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If you’ve ever Googled “Paraplanner job description”, you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: a dry list of responsibilities, requirements, and an “apply here” button. The problem? Posts like that don’t inspire anyone—and they certainly don’t attract top talent.
Think about it: a great paraplanner isn’t just a box-ticker. They’re the person who keeps your financial advisors organized, ensures compliance, and prepares client-ready documents that make your firm look sharp. But most job posts don’t show that impact—they just recycle buzzwords.
The result? Talented candidates scroll right past your ad and apply somewhere else.
Here’s the good news: writing a compelling paraplanner job description doesn’t require you to be a marketing genius. You just need the right format—and a human, candidate-centered approach.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to write a paraplanner job description that stands out and actually gets you the kind of candidates you want. And if you want the bigger picture on writing great job posts, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ first.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What A Paraplanner Actually Does - Their Roles
A paraplanner is the backbone of a financial planning team. In plain English, they handle the research, reporting, and preparation that allows financial advisors to focus on what they do best—building relationships and guiding clients.
Instead of spending hours buried in spreadsheets or compliance documents, advisors rely on paraplanners to:
- Gather and analyze client information
- Prepare financial plans and reports
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Organize paperwork and data into a clear, usable format
Here’s why this role matters: A great paraplanner doesn’t just “support” advisors—they amplify them. They make client meetings smoother, financial recommendations clearer, and the entire planning process more efficient. That means less risk of mistakes, better client experiences, and a stronger reputation for your firm.
And because paraplanners often grow into full-fledged financial advisors, this role attracts ambitious, detail-oriented candidates who want to build a long-term career in financial services.
Two Great Paraplanner Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Template 1: Job Description for Experienced Paraplanner
Job Title: Paraplanner — HarborPoint Wealth Partners
📍 Location: New York, NY (Hybrid: 3 days on-site, 2 remote)
💼 Type: Full-Time | 💵 Salary: $58,000–$72,000 base + annual bonus
🎥 A quick hello from our Director of Planning
Watch a 60-second Loom about the role and team: (insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
HarborPoint Wealth Partners is an independent RIA headquartered in Midtown Manhattan serving ~650 households (tech, healthcare, and small-business owners). We manage ~$720M in assets and take a planning-first, fee-only, fiduciary approach. Our 9-person planning team (6 CFP® professionals) uses eMoney, Holistiplan, Orion, and Wealthbox to deliver clear, actionable advice across retirement, equity comp, tax planning, and cash-flow strategy.
What You’ll Do
- Translate advisor notes and client data into clear, client-ready plans (eMoney)
- Build plan scenarios (e.g., ISOs vs NSOs timing, Roth conversion ladders, cash-flow projections)
- Prep investment summaries and meeting decks; capture follow-ups post-meeting
- Run tax analysis with Holistiplan; coordinate with CPAs when needed
- Maintain tidy CRM records (Wealthbox) and ensure compliance documentation is complete
- Own pre-meeting prep checklists and post-meeting task tracking
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years in paraplanning / financial planning support
- Working knowledge of planning software (eMoney or MoneyGuidePro)
- Strong Excel/Sheets skills; meticulous attention to detail and deadlines
- Clear writer and communicator; comfortable collaborating with multiple advisors
- Progress toward CFP® (or willingness to pursue) is a plus
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + HSA option
- 401(k) with 4% company match
- 20 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + 2 volunteer days
- Commuter benefits + WFH setup stipend
- CFP® exam reimbursement + paid study days
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- High-impact work: Your plans drive decisions for founders and physicians with complex equity/tax needs.
- Mentorship & growth: Shadow senior planners; a clear pathway to Senior Paraplanner or Associate Advisor in 18–24 months.
- Quality tools & process: Modern planning stack, proven playbooks, and a team that sweats the details.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make evaluations fair and fast. Apply here: (WorkScreen link). You’ll complete a brief, role-relevant exercise so we can see your skills beyond a résumé. We keep every candidate updated.
✅ Template 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing to Train Paraplanner
Job Title: Junior Paraplanner — SummitPath Financial Planning
📍 Location: Remote (U.S.)
💼 Type: Full-Time | 💵 Salary: $42,000–$50,000 base + performance bonus
🎥 Meet your future manager
Watch a short intro from our Lead Planner on how we train and support new hires: (insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
SummitPath is a remote-first, subscription-based planning firm helping young families, educators, and first-time founders get financially organized. Our team of 5 CFP® pros operates across AZ, CO, and NC with a flat-fee, advice-only model. We’re big on teaching clients the “why” behind every recommendation and using MoneyGuidePro, RightCapital (transitioning), and Notion to keep plans actionable and visible.
What You’ll Do
- Gather client data, organize documents, and maintain neat digital files
- Learn to build plan modules (cash-flow, debt payoff, insurance needs, basic retirement projections)
- Prepare meeting agendas, summaries, and follow-up tasks in Notion
- Draft clear client communications and checklists for advisor review
- Support compliance recordkeeping and template updates
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree (finance/econ a plus, but not required) or relevant analytical experience
- Strong attention to detail and love for tidy, organized work
- Comfortable learning new tools; basic spreadsheet literacy
- Friendly communicator with a service mindset
- Curious, coachable, and interested in pursuing the CFP® over time
Perks & Benefits
- Fully remote + $750 home-office stipend
- Health, dental, vision + wellness allowance
- 15 days PTO + company closure last week of December
- CFP® coursework stipend + paid exam fees after Year 1
- Annual learning budget ($1,000) for courses/conferences
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Career on-ramp: Structured 90-day training plan and weekly 1:1 mentorship.
- Real responsibility, safely: You’ll contribute to live client work with clear guardrails and feedback.
- Mission-driven clients: Help real families make confident money decisions—your work matters immediately.
📥 How to Apply
Please apply via WorkScreen.io: (WorkScreen link). You’ll complete a short skills screen that mirrors day-to-day tasks. We review every application and keep you updated at each step.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Paraplanner Job Posts Work
Both the HarborPoint Wealth Partners and SummitPath Financial Planning examples show how to take a role that often gets written about in a generic way and turn it into something that actually attracts strong candidates. Let’s break down the key elements:
1. Clear & Specific Job Titles
- Instead of just “Paraplanner,” the title adds context:
- “Paraplanner — HarborPoint Wealth Partners”
- “Junior Paraplanner — SummitPath Financial Planning”
- “Paraplanner — HarborPoint Wealth Partners”
- This instantly signals who the company is, where the role sits, and whether it’s senior or entry-level. Specificity attracts the right candidates and filters out the wrong ones.
2. Human Introductions (With Video)
- A short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager adds a personal, authentic touch. Candidates get to “see who they’ll work with,” which builds trust and connection early.
- Instead of leading with corporate jargon, the intro highlights what the firm actually does (RIA vs subscription-based advice) and why this role matters to the team and clients.
3. Company-Specific Details
- Each “Who We Are” section is tailored:
- HarborPoint → established, high-AUM RIA serving professionals in tech/healthcare.
- SummitPath → remote-first, subscription model for young families/educators.
- HarborPoint → established, high-AUM RIA serving professionals in tech/healthcare.
- This clarity makes the posts feel real and intentional rather than copy-paste templates. Candidates can picture themselves in the environment.
4. Responsibilities with Purpose
- HarborPoint: “Translate advisor notes and client data into clear, client-ready plans.”
- SummitPath: “Support compliance recordkeeping and template updates.”
- Instead of vague bullet points like “Assist financial advisors,” these show impact and link tasks to outcomes.
5. Transparent Salary & Perks
- Both posts list salary ranges upfront. Transparency builds trust and weeds out misaligned applicants early.
- Perks are clearly separated from cultural fit. This prevents the common mistake of dumping everything into one “Why You’ll Love Working Here” section.
6. Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- HarborPoint: emphasizes high-impact work and career pathways.
- SummitPath: highlights mentorship and mission-driven clients.
- This is the pitch section—it answers the candidate’s unspoken question: “Why should I choose you over another firm?”
7. Candidate-Friendly Application Process
- Both firms use io to make hiring more fair, skill-based, and transparent.
- They assure applicants they’ll get updates throughout the process, reducing the dreaded “apply and never hear back” experience.
8. Tone That Connects
- The writing is professional but human.
- HarborPoint uses confident, detail-driven language (fits its high-net-worth client base).
- SummitPath uses warm, encouraging tone (fits its mission-driven, young-family clients).
- Both are tailored to attract the right type of paraplanner.
✅ The result: These job posts don’t just list tasks—they sell the opportunity, show authenticity, and treat candidates with respect. That’s what top-tier applicants respond to.
Example of a Bad Paraplanner Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Paraplanner
📍 Location: Dallas, TX
💼 Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a paraplanner to support our financial advisors. The role involves preparing reports, handling client paperwork, and ensuring compliance. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented and able to work independently.
Responsibilities
- Assist advisors with financial planning tasks
- Organize client files
- Prepare compliance paperwork
- Draft financial reports
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field
- 2–3 years of paraplanning or related experience
- Knowledge of financial planning software
- Strong organizational skills
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email their résumé and cover letter to hr@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
- Simply “Paraplanner” with no context about the company, level (junior vs senior), or unique mission. It looks like every other ad.
- Simply “Paraplanner” with no context about the company, level (junior vs senior), or unique mission. It looks like every other ad.
- Cold Introduction
- “We are seeking a paraplanner…” feels lifeless. There’s no mission, no story, no reason why this role exists or why someone should care.
- “We are seeking a paraplanner…” feels lifeless. There’s no mission, no story, no reason why this role exists or why someone should care.
- No Company Identity
- The “About Us” section is missing. Candidates have zero sense of the firm’s values, size, or client base.
- The “About Us” section is missing. Candidates have zero sense of the firm’s values, size, or client base.
- Vague Responsibilities
- Tasks like “Assist advisors” or “Prepare reports” are too broad. They don’t show impact or how the paraplanner’s work matters to clients.
- Tasks like “Assist advisors” or “Prepare reports” are too broad. They don’t show impact or how the paraplanner’s work matters to clients.
- No Salary or Benefits Listed
- Lack of transparency erodes trust. Serious candidates are less likely to apply when pay is hidden.
- Lack of transparency erodes trust. Serious candidates are less likely to apply when pay is hidden.
- Cold, One-Sided Hiring Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is dismissive. It signals applicants are just a number.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is dismissive. It signals applicants are just a number.
- Zero Personality in the CTA
- Ending with “Email us your résumé” feels transactional, not inviting. It doesn’t inspire confidence or excitement.
- Ending with “Email us your résumé” feels transactional, not inviting. It doesn’t inspire confidence or excitement.
✅ By showing this bad example, readers can see the contrast with the earlier strong templates. The difference is clear: generic = forgettable, specific + human = magnetic.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Paraplanner Job Post Stand Out
Even with a strong job description, there are small but powerful touches that can take your post from good to truly memorable. These details signal trust, respect, and thoughtfulness to candidates — and that’s exactly what attracts top talent.
🔒 1. Add an IMPORTANT NOTICE for Security & Privacy
Candidates today are cautious about scams. Build trust with a clear statement like:
“We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of our hiring process.”
This reassures applicants that your process is legitimate and candidate-first.
🏖️ 2. Highlight Leave & Flex Days
Beyond salary, time-off flexibility is a major draw. Don’t just mention “standard PTO.” Be specific:
“Enjoy 20 PTO days, 10 paid holidays, and 2 volunteer days annually.”
“We close the office between Christmas and New Year so you can recharge.”
These details make your firm feel modern, supportive, and attractive to candidates with real work-life balance needs.
📚 3. Mention Training & Growth Opportunities
Paraplanners often aspire to become financial advisors. Show them there’s a pathway:
“We provide CFP® coursework support and exam reimbursement.”
“Weekly mentorship sessions with senior planners help you sharpen your skills.”
This shifts your role from “just a job” to “a career-building opportunity.”
🎥 4. Add a Video for Human Connection
A 60-second Loom from the hiring manager or a team member goes a long way. Candidates feel like they’re meeting the people they’d work with, not just reading a faceless ad.
- HarborPoint example: A quick intro from the Director of Planning.
- SummitPath example: A message from the Lead Planner about training support.
This helps differentiate your firm immediately.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
🚀 5. Show Career Trajectory
Top candidates want to know where the role leads. Spell it out clearly:
“This role is designed as a pathway into Senior Paraplanner or Associate Advisor within 18–24 months.”
That simple line makes candidates feel invested in before they even apply.
✅ These extra touches aren’t just “nice to have.” They make your paraplanner job description feel alive, human, and trustworthy — which is exactly why the best applicants will choose to apply with you over another firm.
AI Caution: Don’t Let AI Write Your Paraplanner Job Post for You
With tools like ChatGPT and built-in AI features in some ATS platforms, it’s tempting to hit a button and let AI spit out a paraplanner job description in seconds. But here’s the problem:
If you rely on AI without context or input, you’ll end up with:
- Generic filler text that looks like every other ad online
- Boring, copy-paste responsibilities that don’t inspire anyone
- A cold, lifeless tone that fails to reflect your culture or values
- Posts that attract the wrong type of candidate (anyone clicking “apply all,” not serious professionals)
Remember: a job post is often the first impression a candidate gets of your firm. If it feels lazy, they’ll assume your company culture is too.
🚫 The Wrong Way to Use AI
Typing something like:
“Write a job description for a paraplanner.”
What you’ll get: a bland, generic post that could apply to any company, anywhere. It’ll lack personality, culture, and specifics that matter to real candidates.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI works best as a refining tool, not a replacement for your input. The key is to give it raw ingredients first. For example, feed it details like:
- What your company does
- Your client base (e.g., high-net-worth families, young professionals, small business owners)
- The role’s actual responsibilities in your firm (specific, not vague)
- Your culture and values
- Benefits, perks, and career trajectory
Then you might prompt it with something like:
“Help me write a paraplanner job post for SummitPath Financial. We’re a remote-first, advice-only planning firm serving young families and educators. We’re hiring a Junior Paraplanner to help with plan prep, compliance, and client meeting notes. Our culture is collaborative, mission-driven, and growth-focused. We offer remote flexibility, health insurance, 15 PTO days, and CFP® training support. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please write this in a warm, approachable tone that highlights growth opportunities.”
Now, AI has the context it needs to produce something aligned with your brand. From there, you can polish the wording and add human touches (like a Loom video or a values section).
✅ Bottom line: AI should sharpen your message, not replace it. Use it as a co-writer, not the author of your job description.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
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Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
We get it—sometimes you don’t have hours to craft the perfect job post. You already know what a strong paraplanner job description should look like, but you still want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor quickly.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational (Culture-First)
Job Title: Paraplanner – Elevate Client Outcomes at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
🎥 A quick hello from your future manager
(Insert Loom/YouTube link: [Video URL])
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [fiduciary RIA / advice-only / wealth management] firm serving [client segments: e.g., young families, founders, physicians]. We believe in [planning-first values] and use tools like [e.g., eMoney/MoneyGuidePro, Holistiplan, CRM] to deliver clear, actionable advice.
What You’ll Do
- Gather and organize client data; prepare plan modules and meeting prep
- Build/format client-ready plans and summaries ([planning software])
- Track follow-ups, notes, and documents in [CRM/tool]
- Support compliance and maintain tidy, accurate records
What We’re Looking For
- [0–2 / 2+ years] experience in paraplanning or financial services
- Comfortable with [planning software/spreadsheets]; strong attention to detail
- Clear communicator; collaborative and organized
- [CFP® progress preferred / training provided]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Impact: Your work makes advisor meetings smoother and advice clearer
- Growth: [Mentorship / CFP® support / path to Associate Advisor in X–Y months]
- Culture: [Two–three words: e.g., collaborative, friendly, excellence-driven]
Perks & Benefits
- [Health, dental, vision] + [HSA/FSA]
- [401(k) match %]
- [PTO days] + [paid holidays] + [volunteer days / office closure]
- [WFH stipend / commuter benefits]
- [CFP® coursework stipend / exam reimbursement / learning budget]
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen.io: [WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a short, skills-based screen so we can see your strengths beyond a résumé. We’ll keep you updated at each step.
✅ Option 2: Structured (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Junior Paraplanner – Learn & Grow at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is a [remote-first / hybrid] [RIA / planning firm] serving [client segments]. We’re hiring a [Junior/Experienced] Paraplanner to support advisors with plan prep, client-ready reports, and compliance so they can focus on relationships.
Responsibilities
- Prepare financial plans, scenarios, and clear client summaries ([software])
- Organize client documents; maintain accurate records in [CRM]
- Support meeting prep and post-meeting follow-ups
- Assist with compliance workflows and template updates
Requirements
- [0–2 / 2+ years] in paraplanning/financial services or [relevant degree]
- Proficient with [planning tools/spreadsheets]; strong attention to detail
- Clear written/verbal communication; team-oriented
- [CFP® interest/progress preferred]
Perks & Benefits
- [Health, dental, vision] + [wellness allowance]
- [PTO days] + [paid holidays / office closure window]
- [401(k) match % / retirement plan]
- [Home-office stipend / commuter benefits]
- [CFP® coursework/exam support / annual learning budget]
How to Apply
Submit via WorkScreen.io: [WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a brief, role-relevant task to ensure a fair, skills-based process for every applicant.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Hiring
Once you’ve written a strong job description and attracted applicants, the next challenge is figuring out who’s truly qualified. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
🔍 Quickly Spot Top Talent
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧩 Assess Real Skills With One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Bottom line: WorkScreen takes the stress out of screening so you can move straight from “lots of applicants” to “top choices” in just a few clicks.
📥 Ready to simplify your hiring?
create your job post, and let WorkScreen handle the heavy lifting.
FAQ: Paraplanner Job Description
A paraplanner works behind the scenes to prepare financial plans, run projections, ensure compliance, and handle technical research. They give advisors the time and clarity to focus on client-facing work.
A financial advisor, on the other hand, is the one who meets directly with clients, explains recommendations, and manages ongoing relationships. In short: paraplanners support, advisors advise.
Strong paraplanners usually have a mix of technical and soft skills, including:
- Analytical ability (to build accurate financial models and reports)
- Attention to detail (to avoid compliance or data errors)
- Tech proficiency (familiarity with planning software and CRMs)
- Clear written communication (turning complex numbers into understandable plans)
- Teamwork and reliability (they collaborate daily with advisors)
Bonus points if they’re studying toward the CFP® designation, as it shows long-term commitment to the profession.
Paraplanner salaries vary by location, experience, and firm type. On average in the U.S., salaries range from $45,000–$65,000/year. Entry-level paraplanners typically start around the low $40Ks, while experienced paraplanners working at large firms or in major financial hubs can earn $70,000+.
Not always. Many paraplanners work without securities licenses, especially if their role is limited to research, prep, and compliance. However, firms may encourage or require Series 65, Series 7, or insurance licenses if the paraplanner will have more client-facing or investment-related responsibilities.
A strong paraplanner can free up 10–15 hours per week for each advisor by handling technical prep, data gathering, and compliance. This allows advisors to focus on revenue-driving activities—meeting clients, building trust, and growing AUM. In effect, paraplanners multiply advisor productivity.
