Location: Saint Charles, IL 60174

This is an in-office Financial Planning Associate position with Lake Growth Financial Services in our St. Charles area office. The role offers the opportunity to learn from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and to deliver enduring financial solutions for our clients. You will work with Mark Willis, CFP®, Lake Growth’s CEO, and the broader Lake Growth team to develop solid financial strategies for more than 1,400 clients nationwide. This position is ideal for individuals seeking mentorship to attain the CFP® designation or other financial credentials.

Our Hiring Process

Visit lakegrowth.com/careers to complete the formal application steps and learn about our hiring process. View additional available positions.

The Role of the Financial Planning Associate

We are seeking an in-office Financial Planning Associate to join our St. Charles, IL office. This opportunity provides exposure to a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the chance to develop tailored financial solutions for our clients. You will collaborate with Mark Willis, CFP®, Lake Growth’s CEO, and the Lake Growth team to deliver robust financial strategies to our 1400+ clients nationwide. This role is well suited for those seeking mentorship to secure the CFP® designation or similar financial designations.

Responsibilities

Build and nurture strong client relationships through active listening
Conduct client interviews and perform regular six-month reviews
Dress professionally in business casual attire
Demonstrate solid coaching skills to support clients’ needs, especially in case design, sales process improvements, marketing, and client retention
Stay current with industry trends and developments impacting the business
Plan the work day and work week to prioritize core activities, so benchmarks are consistently met
Execute with accuracy, clarity, organization, and attention to detail in work product
Prepare and present financial solutions for clients, in person and virtually
Call providers to clarify, move business, and troubleshoot as needed
Provide service for new and existing clients, as needed
Collaborate with team members in regular meetings

Skills and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (preferred, but not required)
Computer literacy and proficiency in Zoom, DocuSign, Spreadsheets, Word processing, PDF editing software, VOIP software, digital file services, and database entry skills
Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal
High level of confidentiality and integrity
Must protect client privacy, following confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines
Excellent customer service skills
Highly organized, able to maintain a system to manage workflow and deliverables
Active Life & Health Insurance License (or ability to obtain this license), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation (or ability to obtain this designation)
Ability to get contracted with various carriers (this requires an upright financial status and a clean credit report)
Must be within a 30-minute commute to our Fox Valley office in St. Charles, Illinois
Valid Illinois Driver’s License and a working car
At Lake Growth, we believe in aligning opportunities with each person’s strengths; a customized position may be offered when a talent meets a unique business need

Ideal Candidate Qualities

Takes Accountability: See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It
Solution Orientation: Be part of the solution, respect others and their feelings
Proactive Posture: Act now, ask what else you can do
Growth Mindset: Seek coaching and identify areas for improvement
Personal Ownership: Take pride in your work, avoid average solutions, and show care for others

What You Can Expect

A one-year training program to learn the ropes and determine the next step in your career path, with ongoing training as needed
Office space for meetings, a workspace, a computer, additional tech, office supplies, and office support
Regular touchpoints for training, updates, questions, and clarifications
Direct access to a network of previously trained, successful Financial Planning Associates across the country
Mastermind access to several hundred financial planners, CPAs, and insurance agents nationwide, including webinars and professional workshops
90-day quarterly evaluation meetings with officers
Excellent, growing business with opportunities for advancement

What We Expect

Consistent punctuality and a strong drive for success and growth as a financial professional
Humility, teachability, conscientiousness, integrity, willingness to take on challenging tasks, and a commitment to delivering your best
Professionalism, outstanding customer service, strong communication, perseverance, and diligence
Respect for clients and colleagues, with a tone of care and appreciation
Self-direction and the ability to manage day-to-day tasks with minimal supervision
High emphasis on compliance and collaboration with agents to maintain business integrity
A quiet and professional work environment
Availability by mobile phone and for video conferences
Willingness to attend both in-person and virtual meetings

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt role with competitive pay and bonuses. Benefits include paid federal holidays, paid time off, life insurance, parental leave, professional development assistance, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Salary in the first year starts at $5,000 per month, with the same base salary plus commissions after licensing, training, and writing new business. The compensation plan is production-based with commission opportunities, supported by tiered schedules and a clear path for ongoing income growth.

Growth potential is strong: compensation is in the mid-five figures in Year 1, with the potential to reach six figures in Year 2 after licensing, training, and writing new business. Year 3 and beyond present additional income-earning opportunities.

Lake Growth, Inc. is positioned to change and improve the face of financial services in Chicagoland and the country. www.lakegrowth.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits

Flexible schedule
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement

Work Location

In person

Financial Planning Associate

Job Description