Advisory Team Associate (Full-Time Cohort Program)

About the Role

Focus Partners is seeking high-potential graduating students for the Summer 2027 cohort program as Advisory Team Associates (ATAs). This is a structured, cohort-based development program designed to cultivate the next generation of Associate Wealth Advisors. The program includes financial-planning curriculum, applied learning, advisor-team experience, coaching, licensing support, and readiness assessments.

ATAs will begin the program as a cohort, working within a local wealth management team and collaborating closely with Wealth Advisors, Associate Wealth Advisors, and other colleagues. While program length and curriculum sequencing may adapt to individual academic preparation and demonstrated readiness, all ATAs will work towards defined graduation standards.

Successful completion of the required training, licensing, assessments, and readiness expectations will make ATAs eligible to transition into an Associate Wealth Advisor (AWA) role, subject to role availability and business needs.

ATAs are expected to work on-site three to five days per week, with some travel potentially required. Placement will be in designated offices with ongoing Associate Wealth Advisor needs, with potential for relocation after program completion based on business needs and individual preferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the cohort program, including structured curriculum, coaching, applied learning, competency evaluations, milestone reviews, and readiness assessments in core financial planning areas.
• Apply program learning through supervised client-service and financial-planning assignments.
• Gather and analyze client financial information, and draft financial plans and planning analyses for review.
• Assist with client meeting preparation, including agendas, planning materials, meeting notes, and follow-up activities.
• Identify planning gaps, risks, or opportunities and escalate matters requiring advisor guidance.
• Develop foundational knowledge in investments, retirement, tax, estate planning, insurance, cash flow, and portfolio construction.
• Coordinate with client service, investment, tax, estate, insurance, and other professionals to support client needs and incorporate approved guidance.
• Maintain accurate client records and assigned responsibilities within the CRM, adhering to regulatory, compliance, privacy, billing, and documentation standards.
• Build proficiency in the firm’s technology platforms and complete required licensing, training, assessments, and professional development activities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in financial planning, finance, accounting, business, wealth management, economics, or a related field.
• Expected graduation date between December 2026 and Spring 2027.
• Enrollment in or graduation from a CFP Board Registered Program (Preferred).
• Foundational exposure to financial planning, investments, or wealth management through coursework, internships, campus organizations, or related experience (Preferred).
• Permanent authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to complete required assessments and a digital video interview within 5 days of receiving the link. Note: A new digital video interview is required for each position/location applied for.
• Ability to work from and commute to the selected office.
• Ability to obtain the Series 65, or another required registration, within the program's established timeframe.
• Strong interest in financial planning, client service, and building a long-term career in wealth management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word); comfortable learning new systems.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented approach with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Demonstrated learning agility, intellectual curiosity, client-service orientation, technical aptitude, adaptability, accountability, and follow-through.
• Ability to meet the firm’s registration and regulatory eligibility requirements.

Qualifications

• Non-exempt position.
• Annualized base pay expected to be $60,000. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location, and the applicant’s skill set.
• Compensation package may include an annual cash bonus and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k)).
• Job title is subject to change based on candidate's experience and education.