Paraplanner, Advanced Planning - Commonwealth Financial Network

Ifyou’re looking for a high-energy, inclusive atmosphere and a company that understands the importance of work/life balance, Commonwealth is your match! From generous bonus and 401(k) programs to tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules, Commonwealth is focused on helping its employees thrive in an environment suited to their needs. On top of all that, the Advanced Planning department offers a hybrid work schedule, so you’ll be able to work from home for part of the week!

We’re looking for a paraplanner to join our ranks. The Advanced Planning department provides educational and consultative financial planning strategies to our more than 2,000 independent financial advisors. Dedicated to helping their clients achieve their wealth management goals, our advisors lean on us to help them understand complex issues. Research plays a large part in the daily support we provide. As a virtual paraplanner, you will work closely with our network of financial advisors to create and assist in the delivery of financial plans. You will be primarily responsible for providing financial planning support through assisting with plan creation, analysis, and recommendation. Acute attention to detail is a must, as are effective communication skills.

We are a small group, with just 10 people on our bicoastal team. Given our consultative nature, we’re known for supporting one another, advisors, and colleagues to get our goals accomplished.

Key Responsibilities

• Attending discovery, partnership development, and other virtual meetings as requested
• Conducting data gathering calls and virtual meetings with advisors and/or clients to obtain information required to develop or update the financial plan
• Assisting with developing, implementing, and updating financial plans using planning software provided by the firm
• Working collaboratively with advisors to put finishing touches on the plans and assist in client delivery as needed
• Using appropriate software and calculators to run calculations, projections, and side-by-side comparisons (e.g., mortgages, 529 plans, and social security)
• Communicating with advanced planning consultants and other allied professionals, as needed.
• Collaborating with RightCapital for troubleshooting on plans, if needed
• Analyzing clients’ income, taxes, insurance policies, expenses, assets, and debt (at least annually), updating this information in CRM and planning software
• Uploading clients’ estate planning documents, tax returns, insurance policies, investment account statements, household balance sheets, and all other relevant documentation to their household in Investor360°
• Gathering insurance quotes as needed, working alongside Ash Brokerage
• Reading trade journals, publications, the Commonwealth Business Review, and articles featuring the industry
• Reviewing clients’ goals and risk profile with the advisor
• Coaching advisors to quarterback the client relationship with clients, other professionals (e.g., an attorney or CPA), as well as helping advisors focus on the strategic big picture while walking them through planning issues
• Reviewing clients’ planning objectives to help identify opportunities to meet their needs

Core Strengths and Skills

• Familiarity with plan creation using financial planning software (experience with RightCapital planning software a strong plus)
• Excellent knowledge and communication of financial planning concepts and terminology
• Basic knowledge of and ability to explain products, such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, insurance, and annuities
• Proficiency with computer programs, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
• Ability to proofread and quality check own work in accordance with firm/regulatory criteria
• Excellent time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines
• Ability to identify and solve problems in a timely, efficient, and effective manner
• Demonstrated experience in using available resources to answer questions and resolve problems
• Ability to learn and efficiently use multiple technology platforms

Additional Skills and Knowledge 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• CFP® (or willingness to work toward certification) desirable
• Prior experience in financial services a plus

Have we piqued your curiosity? Can you see yourself thriving in this opportunity? 

Picture Yourself Here  

At Commonwealth, we believe in a better world. We hold ourselves and each other to higher standards. We take care of one another. That’s why we invest in you—we encourage employee growth both in your career and education; we are building out a robust diversity, equity, and inclusion program; we offer incredible healthcare benefits; and we find plenty of occasions to celebrate. What’s not to love? 

We are always striving to be better, and we are looking for employees who share that same mindset. Better people, better coworkers, better leaders, better creators. Bring your best work and your full self to the table, and we will do the same. Together, we can build a better future for our advisors, their clients, our company, and you. 

About Commonwealth  

Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser, provides a suite of business solutions that empowers more than 2,000 independent financial advisors nationwide.Privately held since 1979, the firm has headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California.  

Turning our advisors into raving fans starts by doing the same for our employees. We foster an environment of excellence, growth, rewards, and fun in equal measure, which has earned us 44 Best Place to Work awards.   

The Fine Print  

We care about your online safety as a prospective employee and encourage you to exercise caution when responding to job postings online. Commonwealth will never ask potential hiring candidates to pay or transfer funds as a precondition of interviews or employment, nor will we authorize recruiters or agents to do so on our behalf.  

Commonwealth is an equal opportunity employer, making intentional efforts to source talent from all backgrounds.