Associate Financial Planner

Who We Are

Mason & Associates isnt your typical financial planning firmand we like it that way. Were a second-generation fee-only RIA with a vision for growth grounded in client-first service and deep expertise.

Were proud of our roots and excited about whats ahead. Weve built a national reputation for serving federal employees through specialized knowledge and strong lasting relationships. Their unique needs allow us to deliver deeply personalized planning while giving our team the opportunity to master a focused niche. Thats why were building clear paths for financial planners to step into meaningful client-facing rolessupported by mentorship collaboration and a culture that shares knowledge freelyso growth happens at a pace that matches each persons skills ambition and readiness.

We proudly host the Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast and have been featured on leading stages such as the Kitces Financial Advisor Success Podcast and XYPN LIVE. Our team includes recognized leadersTop 40 Under 40 advisors FPA Chapter Past Presidents and AICPA honoreeswho bring both expertise and vision. Recognized on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list were a nationally respected forward-looking firm with deep roots bold vision and an open door for those ready to help shape whats next.

About the Role

Are you ready to start your career as an Associate Planner

At Mason & Associates youll build a strong foundation in financial planning deepen your expertise in federal employee benefits and grow your career over time. This is an associate planner role where youll support our team and learn the intricacies of comprehensive planning. Over time you may grow into leading portions of client meetings but this role focuses first on developing your skills. Experience in this niche is a plus but what matters most is your ability to learn with care follow through consistently and deliver thoughtful high-quality work. The role is full-time with flexibility for remote or hybrid work.

Youll work closely with partners and senior financial planners who specialize in serving federal employees contributing directly to client relationships while deepening your knowledge of federal benefits and retirement this role youll prepare meeting materials conduct financial planning and analysis and help translate recommendations into clear actionable steps for clients.

Were looking for a proactive process-oriented professional whos organized able to support multiple financial planners and eager to learn. This is an entry-level associate planner position so you dont need client-facing experience yet. High client service standards and follow-through are essential. If you have a strong foundation in financial planning fundamentals and are excited to grow your career with a supportive team wed love to meet you.

You wont be expected to bring clients do business development or manage others. Instead youll support and grow relationships with both new and existing firm clients with career paths available for those who want to grow in leadership business development or other areas over time.

Client Management

• Serve in a support role for senior plannerscontributing to all aspects of the planning process.
• Over time you may grow into supporting portions of client meetings and taking on more responsibility with the full support of senior planners guiding your development.
• Serve as a point of contact for client needs between meetings helping address questions coordinate timely responses and provide planning guidance as life situations and opportunities arise.
• Support data gathering and initial analysis for the development of financial plans and the delivery of client services.
• Support prospect meetings by helping explain the firms process and assessing mutual fit with opportunities to lead portions of the conversation as your role grows.
• Collaborate with senior planners in a team-based environment where client relationships and expertise are shared across the firm.

Financial Planning

• Support senior planners in preparing for and following up on client meetings including drafting summaries updating plans and tracking action items.
• Review client goals and financial objectives to support the development of comprehensive personalized financial plansincluding tax and investment recommendations aligned with each clients goals and values.
• Support ongoing tax strategy including income tax projections Roth conversions withholding adjustments and charitable planning. Familiarity with Holistiplan CCH and multi-state tax rules is a plus.
• Build subject matter expertise in FERS and CSRS retirement systems and apply that knowledge to help federal employees optimize their retirement benefits and long-term planning strategies.
• Monitor client plans proactively identify areas for updates and coordinate the delivery of needed services in collaboration with planners and client service team members.
• Collaborate with a senior planner to prepare investment recommendations that align with the clients financial plan and firm-wide strategy including considerations of tax efficiency and asset allocation.
• Monitor client portfolios to ensure they remain in the correct model confirm accurate billing and address excess cash positions in alignment with firm investment strategies.
• Maintain accurate records and planning documentation within the firms CRM and financial planning tools to ensure continuity compliance and a high-quality client experience.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with clients and their professional advisors (e.g. accountants attorneys) to support integrated planning.
• Adhere to all compliance and risk procedures follow firm policies and regulations and stay current through ongoing education and internal training.

Skills & Experience

Were looking for candidates who bring the following skills and experience to thrive in this role.

• 0-2 years of experience in financial planning wealth management or a related field. New graduates with relevant coursework or internships are encouraged to apply.
• FPQP designation CFP coursework or paraplanning background strongly preferred including candidates actively pursuing CFP 65 (or within 6 months) unless the CFP designation or an equivalent credential is already held
• Desire to develop investment management skills including rebalancing allocation adjustments account maintenance and providing client recommendations.
• Strong interest or experience in comprehensive tax and retirement planning. EA CPA or prior tax preparation experience is a plus but not required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust with clients and colleagues.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage financial data perform accurate analysis and keep planning tasks and timelines on track.
• High integrityyou own your mistakes act with transparency follow through and show up for your teamalways putting clients interests first.
• Experience with our core platforms (Axos GeoWealth Wealthbox RightCapital Holistiplan) or similar tools is a plus with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Eager and committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Willingness to work Eastern Time (or near-ET) hours and travel a few times a year for in-person team meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time W-2 associate planner position with a salary range of $55000 $65000 depending on experience and credentials. Bonus eligibility is based on the role scope and performance. Applicants with a CFP certification may be considered for growth in client-facing responsibilities over time with adjusted compensation.

Benefits include Flexible Fridays 100% firm-paid health insurance for employees (50% for dependents) a 401(k) with 3% automatic safe harbor contribution plus a 50% match on employee contributions up to 5% of compensation PTO paid holidays support for licensing and professional development and a remote or hybrid work structure

Required Experience:

IC