JOB DESCRIPTION
A fee-only financial planning and accounting firm in Plano, Texas, is hiring at two levels of the same role: Paraplanner and Associate Planner. Both levels share the same background: a CPA-track accountant with tax preparation experience. Each hire is placed in the level that matches their experience and credentials. Both roles support Senior Planners in serving dental clients and are designed as a path to becoming a Senior Planner.
This individual will be:
- A technical expert, preparing and reviewing business and personal tax returns (mid-January to April 15) and analyzing client data across cash flow, tax, retirement, investments, insurance, and estate planning.
- A trusted client partner, preparing client consultations, joining client meetings with the Senior Planner, and building long-term, high-touch relationships.
This is not a sales position. We are seeking a coachable, eager-to-learn professional who enjoys tax but does not want to do it 10 months a year, who is comfortable both behind the numbers and in the room with clients, and who wants to grow into a Senior Planner role.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Paraplanner (supports a cohort of 3 to 4 Senior Planners)
- Prepare for annual client consultations and monitoring calls with the Senior Planners.
- Organize and analyze client data on cash flow, investment allocation, tax, retirement, pension, insurance, education, and estate planning.
- Prepare and review personal and small business tax returns.
- Review and reconcile some clients’ monthly accounting records.
- Research and answer client questions when the Senior Planners are in meetings or unavailable.
- Complete training modules and mentorship with Senior Planners to prepare for client meetings in the future.
Associate Planner (works with 1 Senior Planner on about 60 client relationships)
- Prepare and review client consultations with the Senior Planner.
- Join client meetings and, once licensed, communicate directly with clients when the Senior Planner is not available.
- Advise clients on cash flow, investment allocation, tax planning, retirement, pension, insurance, education, and estate planning.
- Prepare and review personal and small business tax returns.
- Complete training and mentorship to take on their own clients as a Senior Planner.
REQUIREMENTS
- Paraplanner: CPA, or at least 3 CPA exam sections passed (CFP in progress also considered), with the credential completed within the timeframe agreed at hire. 2+ years of personal and/or business tax preparation experience.
- Associate Planner: CPA (or CFP) fully completed. 3+ years of personal and/or business tax preparation experience.
- Strong accounting foundation and basic to intermediate Excel or Google Sheets skills.
- Comfortable working directly with clients, with a professional and respectful communication style.
- Coachable, eager to learn, and willing to help with any task to serve the client and the team.
- Interest in a long-term career path toward Senior Planner.
- U.S. work authorization without sponsorship, now or in the future.
- Ability to work in an office in Plano, Texas.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience at a Big Four or large regional public accounting firm.
- CFP designation or experience in personal financial planning or wealth management.
- Bookkeeping experience.
- Experience with dental or healthcare clients.
- Working knowledge or familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting preferred.
- Open to candidates with a degree in Personal Financial Planning or Finance.
- Master’s Degree is a plus, not required.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- Paraplanner Base Salary: $90,000 annually.
- Associate Planner Base Salary: $106,500 to $115,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
- Bonus Potential: Annual year-end bonus of 3% to 5%, based on firm profitability and individual performance (prorated in the first year).
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Schedule: Full-time, in-office first at the Plano, Texas office (typical hours 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, some teams 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM).
- Flexibility: About 4 flexible work-from-home days per month, chosen by the employee.
- Tax Season: Mid-January to April 15, with 40 to 50 hours per week at most. Outside tax season, rarely more than 40 hours.
- Travel: None expected. Clients come to the Plano office.
- Relocation: Local DFW candidates preferred. Relocation assistance is not standard.
BENEFITS
- Health Coverage: Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match after 1 year of service.
- Holidays: Office closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s.
- Training: Structured in-house training program and mentorship from Senior Planners.
- Culture & Perks: Team trip when the firm hits its annual goals, annual company golf tournament, sporting events, quarterly team events, golf simulator, and weekly treats during tax season.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Stage 1: 30-Minute Zoom Interview: An introductory conversation to get on the same page and answer questions about the firm.
- Stage 2: Team Lunch (Culture Fit): Lunch with a Senior Planner, an Associate Planner, and a Paraplanner to evaluate culture fit and give the candidate a view of the day-to-day.
- Stage 3: In-Person Formal Interview: Meeting with firm leadership and a partner. The candidate may be asked to present.
- Stage 4: Background check, including education verification and CPA or CFP license verification.