What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Planning Analyst position at Northwestern Mutual - Saint Petersburg?
Company Overview
Recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professional, Derek Ober of Ober Financial is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner dedicated to helping clients achieve lasting financial security. As financial architects, the Ober Financial team designs a blueprint for each client's financial success — providing clarity around the complexities of their unique financial situations and empowering them to spend life living.
Ober Financial's focus is on supporting pre-retirees, retirees navigating asset distribution, and current and former high-level corporate employees. This individualized approach results in a combined sense of empowerment and comfort as clients move through life's journey.
Ober Financial is affiliated with Northwestern Mutual Greater Tampa Bay (NMGTB), one of the top financial services companies in the industry with over 160 years of helping clients achieve financial security. NMGTB is governed by five core values: Commitment to Excellence, Serve Passionately, Humble Confidence, Courage, and Fun. Our mission is to empower our advisors and clients to reach their dreams.
Position Overview
Ober Financial is seeking a motivated and client-focused Financial Planning Analyst (Junior Advisor) to join our growing team in Sarasota. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants income stability with real upside — and who is ready to build a meaningful career in financial planning alongside an experienced, award-winning advisor. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking for growth opportunities, as this role and accompanying responsibilities have the potential to evolve as the firm grows. The ultimate growth path to transition into a role with direct responsibility for managing specific client relationships.
This role is well-suited for someone who is a natural relationship builder and genuinely excited about helping people achieve financial security. Whether you are a recent college graduate with the right personality and drive, or an experienced professional with a sales or client-facing background, we want to hear from you.
ResponsibilitiesDuring the Onboarding Period (Months 1–6)
- Shadow client meetings and learn the financial planning process alongside Derek Ober
- Complete licensing requirements (FL 2-15, SIE, Series 6 or 7, Series 63)
- Learn the Northwestern Mutual business model, tools, and systems
- Begin building your personal network and referral pipeline
- Participate in training and development programs
Upon Transition to Junior Advisor (Month 7 )
- Build and manage your own client relationships within the Ober Financial team structure
- Conduct financial planning meetings with prospects and clients
- Generate leads independently through networking, referrals, and community engagement
- Collaborate with the team on client proposals, financial plan preparation, and case work
- Maintain client records, case notes, and follow-up in CRM systems
- Support client service needs including policy servicing, account reviews, and ongoing communication
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Florida Life & Health License (2-15), or ability to obtain — ideally within the first 30 days
- FINRA SIE, or willingness to obtain
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills — comfortable speaking with clients and getting on the phone
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and generate business independently
- Customer service, sales, or client-facing experience in any industry
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
Preferred Qualifications
- Series 7 and Series 63 licenses
- Prior experience in financial services, insurance, or a related field
- Previous experience as a Financial Representative or in advisor support
- Commitment to professional development (CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® or similar designations)
- Experience with CRM platforms or financial planning software
Ideal Characteristics
- Natural relationship builder — warm, genuine, and client-focused
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to generate leads and pursue opportunities independently
- Comfortable with outreach — not afraid to pick up the phone or initiate conversations
- Team-oriented — thrives in a collaborative, close-knit practice environment
- Seeks income stability with meaningful upside, rather than a fully commission-based structure
- Strong sense of professionalism, discretion, and follow-through
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Coachable and committed to continuous learning and growth
- Sales or business development background — comfortable placing business, even outside financial services
Benefits
- Subsidized health insurance
- PTO
- License and credential reimbursement
- Simple IRA with 3% employer match
- Access to Northwestern Mutual's award-winning training and development programs
Additional Details
Employment Structure: Full Time
Location: Sarasota, FL — In Office
To learn more about Ober Financial, visit https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/derek-ober/.
As part of the Northwestern Mutual hiring process, verification of a candidate's background will be required, which includes Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint submission for review against nationwide fingerprint records.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person