Independent Financial Advisor

Summary of Responsibilities

This position is responsible for building and maintaining a book of business by creating marketing campaigns, utilizing effective prospecting and sales skills to convert prospects, and assisting clients in meeting their financial goals by recommending appropriate plans and products.

Principal Responsibilities

• Effectively and efficiently market the business and target prospects on an ongoing basis.
• Create an annual business and marketing plan; maintain the plan throughout the year; offer suggestions to help the firm grow, improve, and evolve.
• Sell effectively and ethically; convert prospects to clients, achieving a closing ratio greater than 80 percent.
• Develop and deepen client relationships
• Help individuals identify their unique financial needs and objectives:

o   Establish and define the client/planner relationship.

o   Gather data, including goals.

o   Analyze and evaluate financial status.

o   Develop and present personalized financial planning recommendations and/or alternatives.

o   Implement financial planning recommendations.

o   Monitor financial planning recommendations.

• Analyze the income and asset situation of clients as requested (at least once annually) and update their financial plans accordingly.
• Recommend plans and products to help clients achieve their goals; identify appropriate investment and insurance solutions; discuss estate issues, tax considerations, and retirement or business planning objectives.
• Comply with all FINRA, SEC, and Commonwealth (soon to be LPL) regulations; satisfy continuing education requirements.
• Provide personal client service:

o   Work effectively with clients’ other professional advisors such as attorneys and CPAs.

o   Develop and sustain relationships with other in-house professionals and strategic alliances; when necessary, refer clients to strategic allies, such as attorneys, to ensure that their needs are met.

o   Respond to client questions and concerns. 

o   Schedule and plan client meetings using the client relationship management system.

o   Rebalance portfolios based on planner’s criteria, using appropriate tools (e.g., Model Management and Koyfin).

• Remain up to date on industry developments, service and product enhancements, regulatory issues and CE credits for FINRA, SEC and AZ health/life certifications and designations.

·        Participate and communicate effectively with research analysts, assistant and other advisors, as appropriate.

Required knowledge and skills:

• BA or BS in business or similar field; advanced degree/designation a plus (e.g., MBA, CFP®, CPA, etc.)

·        Insurance certifications (e.g., ChFC), if desired for your practice.

• FINRA Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 or 66 registrations.
• Five-plus years of experience building own book of business successfully; experience working with National Financial Services (our broker/dealer) processes and forms a plus. 
• Excellent knowledge and communication of financial planning concepts and terminology.
• Excellent knowledge of and ability to explain products, such as mutual funds, ETF’s, stocks, bonds and insurance products.
• Comfort discussing estate planning issues and/or outsourcing to trusted strategic partners.
• Proficiency with computer programs, including MS Office (particularly Excel), CRM systems, using internal retirement income analysis like Right Capital, etc. or use your own desired programs.
• Relationship-building skills and commitment to establishing long-term client relationships.
• Self-motivated and entrepreneurial; goal-oriented at an individual and team level.
• A commitment to providing outstanding client service with clients throughout the U.S.
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills.
• Commonwealth has recently been purchased by LPL. New broker/dealer transition will probably apply.
• No retirement benefits or health care provided. Solo 401K recommended as a 1099 employee.
• Your schedule is what you make it. We work as a team and cover the office appropriately when needed.