Paraplanner

At Ameriprise Financial, we're not just in the business of helping clients with their financial goals - we also help our advisors and employees reach their true potential by embracing an inclusive and collaborative culture. We celebrate the unique qualities and reward the contributions of our talented, passionate employees. If you're motivated and want to work for a strong, ethical company that cares about you and your community, take the next step with Ameriprise Financial.

This position is with an Ameriprise Financial Franchise owner.

Job Description

The Paraplanner is a core support role responsible for executing and maintaining the financial planning and investment operations of the practice. This position manages trading, transactions, and client paperwork while owning the implementation, maintenance, and analytical support of financial plans and portfolios. The Paraplanner plays a critical role in research, model maintenance, and customized strategy development for clients with complex financial situations. The Paraplanner works closely with the Financial Advisors to ensure recommendations are accurately executed, documented, and monitored, allowing advisors to focus on client relationships and advice delivery.

The Paraplanner transforms financial strategy into execution. By managing trading, planning, research, and advanced portfolio analysis, this role ensures that client recommendations are accurate, thoughtful, and efficiently implemented-directly contributing to superior client outcomes and advisor effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Experience & Front-Office Support
• Trading and portfolio implementation
• Client transactions and paperwork execution
• Financial planning ownership and plan maintenance
• Investment research and model updates
• Customized analysis for complex client scenarios

• Punctual attendance is critical so that the office is open and ready at 8:00am. Closing the office at day end in accordance with privacy and security measures.

• Execute client trades per client or advisor direction and firm policy. Timely execution is required.
• Process transactions; contributions, distributions, transfers, rollovers, reallocations, and exchanges.
• Monitor pending trades and resolve discrepancies or errors. Confirm prior orders completed correctly.
• Keep up to date with state of the market and economy for discussing with clients and developing investment recommendations.

• Responsible for crafting investment recommendations or strategies for client's unique situations (including but not limited to reducing concentration in highly appreciated stock, tax loss harvesting, and planning for liquidity events)
• Preparation of basic financial advice ahead of client meetings
• Participate in client meetings as needed, assist with new client onboarding.
• Ensure client contributions and required minimum distributions are completed prior to their deadlines.

• Conduct research to support updates to investment models and portfolio strategies.
• Analyze performance, risk characteristics, and allocation changes for existing models.
• Assist in evaluating potential investment replacements or additions.
• Participate in model maintenance decisions based on market conditions, tax efficiency, and client applicability.
• Prepare summaries and analysis to support advisor decision-making and client communication.

• Responsible for quarterbacking the financial planning process of the business, including data gathering and delivery in line with client meetings.
• Prepare, process, and track all client paperwork (account openings, maintenance, transfers, planning documents).
• Confirm documentation completeness, accuracy, and proper execution.
• Maintain well-organized and compliant digital client files.
• Adhere to the office standards of conduct and maintain compliance with Ameriprise policies

• High school diploma and bachelor's degree required. Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience in financial services, wealth management, or financial planning support.
• Experience with trading, transactions, and client paperwork.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex workflows independently.
• Securities (Series 7, 63/66) and CA Insurance licenses.

• Prior experience as a Paraplanner or Planning Associate.
• Familiarity with financial planning software, custodial platforms, and CRMs.
• Experience running portfolio analytics and comparison reports.
• CFP® or APMA® coursework progress or interest strongly preferred.

• Analytical and research-driven mindset
• Execution-focused and detail-oriented
• Strong judgment and follow-through
• Process improvement orientation
• Proactive communication
• Ability to manage complexity and deadlines