planning recommendations into clear next steps
• Support ongoing client relationships, especially those requiring consistency and attentiveness
• Collaborate with Advisors, Client Service Associates (CSAs), and the operations team to ensure plans are implemented accurately

This role is best suited for someone who enjoys working with people, not just plans - and someone who wants to develop judgment, communication skills, and client confidence alongside technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Planning Support

• Assist Lead Advisors with preparation, delivery, and follow‑up for client meetings
• Participate in client meetings and gradually assume responsibility for defined segments
• Support development and implementation of comprehensive financial plans
• Maintain accurate client records and planning documentation

Relationship Development

• Serve as a consistent point of contact for clients
• Help manage ongoing service needs and planning updates
• Build trust with clients through responsiveness, professionalism, and follow‑through
• Learn how to navigate more complex or emotionally nuanced client situations

Team & Firm Collaboration

• Work closely with CSAs to coordinate workflows and client service execution
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment built on shared responsibilities
• Participate in internal meetings, training, and continuous improvement efforts

Professional Development & Career Path

You will receive:

• Structured onboarding and training
• Exposure to client relationships early, with increasing responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced Advisors
• Support for credentialing, continuing education, and long‑term career progression

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Finance, Business, Economics, or related field preferred)
• Familiarity with comprehensive financial planning concepts and software
• Experience working in an RIA or client‑centric advisory firm
• 1–3 years of experience in financial planning, advisory support, or paraplanning
• CFP® designation (or active progress toward CFP® certification) preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of professionalism, judgment, and follow‑through
• Desire to work directly with clients and grow as a relationship‑focused Advisor
• Experience participating in client meetings

Technical Skills

• Comfort using CRM, financial planning, and portfolio management systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools
• Ability to learn and adapt to firm workflows and systems

Why Join Essential Planning, LLC?

At Essential Planning, we believe in doing meaningful work - supporting our clients, supporting each other, and continuously improving how we serve.

Our benefits and culture include:

• Competitive salary
• Life & long‑term disability insurance
• Pension plan
• 401(k) with company contributions
• Paid time off (PTO), personal time, and holidays
• Periodic work‑from‑home flexibility
• Tuition assistance after 12 months
• A collaborative, supportive, values‑driven team
• Ongoing professional development and CE opportunities
• Coaching and mentoring
• Comfortable, professional office environment
• Team-building/retreat days

Interview Process & Timeline

We believe transparency matters - for both candidates and our team.

• Initial phone screenings will take place on Wednesday, May 27th.
• In‑person interviews with job-related tasks will take place on Wednesday, June 3rd. (90 minutes total)
• Anticipated start date: Monday, June 15th.

Please confirm your availability for these dates before applying.

Ready to Apply?

If you are a detail‑oriented professional who values teamwork, client service, and continuous growth, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and join a team where your work truly matters - and your growth is a priority.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Financial planning: 1 year (Preferred)
• Advisory support: 1 year (Preferred)
• Paraplanning: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Securities Industry Essentials (Preferred)
• CFP (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000