Wealth Planning Specialist

We are currently seeking a Wealth Planning Specialist to join our team serving our Langley and Surrey communities. 

The Wealth Planning Specialist (WPS) provides professional and comprehensive financial planning advice to high value members within assigned credit union branches. This role completes a review of the member's investment portfolio and provides recommendations that meet the members life cycle needs.  Based on member fit, the Wealth Planning Specialist is the primary decision maker as to who manages the member's ongoing financial needs and using the Wealth Continuum guidelines, will refer the member to the appropriate SFA, WA or SWA.  As part of the discovery process, the WPS proactively seeks business development opportunities with current and potential members for wealth management as well as subsidiary products and services.  The WPS provides support/ informal mentoring to branch employees and Wealth Advisors within assigned branches on investment products and services, as required. This role does not manage a member portfolio of business.

Here's what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Business Development: An expert in the wealth discovery process, this role identifies wealth and financial planning needs, and is engaged with both existing and new or potential members to deepen relationships and bring credibility to FWs wealth offering across a territory of assigned branches.  This role looks to consolidate both external and internal assets over to FW through the design of a comprehensive portfolio and financial planning offering and seamless handoff/referral to the appropriate advisor based on the needs of the member as aligned with the established wealth continuum. This role networks with external business organizations in the community to generate referrals, pursues relationships with potential new members and actively promotes the full range of FW products and services through participation in community initiatives and events.
2. Sales and Service Strategy: Where applicable, provides complex financial planning advice on a wide range of investment products and services to high value (in excess of $100,000 in investible assets) current and potential members, utilizing financial planning tools provided; identifies needs based on member life cycle and provides appropriate investment vehicles or refers to product specialist within other FW lines of business; seeks opportunities to assist members in consolidating their financial assets with First West.
3. Risk Management: Provides advise and acts in accordance with ethical standards, Aviso policies and applicable regulatory requirements ensuring that risk to the member and First West are minimized; maintains compliance with First West audit and risk management policies and procedures.
4. Leadership:  Builds relationship with branch employees and provides subject matter expertise and/or mentoring, as required.
5. Member Transactions: Where applicable, ensures member accounts are opened and transactions/purchases completed accurately and within required timeframes; maintains up to date member files with all required documentation; identifies and provides seamless hand off to appropriate advisor who will manage the relationship going forward.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Mutual Funds License and CFP designation required
• 6 years experience in an investment/financial planning advisory sales position required
• Familiarity with financial planning tools/software preferred
• Proven superior knowledge of a wide range of investment products and services preferred
• Proven networking and relationship building skills
• Superior sales abilities e.g. active listening, identifying business opportunities, influencing and negotiating to close sale
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with a wide variety of people
• Ability to analyze financial statements
• Proficient in computer software programs, e.g. Microsoft Office, web-based applications.
• Proficient with planning software, e.g. Conquest

This role is primarily commission-based, offering high earning potential for individuals who thrive in performance-driven environments. While a guaranteed base salary provides financial stability, the majority of total compensation is directly tied to your success in the role. At First West, we are committed to offering a fair, competitive, and equitable rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization.