Financial Planning Associate

Hiring Process

Visit our careers page at https://lakegrowth.com/careers/.

Complete the formal application steps at the URL above to review our hiring process. You can also view additional available positions.

The Role

We are looking for an in-office Financial Planning Associate to join our team in the St. Charles, IL office. This unique role provides the chance to learn from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and deliver durable financial solutions for our clients. You will collaborate with Mark Willis, CFP®, Lake Growth’s CEO, and the Lake Growth team to offer solid financial strategies to our 1400+ clients nationwide. This role is ideal for individuals seeking mentoring to obtain the CFP® designation or similar financial credentials.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through attentive listening
• Conduct client interviews and quarterly six-month reviews
• Present a professional image by dressing in business casual attire
• Demonstrate coaching skills to support client needs, especially in case design, sales process improvements, marketing, and client retention
• Stay informed about industry trends and developments affecting our business
• Plan the work day and work week to prioritize core activities and consistently meet benchmarks
• Execute tasks with accuracy, clarity, organization, and attention to detail
• Prepare and present financial solutions for clients, in person and virtually
• Contact providers to clarify, move business, and troubleshoot as needed
• Provide service for new and existing clients as required
• Collaborate with team members through regular meetings

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher preferred, but not required)
• Computer literacy and proficiency in Zoom, DocuSign, Spreadsheets, word processing, PDF editing software, VOIP software, digital file services, and database entry skills
• Strong English communication skills, both written (email) and verbal (phone and in person)
• High level of confidentiality and integrity
• Protect client privacy in accordance with confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines
• Excellent customer service skills
• Highly organized, with the ability to maintain a system to manage workflow and deliverables
• Active Life & Health Insurance License (or ability to obtain) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation (or ability to obtain)
• Ability to contract with various carriers (requires an upright financial status and a clean credit report)
• Must be within a 30-minute commute to our Fox Valley office in St. Charles, Illinois
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and a working car
• Lake Growth values aligning strengths with business needs, which may lead to a customized position leveraging your talents

Ideal Candidate Qualities

• Takes Accountability: See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It
• Solution Orientation: Be part of the solution while respecting others
• Proactive Posture: Act now and seek additional ways to contribute
• Growth Mindset: Seek coaching and strive to improve
• Personal Ownership: Take pride in work, pursue effective solutions, and show care for others

What you can expect

• A one-year training program to learn the ropes and determine the next career step, with ongoing training as needed
• Office space for meetings, a dedicated workspace, a computer, additional tech, office supplies, and office support
• Frequent touchpoints for training, updates, questions, and clarifications
• Direct access to a network of previously trained, successful Financial Planning Associates who are thriving in their businesses
• Mastermind access to several hundred financial planners, CPAs, and insurance agents nationwide, including webinars and professional workshops
• Quarterly 90-day evaluation meetings with officers
• A growing business with strong opportunities for advancement

What we expect

• Punctual and consistently eager for success and growth as a financial professional
• Humility, teachability, conscientiousness, integrity, willingness to tackle hard tasks, and a commitment to excellence
• Professional demeanor, outstanding customer service, strong communication, perseverance, and diligence
• Respectful and caring treatment of clients and co-workers
• Self-directed with the ability to manage daily tasks with minimal supervision
• Strong emphasis on compliance and collaboration with agents to maintain integrity in all areas of the business
• A quiet and professional work environment
• Accessible by mobile phone and video conference
• Attendance at both in-person and virtual meetings

Compensation

• Full-time exempt position with competitive pay, bonuses, paid federal holidays, paid time off, and other benefits
• First-year base salary starts at $5,000 per month, with commissions after licensing, training, and writing new business; compensation is production-based with commission opportunities and a tiered path for growth
• Year 1 mid-five figures, with potential to reach six figures in Year 2 after licensing, training, and generating new business; additional income opportunities in Year 3 and beyond

Lake Growth, Inc. is positioned to transform the financial services landscape in Chicagoland and nationwide. Visit: www.lakegrowth.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Location: Saint Charles, IL 60174

Note: In-person work location at the Fox Valley office in St. Charles, Illinois.