Wealth Management Associate
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a highly qualified Wealth Management Associate to join their boutique wealth management firm located in Oradell, New Jersey. The ideal candidate will hold either a CPA or CFP designation and will work closely with the senior advisors to provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families throughout Bergen County and the greater New York metropolitan area.
Key Responsibilities
Client Relationship Management
- Serve as primary contact for assigned client relationships, maintaining regular communication and scheduling periodic reviews
- Conduct comprehensive financial planning meetings with clients to assess goals, risk tolerance, and changing circumstances
- Prepare detailed financial plans incorporating investment strategy, tax planning, estate planning, and retirement planning
- Monitor client portfolios and provide ongoing investment performance reporting and analysis
- Respond to client inquiries regarding account performance, market conditions, and financial planning strategies
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Develop comprehensive financial plans using advanced planning software and analytical tools
- Conduct detailed cash flow analysis, retirement projections, and education funding strategies
- Prepare tax-efficient investment strategies and coordinate with clients' tax professionals
- Analyze insurance needs and recommend appropriate life, disability, and long-term care coverage
- Create estate planning strategies in coordination with estate planning attorneys
- Perform investment policy statement development and asset allocation modeling
Investment Management Support
- Assist in portfolio construction and rebalancing activities across various asset classes
- Conduct investment research and due diligence on mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities, and alternative investments
- Monitor portfolio performance and prepare quarterly investment reviews
- Implement tax-loss harvesting and other tax-efficient investment strategies
- Coordinate with institutional money managers and third-party investment platforms
Tax Planning & Compliance
- Leverage CPA knowledge to provide sophisticated tax planning strategies for high-net-worth clients
- Prepare and review complex income tax projections and multi-year tax planning scenarios
- Coordinate with client CPAs and tax preparers to ensure integrated planning approach
- Implement tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies and charitable giving plans
- Stay current with tax law changes and their impact on client planning strategies
Business Development & Client Service
- Support senior advisors in client acquisition activities and relationship development
- Participate in client events, seminars, and educational workshops
- Assist in preparation of proposals for prospective clients
- Maintain detailed client relationship management system records
- Support firm marketing initiatives and thought leadership content development
Required Qualifications
Professional Credentials
- Active CPA license OR CFP certification required (both credentials preferred)
- Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses required (or ability to obtain within 90 days)
- Life and health insurance licenses preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required
Professional Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in financial planning, investment management, or related field
- Prior experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families preferred
- Background in public accounting, wealth management, or financial advisory services
- Demonstrated knowledge of tax planning, estate planning, and investment management principles
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in financial planning software (MoneyGuidePro, eMoney, NaviPlan, or similar)
- Advanced knowledge of investment analysis and portfolio management concepts
- Expertise in tax planning strategies and complex tax situations
- Understanding of estate and gift tax planning techniques
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and financial modeling
Core Skills & Attributes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to explain complex concepts clearly
- Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving abilities
- Professional demeanor with ability to build trust and rapport with affluent clients
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment
- Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and fiduciary responsibility
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Taxation, Financial Planning, or related field
- Additional certifications such as ChFC, CLU, or AIF
- Experience with alternative investments, private equity, or hedge funds
- Knowledge of business succession planning and executive compensation strategies
- Familiarity with trust and estate administration
- Prior experience in fee-only advisory practice
Specialized Knowledge Areas
Tax Planning Expertise:
- Multi-generational wealth transfer strategies
- Charitable planning including donor-advised funds and charitable remainder trusts
- Executive compensation and equity planning
- State tax planning for multi-state residents
- International tax considerations for foreign assets and income
Investment Management:
- Modern portfolio theory and asset allocation strategies
- Alternative investment due diligence and selection
- ESG and impact investing strategies
- Risk management and downside protection techniques
- Behavioral finance and client psychology
Compensation & Benefits
We offer an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and credentials:
- Base salary commensurate with education and experience
- Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to client satisfaction and business development
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with generous company matching and profit-sharing opportunities
- Continuing education reimbursement and professional development support
