Financial Planning Associate

Taylor Associates is seeking a Financial Planning Associate who wants to build a career as a financial advisor. The successful candidate will receive structured exposure to financial planning, investments, client meetings, firm systems, and relationship management, with an accelerated opportunity to progress into a Associate Wealth Management advisor role based on licensing, competency, performance, and demonstrated client readiness. The Financial Planning Associate role is designed to provide broad exposure to Taylor Associates while building the technical, operational, and client-service skills needed to grow within the firm.

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: In-office (Charlottesville, VA) with the flexibility to work remotely up to four days per month.

Role Overview

Financial Planning Associates learn the firm’s philosophy, workflows, systems, financial planning approach, and investment process while supporting Service Advisors and Relationship Managers. The role combines technical work, client data management, research, meeting support, and selected client interaction.

Licensing & Development

• Licensing: Ability and willingness to obtain required securities and insurance licenses within established firm timelines.

• Develop proficiency in the firm’s financial planning, investment, CRM, and client-service systems.

• Build the knowledge and judgment required to progress toward a Service Advisor role or become a long-term member of the Operations Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Operations Team and provide support to Service Advisors and Relationship Managers.

• Gather, organize, enter, and maintain accurate client data across financial planning and CRM systems.

• Prepare planning and investment information as directed, including CCV, IFL, YCharts, illustrations, and PX.

• Conduct research on planning topics such as tax strategies, gifting, and other client-specific needs.

• Support client meeting preparation, take and enter meeting notes, and assist with post-meeting follow-up.

• Participate in select client meetings as knowledge and experience develop.

• Assist the Operations and Investment Groups with client onboarding.

• Answer routine client questions and service requests, escalating more complex matters appropriately.

• Support calendar coordination and other workflow needs for Relationship Managers and Service Advisors.

• Complete assigned projects accurately, on time, and with strong attention to detail.

• Work collaboratively across the firm and contribute to a high-performing team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments.

• Comfortable learning and working with financial planning technology, CRM systems, and other software.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and communicate professionally with clients.

• High degree of integrity, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Financial services experience preferred but not required.

Core Competencies

• Consistently produces accurate, complete, and timely work.

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and follows established processes and compliance standards.

• Learns quickly and develops increasing fluency in the firm’s planning, investment, technology, and service processes.

• Communicates clearly and professionally with clients and team members.

• Takes ownership of assignments, follows through, and asks thoughtful questions when clarification is needed.

• Demonstrates sound judgment, confidentiality, reliability, and a strong commitment to the client experience.

Career Progression

A Financial Planning Associate may progress to an Associate Wealth Management Advisor or a long-term Operations Team role after demonstrating the technical knowledge, client communication skills, and mastery of firm processes required for the next level.

• Achieves required licenses and designations.

• Demonstrates mastery of the firm’s planning and investment process, including software, products, approach, and presentation style.

• Successfully completes the firm’s competency checklist and capstone requirements.

• Understands Taylor Associates’ philosophy, investment theory, and financial planning approach.

• Communicates effectively with clients to obtain necessary information.

• Works effectively as part of the team and demonstrates readiness for increased responsibility.