Financial Planning Specialist

Job Description As a Financial Planning Specialist at ARA Wealth Strategies, you are a vital technical engine within our planning firm, collaborating with our Planning & Investment and Investment & Insurance Operationsassociatesto deliver sophisticated financial planning services to our clients. In this collaborative role, you are responsible for the hands-on construction and updating of comprehensive financial plans, and preparing the detailed analytics required for high-impact client presentations. By maintaining a deep understanding of the firm's strategic wealth management solutions and tools, you ensure that every plan is built with an attention to detail and aligned with the latest market trends and regulatory environments. This role focuses on the plan preparation and design phases of the process and does not carry immediate direct client relationship management responsibilities but can grow into one. From the outset, you will act as an expert partner to the team, working directly with the advisor to translate complex client inputs and advisor recommendations into actionable, disciplined strategies. You will actively support our team by staying up to speed on emerging technologies and innovation opportunities, ensuring that the firm continues to provide comprehensive and integrated advice that maximizes value for the families and businesses we serve.

Responsibilities:

General Support Supports team members by helping prepare materials for client meetings and follow-ups Develops knowledge in comprehensive wealth management Financial Planning Analytical Support Own the design, construction, and implementation of plan engagements for clients and prospects ensuring efficient, accurate, and timely execution by mastering our internal systems: Planning Experience (PX), NetX360, ENV2, Illustrations, and CRM Develop customized planning strategies and construct plans tailored to each prospect/client's specific needs and goals and is consistent with the firm's planning strategy Liaise with the Sophisticated Planning Strategies team regarding complex planning strategies Ensure client files are prepared prior to a client meeting and the Advisor is prepared to cover items on the agenda Client Service Work closely with ARA Wealth Strategies team and Home Office advisors, investment professionals, and support staff to deliver seamless client service Ensure all action items following the client meeting are addressed or assigned to be addressed. Follow up with team to completion of items. Maintain accurate and compliant client records Prepares and delivers investment and insurance paperwork under the direction of firm team members Insurance and Investment Operations Facilitate and assist in the creation of investment accounts and insurance policies, including data gathering and signature requests Track and invest all money moved into the firm and ensure trades are placed and distributions are accurate Respond to investment and insurance service requests from clients Calendaring Effectively managing client meetings schedule and calendar changes as needed Firm Responsibilities Understand, buy into and adhere to the firm's vision, mission, and strategy

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in client servicing role or a related field Bachelor's degree MN Life & Health insurance license required. If not current standing, must be obtained within 90 days of hire FINRA Series 7, Series 63 registrations preferred. If not current standing, must be obtained within 180 days of hire History of clean compliance record

Skills:

Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a passion for continuous learning and improvement Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy in handling detailed work with elevated level of focus Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Strong organizational & time management skills with ability to set priorities & meet deadlines Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with both clients and team members Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Ability to maintain confidentiality