Build Your Career the Right Way
Most early-career advisors are thrown into the deep end—expected to prospect, sell, and manage clients before they’ve mastered the fundamentals of financial planning.
At Franklin Watkins Financial Group, we take a different approach: you’ll learn by doing, supported every step of the way.
As a Service Advisor, you’ll work alongside experienced Lead Advisors, learning how to serve their clients while developing industry skills, knowledge, and confidence. You’ll get hands-on experience with real client situations—without the pressure of having to generate your own business.
This isn’t just a job. It’s your foundation.
What Makes This Role Different
You Learn From Experienced Advisors
Work directly with Lead Advisors who’ve built successful practices. You’ll see how they handle client situations, make recommendations, and build relationships—learning the craft from people who’ve mastered it.
You Get Real Client Experience Without the Pressure
Serve established clients under the guidance of Lead Advisors. You’ll handle real planning work and client interactions while having support and mentorship when you need it.
You Build Skills That Matter
Financial planning, portfolio management, client communication, problem-solving—you’ll develop the core competencies that separate great advisors from average ones.
You Have Time to Grow
No pressure to immediately generate revenue or build a book. Focus on becoming excellent at the fundamentals first. The client development potentially comes later.
What You’ll Do (And Why It Matters)
Support Client Relationships
Assist Lead Advisors in managing client portfolios. You’ll be the secondary contact for clients, handling service requests, answering questions, and building rapport.Why this matters: Client service is where you learn what clients actually care about—and what separates good advisors from great ones.
Prepare Comprehensive Financial Plans
Work with Lead Advisors to draft financial plans for their clients. You’ll gather data, run scenarios, and develop recommendations under their guidance.Why this matters: You’re learning financial planning by doing it—not just reading about it in textbooks.
Participate in Client Meetings
Attend client meetings alongside Lead Advisors. Sometimes you’ll observe, sometimes you’ll present portions of the plan, and over time you’ll take on more responsibility.Why this matters: Presentation skills and client communication determine who advances in this profession. You’ll get practice in a supported environment.
Assist with Portfolio Management
Help monitor client portfolios, prepare investment reviews, and support the implementation of investment recommendations made by Lead Advisors.Why this matters: Portfolio management isn’t just about returns—it’s about aligning investments with goals. You’ll learn to do both.
Handle Client Service Requests
Be the responsive point of contact for routine client needs—account questions, paperwork, scheduling, and general support.Why this matters: Responsiveness builds trust. Trust generates referrals. This is where future business development starts.
Learn the Business of Advice
Beyond client work, you’ll learn how a successful practice operates: marketing, business development, operations, compliance, and team management.Why this matters: Technical skills make you a good planner. Business skills make you a successful advisor.
Your Development Path
We are committed to your long-term success. This role comes with a 3-5 year development path designed to grow your skills, build your confidence, and open doors for career advancement. As you progress, you will have real opportunities to take on greater responsibility and move into more senior roles within the firm. We are invested in helping you build a meaningful and rewarding career — at a pace that sets you up for lasting success.
What You Need to Bring
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 1-5 years of experience
- Genuine desire to help people
- Strong work ethic
- Excellent communication skills
- Detail-oriented approach
Preferred:
- Series 7 and 66 (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience with financial planning software (eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, etc.)
- Previous client-facing experience in any professional capacity
Essential Qualities:
- Coachability: You take feedback well and apply it
- Humility: You know what you don’t know and aren’t afraid to ask
- Curiosity: You want to understand the “why” behind recommendations
- Patience: You’re building a career, not looking for overnight success
- Service mindset: You genuinely enjoy helping people
Compensation & Benefits
We believe in investing in people who invest in their development:
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
- Performance-based bonuses tied to client satisfaction and your contribution to the practice
- Benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and PTO
- Professional development support for designations and continuing education
- Clear path to increased compensation as you take on more responsibility
(Specific compensation details discussed during interview process)
Ready to Build Your Foundation?
This isn’t a position for someone who wants to coast. It’s for ambitious professionals who want to build a real career in financial planning—with mentorship, support, and a clear path to success.
If that’s you, let’s talk.
About Franklin Watkins Financial Group
We’re an independent wealth management practice serving clients in Raleigh and the surrounding area. As part of the IFG consortium, we combine the personalized service of a boutique practice with the resources and infrastructure of a multi-billion-dollar platform.
Our mission: help clients achieve financial confidence while developing exceptional advisors who love what they do.Learn more at www.fwfinancialgroup.com
