Wealth Planning Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Cresset

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s and Forbes among the nation’s top RIA firms, and as one of the industry’s best places to work,* Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.

Job Description

Cresset is seeking an Associate, Wealth Advisor (AWA) to join Cresset’s wealth management team. The AWA provides comprehensive support to our high-net-worth clients by working closely with experienced Wealth Advisors. A successful candidate will be entrepreneurial, able to operate both independently and collaboratively, and must be comfortable supporting relationships and projects with limited direction. This role is ideal for those who wish to develop client advisory skills under the guidance and mentorship of an experienced Wealth Advisory team.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationships

• Proactively support the Wealth Advisor (WA) by providing excellent client service and maintaining a high level of client satisfaction
• Build a strong wealth management acumen with an understanding of Cresset’s investment philosophy and ongoing general market outlook, portfolio construction and management, goals-based financial planning, risk management, alongside estate, tax and philanthropic planning considerations
• Prepare client meeting materials; may attend client and / or prospect meetings
• Manage completion of deliverables from start to finish with the Client Associate and/or various internal and external parties as needed
• Serve as a liaison between clients and their CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and other professional advisors, coordinating communication and facilitating the implementation of comprehensive planning

Financial Planning

• Assist experienced Advisors in the production and maintenance of net worth statements, financial plans, cash flow projections, and wealth forecasting models
• Where appropriate, attend prospect and client meetings to gather information to create financial plans
• Review and understand estate documents (entity structures, estate plan, wills, beneficiaries, trustees) and tax returns; collaborate with other internal teams (Wealth Planning, Wealth Strategy, Tax) and external providers as needed
• Learn and understand current wealth planning trends, legislative developments, and techniques; partner with the Wealth Advisor to enhance client planning

Portfolio Management

• Review client portfolios and assist experienced Advisors with the development, presentation, and implementation of investment recommendations to clients, including portfolio construction, proposals, rebalancing, phase-in planning, and quarterly performance reviews
• Collaborate with the National Investments Team to apply the firm's best thinking to client portfolios while considering client-specific needs regarding cash flow, taxation, liquidity, risk, and other considerations
• Assist with the implementation of client portfolio trades, including execution, margin maintenance, and settlement
• Develop and maintain investment policy statements (IPS)

Operations

• Coordinate with the Client Associate to ensure tasks and requests are handled, including new client onboarding, account maintenance, new investments, redemptions, transfers, and money movement requests
• Document client notes, investment changes, and activities in Salesforce
• Review clients’ quarterly performance reports and collaborate with Reporting to identify and resolve issues

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; strong preference given to MBA, CFA®, or CFP® professionals or those on track to earn any of these designations
• Previous work / internship experience in financial services required; 2+ years’ experience preferred
• Series 65 license required; unlicensed candidates required to obtain the license within 120 calendar days of employment
• Highest ethical standards with willingness to learn and comply with SEC and other company required rules and regulations
• Initiative, problem solving ability, adaptability, and flexibility
• Effective speaking and presentation ability
• Excellent writing proficiency and communication skills
• Strong numerical aptitude
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently over time with limited guidance
• Coachable with the ability to work in a team environment and independently when necessary
• Learning and development mindset and drive for continuous improvement
• Personal commitment to continuing education for professional development and growth
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite; knowledge of eMoney, Salesforce, Addepar, and custodial platforms is a plus
• Represent Cresset’s Core Values
• Displays Cresset’s Core Behaviors

What We Offer:

At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority.  Starting base salary is $85,000 - $130,000.  Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package including an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre-tax parking and transportation programs. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cresset’s policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Everything Starts With Culture.

Our Vision

We exist to optimize wealth and elevate life—giving clients the time, clarity, and trusted partnership to pursue what matters most.

Our Values

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here.

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, and all its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. Cresset provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset also provides investment advisory services to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate, and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.