The Planning Associate supports Clearstead’s integrated planning model by preparing accurate analyses and client-ready deliverables under established standards and appropriate review. As an entry point into the Financial Planning career path, the role develops technical proficiency, organizes planning inputs, documents assumptions, completes assigned follow-up, and escalates matters requiring more experienced judgment. Working as part of the firmwide Financial Planning team, the Planning Associate helps advisors and client service teams deliver a consistent, timely, and high-quality client experience across the firm.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and maintain accurate net worth reports, reconcile account ownership and values, and flag changes in assets, liabilities, liquidity, and account titling that may present planning opportunities for advisor review.
• Prepare cash flow analyses and reports in financial planning software by gathering and validating client data, coordinating information requests through the advisor, modeling planning scenarios, and summarizing findings for review.
• Review client wills, trusts, powers of attorney, marital and partnership agreements, and other legal documents to prepare clear summaries and flowcharts, while developing skill in identifying planning opportunities, potential gaps, and recommendations.
• Assist with research and modeling of financial, charitable, estate, and tax planning strategies related to proposed or completed transactions, under the direction of senior planners.
• Prepare financial planning analyses and deliverables addressing topics such as Social Security, Medicare, education funding, insurance, pensions, and executive compensation.
• Prepare performance reports and client communications highlighting key performance metrics and financial planning considerations.
• Develop accurate, client-ready planning deliverables and meeting materials.
• Prepare information and materials for client meetings and, when requested, support the advisor or senior planner in communicating planning information; this role does not own the client relationship.
• Organize client information, identify missing inputs, and document assumptions for review.
• Track assigned follow-up items and maintain accurate planning records.
• Escalate questions or issues that require more experienced technical judgment.
• Partner with advisors through the Financial Planning team, providing centralized, scalable planning support across relationships where financial planning services are actively being delivered rather than operating as a dedicated resource for an individual advisor or client relationship.

ROLE SCOPE AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Direct Reports: None
• Decision-making responsibility: Completes assigned analyses and deliverables within established standards; escalates complex or higher-risk matters for review.
• Key internal partner(s): Financial Planning colleagues, advisors, client service teams, and the Planning Center of Excellence
• Key external relationship(s): Limited client interaction in support of advisors and senior planners; no primary relationship ownership
• Primary systems/tools: Firm-approved financial planning, client relationship management, document management, and Microsoft 365 tools
• Travel Requirements: Limited; based on business needs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Prior financial planning experience is not required; relevant coursework, internships, client service experience, or exposure to financial services may support success at this level.
• CFP® certification, active progress toward certification, or a demonstrated commitment to pursuing the credential within an agreed-upon timeframe.
• Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, organization, and written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential client and firm information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Coursework, internship, or work exposure related to financial planning, finance, accounting, tax, estate planning, or wealth management.

WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment: Office, home office, client site, or mixed environment based on the approved work arrangement.
• Physical requirements: Regular sitting, standing, walking, keyboarding, and use of standard office equipment; occasional lifting or carrying of light materials.
• Cognitive / communication requirements: Sustained attention, accurate analysis, prioritization of multiple assignments, and clear written and verbal communication.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS 

• Produces accurate and complete analyses within established standards, incorporates review feedback, and demonstrates measurable improvement in technical proficiency and judgment over time.
• Prepares planning deliverables on time.
• Reliably completes assigned follow-up work.
• Demonstrates increasing technical proficiency, sound judgment, effective collaboration, and confidence communicating planning information in support of the client experience. 

ABOUT CLEARSTEAD

Clearstead is a financial advisory firm serving wealthy families and leading institutions. Our mission is to enable wealthy families and leading institutions to meet their financial objectives and achieve their aspirations, building stronger futures for their families, their communities, and themselves.

We fulfill our mission by creating a unified investment framework for our clients and integrating financial planning, tax planning and compliance, trust administration services with investment management to address complex financial situations. 

GENERAL STATEMENT 

This job description summarizes the primary duties and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every responsibility or task. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on business needs, consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment or changes the at-will employment relationship where applicable.