Advisory Team Associates (ATAs) – Summer 2027 Cohort

Job Description

Advisory Team Associate (Full-Time Cohort Program) | Focus Partners

The Tone:
This is a full-time cohort program position at Focus Partners, requiring on-site work in designated local offices three to five days per week. Focus Partners is a leading financial services firm, part of Focus, that delivers comprehensive wealth, asset, and business management services across the US, using research-backed investment strategies and personalized wealth planning solutions. This structured program is designed to develop high-potential graduating students into Associate Wealth Advisors, building essential financial planning knowledge and client-service capabilities crucial for supporting clients and contributing to the firm’s mission of managing financial futures.

The TL;DR
• Role: Entry-Level Cohort Program
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Designated Offices (On-site 3-5 days per week)
• Pay: $60000 yearly
• Team: Works within a local wealth management team, partnering with Wealth Advisors, Associate Wealth Advisors, and other colleagues.
• Mission: Develop foundational wealth management knowledge and client-service capabilities to support comprehensive financial planning and progress to an Associate Wealth Advisor role.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word), firm’s technology platforms, CRM.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Curriculum Engagement: Actively participate in the structured cohort program curriculum, including coaching, applied learning, competency evaluations, milestone reviews, and readiness assessments across core financial planning areas.
• Financial Plan Development: Apply program learning by gathering and analyzing client financial information, then drafting financial plans and planning analyses for review under supervision.
• Client Meeting Facilitation: Assist with comprehensive client meeting preparation, including drafting agendas, compiling planning materials, taking meeting notes, and executing follow-up activities.
• Issue Identification & Escalation: Identify planning gaps, financial risks, or new opportunities for clients and appropriately escalate matters requiring advisor guidance.
• Inter-professional Coordination: Coordinate with various internal and external professionals, such as client service, investment, tax, and estate planning experts, to support client needs and integrate approved guidance.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in financial planning, finance, accounting, business, wealth management, economics, or a related field. Expected graduation between December 2026 and Spring 2027.
• Experience: No specific years required; candidates should demonstrate foundational exposure to financial planning, investments, or wealth management gained through coursework, internships, campus organizations, or other related experiences.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; excellent interpersonal communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and comfortable learning new systems; ability to obtain the Series 65 or another required registration within the program timeframe; demonstrated learning agility, intellectual curiosity, client-service orientation, technical aptitude, adaptability, accountability, and follow-through.
• Bonus: Enrollment in or graduation from a CFP Board Registered Program.