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Financial Planning Associate Jobs in Montclair, NJ

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Financial Planning Associate information

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How much do financial planning associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial planning associate in Montclair, NJ is $32.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $35.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a financial planning associate do?

A Financial Planning Associate supports financial advisors in creating and managing personalized financial plans for clients. They assist with data gathering, preparing financial projections, and conducting research on investment products and strategies. Their role also includes communicating with clients, maintaining records, and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met. This position is often an entry point for those aspiring to become certified financial planners in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial planning associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Planning Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of financial products, and a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. Familiarity with financial planning software such as eMoney Advisor or MoneyGuidePro and certifications like CFP coursework are typically expected. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and clear communication help foster client trust and support collaboration within advisory teams. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate financial advice, building strong client relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

How does a financial planning associate typically collaborate with senior advisors and clients?

As a Financial Planning Associate, you’ll work closely with senior advisors by assisting in the preparation of financial plans, conducting research, and gathering client information. You’ll often participate in client meetings, take notes, and help implement action items such as account openings, portfolio rebalancing, or document preparation. This collaborative environment provides valuable opportunities to learn directly from experienced professionals and build strong client relationships, which can be pivotal for advancement within the firm.

What is the difference between Financial Planning Associate vs Financial Advisor?

AspectFinancial Planning AssociateFinancial Advisor
CertificationsTypically requires a Series 7, Series 66, or CFP courseworkOften holds CFP certification, Series 7, Series 66, or other licenses
Work EnvironmentSupports financial advisors, works in financial firms or banksProvides personalized financial advice to clients, works independently or in firms
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssists in preparing financial plans, research, client supportCreates financial plans, recommends investments, manages client portfolios

Financial Planning Associates typically support Financial Advisors by handling research and client support, often requiring similar certifications. Financial Advisors directly serve clients with personalized financial strategies. While Associates focus on preparation and support, Advisors engage in client-facing advice and portfolio management.

Is a Financial Planning Associate an entry-level job?

A Financial Planning Associate is typically considered an entry-level position in the financial services industry. It often requires basic knowledge of financial concepts, strong communication skills, and may involve on-the-job training or certifications such as the CFP designation in the future.

What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Planning jobs in Montclair, NJ?

The most popular types of Financial Planning jobs in Montclair, NJ are:

What cities near Montclair, NJ are hiring for Financial Planning Associate jobs?

Cities near Montclair, NJ with the most Financial Planning Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Financial Planning Associate job openings in Montclair, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,746 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Financial Planning Associate

Northwestern Mutual - Park Ave

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 165 years. Through a distinctive, whole-picture planning approach including both insurance and investments, we empower people to be financially confident. We combine the expertise of our financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and leading-edge technology to best serve our clients.

With $309 billion in assets, $31.1 billion in revenues, and more than $2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.75 million people who rely on us for life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, brokerage and advisory services, trust services, and discretionary portfolio management solutions. The company holds more than $200 billion of client assets as a part of its wealth management and investment services.


Role

The Financial Planning Associate supports the Planning Department by coordinating, preparing, and delivering financial planning analyses, insurance illustrations, and meeting materials for Financial Representatives. Reporting to the Financial Planning Manager, this role manages planning requests, maintains departmental service standards, and helps ensure the timely delivery of accurate, high-quality planning support.

The Financial Planning Associate develops expertise in Northwestern Mutual's planning philosophy, planning systems, and product solutions while serving as a trusted partner to Financial Representatives. As proficiency increases, this individual also provides guidance on planning tools, processes, and best practices to support advisor development and adoption.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain proficiency in Northwestern Mutual's Planning Experience (PX), Next-Generation Illustration System (NGIS), and other planning-related tools and technologies.
  • Apply Northwestern Mutual's planning philosophy and established planning methodologies in support of Financial Representatives and client planning needs.
  • Build and maintain working knowledge of Northwestern Mutual's insurance product portfolio, including appropriate applications and planning strategies.
  • Log, prioritize, manage, and execute planning requests in accordance with departmental service standards.
  • Prepare financial planning analyses, insurance illustrations, and client meeting materials that support Financial Representative recommendations and client conversations.
  • Communicate proactively with Financial Representatives regarding request requirements, project status, turnaround expectations, and completed deliverables.
  • Review submitted planning requests for completeness and accuracy, providing clear, constructive feedback when additional information or corrections are required.
  • Foster strong relationships with Financial Representatives through responsive service, consistent communication, and a solutions-oriented approach.
  • Support Financial Representatives in the effective use of planning systems and tools, including PX and NGIS.
  • Assist with departmental reporting, data analysis, and process improvement initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making.
  • Collaborate with Planning Department team members to execute departmental priorities, projects, and strategic initiatives.
  • Support the onboarding, training, and development of future team members as opportunities arise.
  • Upon achieving established proficiency standards, train and coach Financial Representatives on planning tools, systems, and departmental best practices.


Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience
    • Experience in financial services, insurance operations, or office management preferred
    • Strong leadership and team management experience
    • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
    • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and multitask
    • High attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced environment
    • Ability to proactively identify needs and implement solutions