Financial Planning Associate

Financial Planning Associate

Employment Type:

Full-Time, Salaried

Location:

Remote, Hybrid, or On-Site

Experience:

1–3 Years in Financial Planning

Reports To:

Director of Wealth Solutions

About Donaldson Capital Management

Donaldson Capital Management is a wealth management firm dedicated to serving clients with truth, genuine care, and advice that always puts their interests first. As a registered investment advisor (RIA), that commitment shapes everything we do. We guide our clients with integrity and transparency, helping them confidently connect their resources to their dreams. What makes DCM different isn't just what we do, it's how we do it. We lead with a servant's heart, we take ownership of outcomes, and we hold ourselves to a standard of excellence that's as much about how people feel as what we deliver. Our team structure, systems, and culture are intentionally built, and we're looking for people who bring both entrepreneurial drive and a deep commitment to doing things right. People who celebrate wins, then raise the bar. Who believe that exceptional client relationships, operational excellence, and a builder's mindset aren't competing priorities - they're the same priority. If you want to grow inside a firm where your work has visible impact and collective success is the measure that counts, DCM may be the place for you.

The Role

We’re looking for a Financial Planning Associate to join our planning team and support the delivery of comprehensive financial plans for our clients. You’ll work alongside experienced planners, learning our processes and systems while contributing meaningfully to client work from day one.

This is a role for someone who wants to build a career in financial planning — not just check boxes, but truly understand the craft and grow into increasing responsibility.

Core Responsibilities

• Enter and maintain client data in eMoney and other planning software


• Build financial plans under the guidance of senior planners, developing proficiency in our planning process


• Review financial plans with colleagues and, over time, participate in client-facing plan reviews


• Learn and become proficient in our technology stack: Salesforce, Schwab, Orion, eMoney, Holistiplan, FP Alpha, and related tools


• Support the planning team with research, analysis, preparation for client meetings, and follow-up activities


• Collaborate with advisory teams to ensure planning work aligns with client needs and advisor recommendations


• Contribute to process improvements and documentation as you learn the systems

What Success Looks Like

At 90 Days:

You’re fully integrated into the team dynamic and comfortable with our processes. You’ve developed working competency across our core software platforms and are contributing reliably to planning work.

At 1 Year:

You’re autonomous in your casework, showing noticeable growth in your knowledge base. You’re actively working toward your CFP® designation and have become an obvious culture fit, someone the team counts on.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy


• A strong communicator who can engage with colleagues and clients professionally


• Exposure to financial planning software is a plus, but we’ll teach you our systems


• Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in financial planning, finance, economics, or a related field. Other degrees considered with relevant experience.


• 1 to 3 years of experience in financial planning or a related field; strong new graduates welcome


• Open to pursuing, actively pursuing, or have obtained the Series 65 license


• Open to pursuing, actively pursuing, or have obtained the CFP® designation

Who You Are

Team-focused and unselfish. You care about collective success, not just your own. Humble and coachable, open about what you don’t know and eager to learn. Fiduciary-minded, genuinely caring about doing right by clients. Positive, curious, and driven to grow into a valuable member of the team. Takes initiative while knowing when to seek guidance.

What Won’t Work Here

We value directness: this role isn’t the right fit if you show up unprepared, get defensive when receiving feedback, or focus too much on yourself at the expense of the team. We’re looking for someone who demonstrates humility, brings appropriate technical acumen, and communicates effectively. Rigidity or being stuck in your ways won’t serve you well here.

Why DCM

Our financial planning team has grown case volume by over 20% annually for the past four years. You’ll join a well-rounded team that knows how to develop talent. We have a track record of bringing on new team members who succeed. This is a place where you can build real expertise, grow into leadership, and do meaningful work for clients who depend on us.

Compensation

Year-One Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000

Revenue Share (after 1 year): ~$18,800

Total Compensation Potential: $80,000 – $95,000+

Total compensation grows meaningfully beyond year one through DCM’s revenue share model and team-based incentive opportunities. As your contribution deepens and your role expands, so does your earning potential.

Benefits

Retirement: Immediate 401(k) enrollment with pre-tax and Roth options. After one year, DCM provides a 100% Safe Harbor match on the first 4% of compensation, plus an annual profit-sharing contribution of approximately 9% of gross pay.

Health: DCM covers 60% of medical premiums through Anthem with two plan options, including an HDHP with employer HSA contributions of $2,250 (individual) or $4,500 (family). Dental, vision, and mental health EAP also available.

Company-Paid Insurance: Short-term disability, long-term disability, $50K term life, and $50K AD&D at no cost to you.

Time Off: Flexible PTO with no set cap on vacation or sick days. Paid holidays aligned with the NYSE calendar. Up to 12 weeks paid pregnancy-related leave and 4 weeks paid parental leave.

Growth: Educational expense reimbursement for professional designations. Study time support and a day off before exams.

Perks: Company-paid cell phone and service. $500 annual charitable donation to the 501(c)(3) of your choice. Dedicated covered parking. Access to in-house CFP® professionals for personal financial planning.