Lead Financial Advisor

Role Summary The Well is conducting a search on behalf of our client - an established independent RIA based in Burbank, CA. With approximately $475-500 million in AUM and over 30 years of history, this firm is entering an exciting growth phase fueled by strategic acquisitions, AI-driven workflow innovation, and a renewed focus on scaling thoughtfully. They are seeking a Lead Financial Advisor to step into an existing book of business and serve as a trusted, relationship-first advisor to a Mass Affluent client base.

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Burbank, CA.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary lead advisor for an assigned book of approximately 100-125 households, targeting roughly $80 million in AUM
• Deliver personalized financial advice with a strong focus on retirement planning and tax planning for Mass Affluent clients
• Conduct proactive client outreach and meetings on a defined cadence (higher-tier clients contacted twice per year; others annually)
• Respond to client calls and inquiries promptly, maintaining a relationship-first, phone-forward communication style
• Partner with a dedicated service team that handles operational tasks (money movement, account updates), allowing the advisor to focus fully on advice delivery
• Maintain accurate, timely meeting notes and task execution within the firm's CRM (Tamarac)
• Identify and pursue wallet-share opportunities within existing client households by tracking outside assets in CRM
• Leverage and adapt to AI-assisted workflow tools as the firm continues to roll out automation
• Shadow senior advisors during an onboarding period to learn the firm's client engagement methodology before going solo
• Raise issues and concerns proactively, keeping the team informed and ahead of problems
• Contribute to a collaborative, small-office culture by supporting teammates and sharing knowledge freely
• Represent the firm with professionalism and genuine care in every client interaction

Candidate Profile Must-Haves

• Series 65 license or CFP designation (required)
• Minimum 3-5 years of financial advisory experience working directly with clients
• Demonstrated experience advising Mass Affluent clients
• Strong knowledge of retirement planning and tax planning strategies
• Proactive, phone-forward communication style - comfortable initiating calls and building relationships by voice, not just email
• High attention to detail, precision, and accuracy in all work
• Collaborative team player who contributes to the team without being asked
• Genuine, relationship-oriented approach to client service
• Comfortable working in a small, open, and highly collaborative office environment
• Proactive work style with a track record of anticipating and raising issues early
• Respectful and professional with all team members regardless of role or seniority
• Willingness to complete a DISC personality assessment as part of the process

Nice-to-Haves

• Prior experience at an RIA or independent advisory firm
• Familiarity with Tamarac CRM and Tamarac Reporting
• Experience with Schwab Advisor Center
• Experience with eMoney financial planning software
• Experience on the Investnet platform
• Comfort with and enthusiasm for AI-assisted workflow tools
• Long-term interest in a path to partnership or equity ownership

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: $120,000
• Revenue sharing: 10% of assigned business unit revenue (estimated $80,000-$100,000 annually at target AUM)
• Incentive bonuses: 15% on new qualifying assets from existing clients placed in another business unit; 30% on brand-new clients placed in another business unit; ongoing trail on converted leads
• Total target compensation: approximately $200,000 before incentives
• Path to partnership and equity ownership for the right long-term candidate
• Flexible core hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with reasonable flexibility and occasional work-from-home accommodations for personal or family needs
• Team bonding events held every few months and an annual holiday party
• Family-first culture with genuine investment in employee well-being

Work Environment and Culture This is a small, tight-knit team of approximately 8-10 professionals who genuinely enjoy working together. The office is collaborative by design - people stop by each other's offices, ask questions freely, and help without being asked. The founders have been in the business for over 30 years and are energized by the firm's next chapter of growth, with a strong emphasis on building the right infrastructure and empowering the team to have a real seat at the table.

The culture is family-first, community-oriented, and relationship-driven - both with clients and within the team. Team members celebrate milestones together, socialize outside of work, and genuinely care about each other's lives beyond the office. The firm is investing heavily in AI and technology to make advisors' lives easier, not harder, and is looking for someone who is excited to grow alongside the business for the long term.