Position Description
Title: Associate
Department: Investment Advisory
Reports to: Director / Manager or Practice Leader
Status: Full time
Location: Minneapolis
What we are looking for –
This mid-level experience position is in our Investment Management Services group. The Associate assists the investment advisors with the services provided to clients, such as the preparation of investment reports, wealth planning documents, and general investment management services. It is expected that the Associate has a firm understanding of modern portfolio theory, asset allocation, tax-aware investing and rebalancing portfolios.
Further it is expected that an individual at this level should have a solid foundation to provide written communications that would be provided directly to clients, be able to answer client calls and assist with requests in a knowledgeable and courteous manner. The Senior Associate will need to communicate with all areas relating to Aspiriant’s IMS, including external custodians, CPAs, attorneys, and bankers.
Aspiriant expects that the individual that joins the team at the Associate level will take on primary client responsibilities for basic accounts as he or she progresses. Over the long-term the plan would be to have the Associate grow into the Senior Associate role, take on more client responsibilities and develop a sales growth plan to bring new clients to the firm.
Although a professional designation (such as CFP or CIMA) is not required, the desire to obtain one of these credentials as the individual progresses is preferred.
You will –
· Be able to take ownership of some simpler client engagements on a day-to-day basis. This would include make trade recommendations, direct contact with clients (phone, email, etc.) and communicating with other professional advisors as necessary.
· Participate and contribute to internal strategy discussions for clients.
· Be pro-active in listening to clients’ needs and be creative in researching solutions for their wishes. Demonstrating sound judgment on recommendations is key.
· Continue to prepare and review investment reports, basic trust documents, and other wealth planning tools. You will be expected to identify errors and correct or make recommendations to fix any issues.
· Prepare and review necessary documents for new clients and/or updating existing clients’ documents. Examples would include investment policy statements, engagement agreements and/or limited powers of attorney.
· Prepare portfolio assessments including a written investment analysis, a portfolio detail report and an asset allocation analysis.
· Research financial planning topics and coordinate projects from time to time as assigned.
· Prepare long-term capital sufficiency analyses based on personal financial goals, current financial data, tax rates, and inflation and investment assumptions.
· Actively participate in weekly firm-wide and client-specific strategy meetings and continuing education discussions. Involvement in specific firm committees would be expected as the Associate progresses.
· Prepare meeting agendas and other necessary presentations for use in client and prospect meetings.
· If applicable, act as a mentor to associates and/or administrative professionals in the office.
You are/have –
· Bachelor’s degree required. Prefer accounting, finance, law, economics and/or significant experience in a related field.
· At least 3 years of experience in the wealth planning or investment industry.
· Solid understanding of comprehensive personal financial planning such as retirement planning, employee benefits, insurance, investment vehicles, asset allocation, estate planning techniques, income taxation, and executive compensation.
· Must be extremely detail oriented.
· Strong ability to review other professionals’ work.
· Impeccable ability to maintain confidentiality.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Flexibility to, at times, perform at or below the Senior Associate level without hesitation. Aspiriant’s smaller size requires that all professionals, to some extent, be a “jack of all trades.”
· Ability to be team player working and eager to develop leadership skills.
· Ability to effectively report to several professionals on a large variety of tasks and manage priorities amid an occasionally heavy volume of work.
· Must be ready for change as the firm evolves.
We offer –
· Commuter benefit up to $255 monthly
· Generous 401(k) match
· Individual and cash profit sharing bonuses
· Generous company contribution to medical benefits
· Catered lunch at all weekly staff meetings
· Fully paid annual retreats
· Healthy snacks (granola bars, fruit, yogurts) around the office
We are –
THE leading independent wealth management firm.
We recognize, respect and value the contributions of each employee, and we strive to cultivate a work environment that strikes an agreeable balance between our professional and personal lives.
Our core values guide us to seek out a broad range of perspectives, talent, and backgrounds to achieve our mission; one where all staff contribute to and share our success. Aspiriant is committed to diversity, and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.
To Apply
Applicants should go to www.aspiriant.com, select the ‘careers’ tab and search for open positions in Minneapolis. From there attach a cover letter and resume for consideration.
Aspiriant is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is in compliance with San Francisco’s “Fair Chance Ordinance” (FCO).
Aspiriant is a Registered Investment Adviser, subject to SEC regulation, and requires all employees (and at times, family members) to disclose securities holding and transactions. There are also restrictions on trading certain securities. Candidates are encouraged to request further information regarding these policies