Financial Planning Associate

Position Overview: Graystone Group has strategically partnered with an established Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm seeking a Financial Planning Associate to join its growing wealth management team in Charlotte, NC.This opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented, analytical professional looking to build a long-term career in financial planning, investment management, and wealth advisory services. The Financial Planning Associate will work closely with financial advisors and investment professionals to support client portfolios, execute trades, assist with financial planning activities, and ensure an exceptional client experience. The firm is open to candidates with existing trading experience or individuals with a strong financial services foundation who are eager to learn trading and portfolio management.

Investment Management & Trading: Execute and monitor trades across client investment accounts in accordance with established investment strategies and compliance procedures. Assist with portfolio rebalancing, investment allocations, and ongoing portfolio maintenance. Monitor client accounts, cash positions, and investment activity to ensure accuracy and alignment with client objectives. Coordinate with custodians and internal investment professionals to facilitate trading and account transactions. Develop proficiency in the firm's trading platforms, portfolio management systems, and investment processes.

Financial Planning & Advisory Support: Partner with financial advisors to develop, maintain, and update comprehensive financial plans. Assist with retirement planning, investment analysis, cash flow modeling, and wealth management strategies. Prepare client meeting materials, financial reports, and portfolio performance summaries. Analyze client financial information and identify opportunities to enhance financial planning recommendations. Support advisors with ongoing client servicing and financial planning initiatives.

Client & Operational Support: Assist with account openings, transfers, contributions, distributions, and other investment-related transactions. Maintain accurate client records and ensure proper documentation of account activity. Collaborate with advisors, custodians, and internal stakeholders to resolve account-related issues. Ensure all trading, account management, and client service activities adhere to applicable regulatory and compliance standards. Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and operational efficiency.

Qualifications: RequiredBachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience in financial services, wealth management, investment operations, financial planning, or a related discipline. Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail. Familiarity with investment products, including equities, ETFs, mutual funds, and fixed-income securities. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort learning financial technology platforms. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated interest in financial planning, investing, and long-term wealth management.

Preferred: Experience working within a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, wealth management practice, or investment advisory environment. Hands-on experience executing trades, rebalancing portfolios, or supporting investment operations. Familiarity with custodial and portfolio management platforms such as Schwab Advisor Services, Fidelity, Orion, Tamarac, or similar systems. Experience utilizing financial planning software such as eMoney or MoneyGuidePro. Series 65, Series 66, CFP certification, or progress toward relevant industry credentials. Understanding of portfolio construction, asset allocation, and investment performance reporting. Prior trading experience is not required. The firm is willing to train candidates who demonstrate strong financial aptitude, attention to detail, and an interest in investment management. Why This Opportunity? Career Development: Gain hands-on exposure to financial planning, investment management, and portfolio trading. Professional Mentorship: Work alongside experienced financial advisors and wealth management professionals. Growth Potential: Build a foundation for continued advancement within the wealth management and investment advisory industry. Broad Exposure: Develop experience across financial planning, portfolio management, trading, and client relationship support. Collaborative Environment: Join a team that values analytical thinking, professional development, and exceptional client service.