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Financial Planning Associate Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Join our team as an FP&A Associate and make a real impact from day one. In this role, your analytical expertise will drive the strategic direction of the business, streamline planning and reporting ...

Position Summary The Financial Planning Specialist II has the primary responsibility of gathering ... In addition, eligible associates may take advantage of pre-tax health savings accounts and flexible ...

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Financial Planning Associate information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$13

$31

$66

How much do financial planning associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial planning associate in Park Ridge, IL is $31.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $33.85 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 popular job titles related to Financial Planning Associate jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

For Financial Planning Associate jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Financial Planning Associate jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Financial Planning Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Financial Planning Associate job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,418 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Financial Planning Analyst/Financial Planning Associate

Northwestern Mutual - Greater Chicago

Vernon Hills, IL • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Opportunity: Financial Planning Analyst/Financial Planning Associate – Finance Team Member

Location: Vernon Hills, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Industry: Finance

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Company Description

Northwestern Mutual is a client-centric finance firm specializing in providing full-spectrum financial strategies to individuals, families, and small institutions. Our team of professionals is dedicated to offering comprehensive services, including investment management, financial planning, risk management, and more. We are committed to upholding the highest fiduciary standards, ensuring that our clients’ best interests are always at the forefront.

In 2026, Northwestern Mutual was again named one of the World's Most Admired Companies® in its industry according to Fortune's annual survey. Additionally, the Fortune 500® ranking is among the most recognized measures of financial success. Being #109 in 2026 affirms that Northwestern Mutual is among America's premier companies.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Financial Planning Analyst with Kevin Londos Team, Northwestern Mutual in Vernon Hills, IL.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented financial planning professional with at least three years of industry experience who is either a CFP® professional or actively pursuing the CFP® designation. This role is designed for individuals who enjoy the technical aspects of wealth management and financial planning and prefer a non-sales, non-client acquisition career path.

The Financial Planning Analyst will provide analytical and planning support to the advisory team through retirement analyses, investment proposals, insurance illustrations, portfolio reviews, and case preparation. This individual will play a key role in helping deliver comprehensive wealth management solutions while working primarily behind the scenes.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and maintain comprehensive financial plans.
  • Conduct retirement income and cash flow analyses.
  • Analyze investment statements, account holdings, and portfolio allocations.
  • Develop investment proposals and portfolio recommendations.
  • Prepare meeting materials and case analyses for advisors and client review meetings.
  • Run life insurance, disability insurance, and investment illustrations.
  • Support planning recommendations involving retirement accounts, including IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and qualified plans.
  • Organize and summarize client financial data and documentation.
  • Research planning strategies and assist with implementation.
  • Collaborate with advisors and operations personnel to ensure a high-quality client experience.
  • Maintain accurate and organized planning files and records.
  • Stay current on industry developments, tax laws, retirement planning, and investment concepts.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in wealth management, financial planning, or financial services
  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field required.
  • SIE, Series 6 & 63, Series 7 – required
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation preferred or active CFP candidate
  • Strong understanding of investments, portfolio construction, and retirement planning.
  • Exceptional analytical, organizational, communication and time-management skills.
  • Self-motivated individual with a team-orientated focus.  
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office and related financial software systems.

 

Compensation

  • Salary range: $65,000–$85,000 annually, depending on experience, credentials, and qualifications.
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities may be available.
  • Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate enjoys the technical and analytical side of wealth management, is highly organized, and is passionate about delivering exceptional planning support. This position is intended for professionals seeking a long-term, specialized career path focused on financial planning and portfolio analysis rather than business development or lead advisory responsibilities.