Client Services Associate

PURPOSE:

The Client Services Associate serves as one of the primary contacts in our client relationships.  The Position provides vision for client’s needs, and defines and manages client expectations.  The Client Services Associate must have the ability to oversee the preparation of planning documents for client meetings and work in conjunction with other staff, where appropriate, to accommodate certain administrative duties, investment functions, and financial planning functions.  The position is responsible for providing consistent and high-quality customer service, cultivating additional assets (where possible) through asset consolation and encouraging referrals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as primary contact in performing a wide range of financial planning duties for both new and existing clients, including: retirement modeling, risk management/insurance analysis, educational modeling, reviews of estate plan documents (with assistance), reviews of tax situation and other applicable financial planning topics. Work closely with other members of the planning team to collect and analyze data.
• Prepare account paperwork for opening new accounts to include:
  • Assemble materials for participant enrollment and education.
  • Facilitate completion of all client applications and transfer documents.
  • Conduct client paperwork signing meetings with clients.
• Work within a defined system where client contact is made on a scheduled, proactive basis: 
  • Serve in managing client contacts, preparing agendas, organizing plans for client review   meetings, and providing appropriate follow-up
  • Coordinate all aspects of client plan presentations, including insuring that all research and data gathering is complete, and presentation materials are prepared in a timely fashion
  • Participate in both client meetings and in the presentation of comprehensive financial plans
  • Compose and generate correspondence and client documents, including spreadsheets and reports
• Participate in portfolio review & design/monitoring process and work in collaboration with the team to manage cash flow, tax issues, etc. associated with client portfolios, as well as enter trades as needed.
• Research planning and investment ideas.
• Participate in new client relationship development; develop business leads for the firm through client referral conversations, individual/business or industry networking.
• Review investment and trading issues, as needed.
• Prepare and present concise financial planning summaries to prospective clients; provide relationship management for opportunities that are developed.
• Be prepared in attire and personality to engage, professionally greet, and assist visitors in support of other team member; help to ensure that all clients are made to feel welcome and that all visits are handled with the utmost professionalism.
• Be familiar with insurance products, including annuities and long term care.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in continuing education.
• Seek opportunities for public speaking in community, civic or professional organizations.
• Maintain a strong profile in the communities served by the firm; promote the firm in the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM software
• Working Knowledge of a variety of investment tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-starter, energetic, assertive.
• Mastery of all aspects of financial planning and investment management; excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to view financial planning holistically and to incorporate the various planning disciplines (retirement, tax estate, insurance, education, philanthropic, etc.) into client communication.
• Strong technical capabilities in the various areas of an integrated planning platform.
• Minimum of intermediate skills with MS Office as well as financial planning and securities balancing software.
• Demonstrated client-centric skills including a strong customer service orientation in addition to excellent oral/written listening and presentation skills.
• Commitment to strong values, the highest ethical behavior, strong team orientation, organization skills, results orientation, creativity, flexibility, ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously, and a positive attitude.
• Refined ability for digesting and distilling large amounts of information into summary form.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify opportunities and solve problems.
• Effective interpersonal skills; able to work with and through others.
• Committed to maintaining strict standards for confidentiality and discretion of all client information.
• Able to project a professional image of oneself and the firm to clients.
• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 5-7 years financial planning or investment advisory experience, with demonstrated ability to develop and manage plans and serve as the lead relationship management role for a group of clients.
• CFP designation required for providing financial planning advice.
• Series 7 and 65 or equivalent required.
• Life/Health Insurance License.