Financial Planning Associate (Bellevue)

About ApellaApella Wealth is an employee-owned, wealth advisory firm (RIA) headquartered in West Hartford, CT with offices across the nation serving thousands of investors, families, businesses and institutions.Founded in 2014, we are growing rapidly with more than $10B in assets under management. We are scaling both organically and through strategic acquisitions as we enter new regional markets and develop world-class, client-relevant capabilities.Most importantly, we are growing by identifying the right partners that embrace our culture, share in our values, and are dedicated to putting client service first in all they do.We compete for talent.We owe it to our clients and our co-workers to find the right people for them and us. At Apella, we do meaningful financial planning with people we genuinely enjoy working with.The RoleAs an Apella Financial Planning Associate, you'll serve as a paraplanner to clients under the direct supervision of a seasoned team of wealth advisors. You will be charged with assisting these experienced advisors as they lead client relationships and deliver holistic financial advisement across retirement planning, investments, tax planning, estate management, and insurance. Apella's centralized planning department supports our financial advisors and planners nationwide with new financial plan construction, existing financial plan updates, and supporting analyses necessary for financial plan presentation and recommendations. The Financial Planning Associate must have the ability to use critical-thinking skills, work within a team, and anticipate firm needs and client questions with an unrelenting focus on follow-through and exceptional client service.This is a rare opportunity to step into a well-supported, high-trust financial planning role within a national, fee-only RIA. You'll receive unparalleled training and education into the best practices of financial planning and how to leverage all the technological and financial resources that comes with being an Apella employee.Though the position is client facing, this is not a sales-related role and there is zero expectation of business development. As such, we seek individuals aligned with our culture and who look forward to working closely with a collaborative team led by seasoned CFP practitioners and leaders in the profession.Where you'll work:This role will be located on our Bellevue, WA-based team and be expected to be available for in-office meetings with some remote work flexibility as determined by your specific team leadership.What you'll be responsible for:All aspects of pre-client meeting activities to include preparation of meeting agendas, investment policy statements and asset allocationsPost-client meeting tasks such as developing meeting notes, performing financial situation analyses and coordinating planning implementation with outside professionals if necessaryPreparing financial analyses for clients, including retirement, estate-planning, education-funding, stock options, and risk management needsCollect necessary data, using our comprehensive data gathering technology, for financial plan construction for clients and prospectsInput, reconcile, and analyze client data relevant to the planning exerciseCompare and contrast varying portfolio models and articulate differences to clients with skillPresent financial plans to advisors and clients using our cashflow based planning softwareAssist clients in maintaining their online client portalsParticipate in financial planning projects as needed by the centralized financial planning teamWhat qualifications we're looking for:A four-year degree in business, finance, economics or similarly relevant fieldCurrent Series 65 license or willingness to obtain license within 6 months of hire (required)Experience in financial services industry highly desiredExceptional critical thinking abilities and attention to detailExcellent written and oral communication skills; strong listening skills; professional demeanorStrong organizational, prioritization and project management skillsAbility to multi-task and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work independently and as part of a teamProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook); ERP and CRM softwareEager to learn and able to adapt quickly to multiple technology platforms and rapid changeWhat we offer:A base salary range of $65K – $85K with discretionary bonus and career path to become an Apella Advisor.A comprehensive benefits package including:Day 1 Medical, Dental, and Vison health insurance coverage for you and your specific needsHealth Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options w/company contribution401(k) retirement plan with company match to help you achieve your financial goalsGenerous paid time off (PTO) policy to ensure you have time to rest and recharge when neededEmployer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage optionsMaternity/paternity leave programs and adoption assistance support to help you start a familyContinuing education and certification fee reimbursement for professional developmentDiscount perks on travel, childcare, fitness, electronics, meal delivery, pet insurance, and moreMost importantly: The chance to help shape the future of a growing regional team and firmGallagher's HR & Organizational effectiveness team provides expert guidance and hands-on support in HR, Recruiting, and Payroll to help organizations stay focused on achieving their strategic business goals.