Financial Planning Consultant II

Job Description Summary

Under limited supervision uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training or certification to consult with Financial Advisors (FAs) and their clients regarding overall financial planning issues which may include social security rules & strategies, income tax consulting, retirement planning, equity compensation planning, qualified retirement plans, risk management, estate planning and education funding. Leads defined work or projects of broad scope and complexity. Resolves or recommends solutions to complex problems. Extensive contact with internal and external customers to provide detailed financial planning consultative services.

Job Description

Job Summary

Under limited supervision uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training or certification to consult with Financial Advisors (FAs) and their clients regarding overall financial planning issues which may include social security rules & strategies, income tax consulting, retirement planning, equity compensation planning, qualified retirement plans, risk management, estate planning and education funding. Leads defined work or projects of broad scope and complexity. Resolves or recommends solutions to complex problems. Extensive contact with internal and external customers to provide detailed financial planning consultative services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds to FA questions by telephone, email and occasional personal visits.

• Consults with FAs and their clients/prospects related to designing a tailored financial analysis or comprehensive plan that meets the client’s/prospect’s short and long-term financial needs and goals.

• Analyzes certain aspects and/or the entire financial circumstances of a client/prospect:

  • Responds to income tax inquiries without providing tax advice.

  • Evaluates overall individual and employer-based retirement needs, researches various options, and provides planning alternatives.

  • Use retirement planning software to help advisors evaluate retirement goals and needs of clients

  • Provides guidance on estate planning options and techniques.

  • Responds to and directs education funding questions including 529 plans.

  • Discuss Social Security rules and claiming strategies. 

  • Discuss beneficiary IRA rules and techniques around tax minimization.

• Conducts research as needed related to assigned client cases, including but not limited to specific income tax questions and other legal issues.

• Creates planning alternatives using proprietary and third party software packages and provides comprehensive technical support to users of the software.

• Designs and prepares presentations that clearly communicate the recommendations and alternatives related to the client’s financial analysis and comprehensive plan design.

• Occasionally participates in the client presentations (primarily over the phone, however sometimes in person); as requested by the FA.

• Creates presentations and is an instructor in various training programs attended by FAs.

• May represent the department in home office meetings or in the field at branches.

• Writes articles on financial, income tax, retirement, risk management and estate planning topics.

• Develops marketing materials.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Financial planning principles as they relate to tax, retirement, and estate planning, equity compensation, the financial markets, and current legislation that may impact these planning areas.

• Advanced concepts and ability to focus on individual topics as part of a broader financial plan.

Skill in

• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications to produce presentations, correspondence, electronic communication and maintain spreadsheets and databases.

• Organizational and time management sufficient to prioritize workload, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Detailed orientation to ensure quality standards are met without impairing workflow.

• Following-up to ensure resolution and completion of tasks.

Ability to

• Use oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with and guide Financial Advisors and their clients on various planning options.

• Incorporate the financial needs and goals of a client into a succinct, professional presentation outlining their options.

• Read and interpret technical and legal documents, and apply the information as appropriate.

• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

• Provide a high level of customer service in a calm, courteous and professional manner.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in related field and three (3) to five (5) years experience in the financial, tax, retirement and estate planning field or in marketing these services.

• OR ~

• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training as approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications

• SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.

• Series 7 or ability to obtain within two (2) years.

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation or ability to obtain within one (1) year.

Education

Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Economics, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience

General Experience - 13 months to 3 years

Certifications

Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE) - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 
We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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