Paraplanner/Executive Assistant

Position Description: Step into an instrumental dual role. Help conduct the smooth operation of a very 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. 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.
The position supports the many different tasks for which the Advisor is responsible and ties directly to the overall business plan of the Advisor. The main focus of this position is to help the advisor with all client financial planning needs including, meeting prep for client meetings, creating/running illustrations, recommendation materials, research and other materials under Advisor’s guidance. This role provides client relationship support such as working with clients to resolve issues and other practice management tasks as needed. Responds to ad hoc requests, coordinates/tracks projects and/or manages business-as-usual projects. This position completes tasks previously performed by the advisor, allowing the advisor to focus more time and energy on existing client’s needs, client acquisition, deepening client relationships and compliance.
It allows the Advisor the assurance he/she needs to know that his/her Office/Practice is being maintained and supported within Ameriprise Financial guidelines as well as those outlined by the Advisor.

Salary Range: $60,000 to $80,000 depending on experience

Reports to: Advisors, AFAs, Operations Director, Practice Manager

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, Designations Required: Series 7, 66 (or 65 & 63) and state Life, Accident & Health; and/or any licenses currently required by Ameriprise Financial.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university.

• Continuing education – Lifelong learning is expected

• 3+ years related industry experience

Position Functions:

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.

Financial Planning Assistance:

• Review and interpret financial statements sent in by clients

• Prepare preliminary financial planning recommendations for client meetings at the direction of advisors including:

• Life insurance, disability and long-term care insurance illustrations

• Investment research reports

• Use data from preliminary recommendations to create presentations for meetings

• Create a dialogue with clients during financial planning process and assist them with:

• Questions on outside accounts and account held with Ameriprise

• Money movement needs

• Bank Authorizations

• Attend and participate in client meetings as necessary

• Obtain verbal authorization for transactions recommended by Advisor with documented direction

• Execute trades with documented direction from Advisor

• Document transactions as required to maintain client files

Business & Practice Management:

• Plan and prioritize own work schedule

• Complete miscellaneous projects in a timely manner as assigned by Advisor

• Assist team members with administrative responsibilities, including basic client service and special projects

• Utilize and understand unique tools and processes and specific Ameriprise Tools

• Help with client meeting prep as directed by Advisor

• Assist with client emails, phone calls and in person visits, prepare correspondence & emails

• Document client contacts/calls and meeting notes

• Maintain client files

• Scan appropriate meeting documents and client outside account statements and save in Box and Online File Manager

• Keep work methods and procedures up-to-date and compliant

• Use to-do lists, calendars, computer software or other work/time management systems

• Perform other allowable duties as assigned by the Financial Advisor(s)

• Respond to ad-hoc requests as needed

Key Skills/Abilities/Knowledge/Competencies:

For success in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty at an advanced level. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills:

• Able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations

• Able to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals

• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential

Technical duties, tasks, and skills:

• Able to process Money Movement requests and trades as instructed by Advisors

• Able to understand a financial plan

• Able to understand financial and investment statements

• Able to navigate the Ameriprise Financial websites including the employee and the client platforms.

• Interpret data concerning price, yield, stability, and future trends of investments.

Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability:

• Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

• Able to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables

• Mathematical proficiency exam may be required

Computer Skills:

• Able to use MS Excel, MS Word, Outlook, Adobe, Skype, accounting software, contact management systems, database software and other software tools as necessary

Other Important Skills, Abilities and requirements:

• Work closely with the Financial Advisor(s) to determine the appropriate course of action to assist clients with their needs

• Ability to handle a diverse group of clients from varied ethnic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds is essential

• Excellent inter and intra personal relationship skills - effective communication skills and the willingness to show empathy and understanding for various points of view

• Able to represent the firm and our practice well in all aspects

• High degree of integrity, honesty, commitment and trust is essential.

• Able to communicate with clients in a professional, clear and concise manner is essential.

• Exercise discretion in dealing with the personal information of clients.

• Able to communicate with Ameriprise Financial executives and their staff

Key Traits of a Successful Paraplanner/Executive Assistant

• Direct attention to detail and organization

• High level of interpersonal skills

• Effective and efficient time management 

• Polite and clear phone manner 

• Ability to multi-task

• 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 

• Positive attitude and sincere willingness to constantly learn and grow

• Strong organization and computer skills

Physical Demands: 

This position requires the ability to handle significant levels of varied stresses, in particular

mental stresses and fatigues. This position operates in a fast paced, highly regulated and ever-

changing environment. There are no significant physical demands other than the endurance

required to deal with the fast pace and stresses.

Work Environment:

The work environment is typical office work such as you would find in a bank, insurance business, accounting firm, law firm or other professional office. There are no unusual or significant hazards and reasonable accommodations can usually be made.

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.

California Residents Only: The estimated base salary for this role is $60,000 - $80,000 / year.

Full time