Associate Financial Advisor

Position Description:
Step into an instrumental role. Help conduct the smooth operation of a fast-paced—and friendly—financial planning office. Work as an employee of an independent advisor franchisee with a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial. Assist in daily business operations.
The associate financial advisor will assist financial advisor(s) in working with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. The employing franchise owner will lead you as you hone your skills and build a base of clients which you service. As an associate financial advisor, you will be instrumental in creating and delivering a unique client experience that defines and differentiates the practice. This position will consistently follow high standards of business and professional ethics and legal and regulatory requirements when dealing with others and/or performing work activities.
This role provides client relationship support through managing, gathering and analyzing client data, helping prepare financial plans and other client deliverables, working with clients to resolve issues and other practice management tasks as needed. Responds to ad hoc requests, coordinates/tracks projects and/or manages small business as usual projects such as organizing a client seminar.

Responsibilities and Time Allocation – Will change over time to meet the needs of the practice and can include other duties as assigned by the advisor.

Position Functions:
20% Marketing and Client Acquisition

• Develop and implement annual marketing plan to meet client acquisition goals

• Contact prospects to set up meetings or appointments

• Coordinate seminars and client appreciation events

• Leverage natural market to drive new client acquisition

• Learn and implement client referral program

• Use network marketing with Center of Influence to drive client acquisition

Implement key marketing activities including:

• Advisor website

• Social media

• Online client experience

• Client and prospect contact

• Referrals and Networking

• Seminars and Events

• Local advertising and media relations

25% Financial Planning and Advice

• Identify clients to engage or re-engage in planning relationships
• Prepare for client meetings focused on planning discussions
• Gather and enter client data into Financial Planning Tool Suite
• Create planning deliverables
• Perform case analysis and develop recommendations
• Conduct and/or participate in client meetings to present recommendations/deliver advice
• Track/hold clients accountable to agreed upon actions
• Answer questions and provide readily available information to clients, if requested, as it relates to servicing their accounts

25% Product Solutions

• Assess the client’s risk tolerance

• Assess the client’s goals and time frame

• Recommend portfolio/robust product solution that will fit the client’s risk tolerance, goals and time frame

• Run illustrations and hypotheticals

• Develop appropriate product deliverables

• Persuade clients to act upon suitable advice/recommendations

• Execute appropriate trades to align with proposed portfolio

• Monitor economy, markets, and world events to determine any required strategic rebalancing

• Manage wholesaler relationships

• Conduct transactions on behalf of clients

15% Business Management & Client Care

• Business management

• Review work methods and procedures for possible quality improvements and efficiencies and implement them when appropriate

• Assign and delegate work and provide feedback, when appropriate, to other practice support staff

• Participate in daily stand-up and weekly staff meetings

• Act as a technical resource and provide training and support to other practice members

Client care

• Set up and maintain client management system (i.e. Contact Manager)

• Write notes or letters to clients on personal letterhead

• Review and respond to emails as necessary

• Maintain files and records in accordance with the records retention policy

Key traits of a successful associate financial advisor

• Ability to meet with clients and present planning strategies

• Ability to source prospective clients

• High level of interpersonal skills

• Initiative in business development

• Entrepreneurial perspective and desire to grow the business

• Ability to recommend suitable investment products and services

• Success at planning and managing resources (time, people, budget) to run optimal practice

• Ability to adhere to rules and regulations as stated and required by advisor, Ameriprise Financial

• Ability to support and provide guidance for compliance within the advisor’s practice

• Current client database a plus

Education and other designations:

• College degree or higher

• 2+ years of similar experience

• Already have or be able to study for and pass exams for federal and state licenses and registrations for securities, including Series 7, Series 66, and State life, accident and health insurance licenses

At Ameriprise Financial, we’re not just in the business of helping clients with their financial goals – we also help our advisors and employees reach their true potential by embracing an inclusive and collaborative culture. We celebrate the unique qualities and reward the contributions of our talented, passionate employees. If you’re motivated and want to work for a strong, ethical company that cares about you and your community, take the next step with Ameriprise Financial.
This position is with an Ameriprise Financial Franchise owner.

Full time