Principal Financial Planner – Succession Track

Own Your Future. Lead the Legacy.

An award-winning independent wealth management practice is seeking a Principal Financial Planner who’s ready to step beyond production and into practice leadership and ownership.

The founder is planning retirement within 3–5 years. This is your opportunity to inherit a respected, growth-minded firm, steward multi-generational client relationships, and lead a team that delivers Clarity, Confidence, and Contentment in financial planning.

What You’ll Do

• Lead comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth and legacy-focused families.

• Manage and deepen an established book of business with immediate earnings potential.

• Guide strategic direction of the firm, progressively assuming operational and leadership responsibility.

• Mentor junior advisors and strengthen team culture.

• Drive growth through referrals, COI partnerships, and community presence.

• Deliver on the firm’s value proposition—clients come to us for clarity and wise stewardship, not just transactions.

Your Profile

• Experience: 5+ years in financial planning/advisory roles; CFP® required. APMA®, CKA®, CFA® a plus.

• Production: Proven $500K+ in annual revenue with strong client retention.

• Leadership: Mentors peers, develops junior staff, and thrives in collaborative service models.

• Referral Growth: Generates serial referrals by building unique expertise and relationships, without needing to “do it all” themselves.

• Alignment: Values integrity, stewardship, and long-term client impact. Comfortable within a faith-shaped, service-first culture.

• Location: Regional roots preferred (residence, education, or relocation to the area).

Compensation & Ownership Path

Immediate Compensation

• Base Salary: $178,000 – $303,000 (based on experience & credentials)

• Performance Bonus: Up to $75,000 annually.

• 40% New Revenue Bonus: On new client revenue (after BD expenses), payable at 12 or 18 months.

Wealth-Building Incentives

• Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR): Initial discretionary grant—vesting tied to leadership and future contributions.

• Equity Growth Incentive (EGI): 150% multiplier on sourced client revenue, applied as discount toward first equity buy-in (up to 50% off).

  • Example: $300k recurring revenue = $450k equity discount.

Ownership Track

• Succession Timeline: 3–5 years to full ownership transition (structured buyout with seller financing).

• Employment Agreement: Clients belong to firm; revenue tracked for bonus. If advisor exits, client repurchase is at below-market multiple vs. 3.5x industry standard.

Why This Firm?

• Legacy Practice: Multi-million-dollar enterprise value, long-standing reputation for excellence.

• Faith-Rooted Culture: Serving clients of all backgrounds through a stewardship lens—valuing clarity, integrity, and generosity.

• Proven Team Excellence: High client satisfaction, repeat referrals, strong COI partnerships.

• Path to Ownership: Real succession plan, not a vague promise.

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia (Community with strong academic, civic, and philanthropic networks).

Apply Now

If you’re a seasoned advisor seeking leadership, legacy, and ownership, this practice is ready to invest in your future. Succession planning requires the right fit—don’t wait.

Principal Financial Planner – Succession Track Position

ArkWise Wealth | Charlottesville, VA
A Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Are You Ready to Lead Your Own Practice?

Tired of waiting for advancement opportunities that may never come? ArkWise Wealth, an award-winning Ameriprise practice in Charlottesville, VA, is seeking an experienced Principal Financial Planner who wants to transition from employee to owner without the risks of starting from scratch.

The Opportunity

This is not just another advisor position—this is your path to practice ownership. Our founding advisor is planning retirement within the next 3-5 years and seeks a dynamic successor to continue our legacy of exceptional client service and growth.

What You’ll Do

• Lead comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth clients using our proven C3Navigator process
• Manage and grow an established book of business with immediate earning potential
• Take progressive ownership of firm operations, client relationships, and strategic direction
• Mentor junior advisors and build your own team
• Drive business development through referrals and community engagement
• Implement our valuation-driven investment philosophy across client portfolios

Your Background

Currently at Ameriprise? Perfect. We want someone who:

• Has 5+ years as a financial planner/advisor, preferably with Ameriprise
• Holds CFP®, CFA, or equivalent professional designations
• Located in Virginia or willing to relocate to the Charlottesville area
• Feels limited by current advancement opportunities in their existing practice
• Demonstrates $500K+ in annual production and strong client retention
• Seeks true leadership responsibility and entrepreneurial control

Why Make the Move?

Immediate Impact & Compensation:

• Base salary: $150,000 – $180,000
• Performance bonuses: Up to $75,000 annually
• Succession timeline: 3-5 years to full ownership
• Established client base: Hit the ground running with existing relationships
• Award-winning reputation: Ameriprise Client Experience Award recipient

Long-term Wealth Building:

• Practice valuation: Multi-million dollar enterprise value
• Financing assistance: Structured buyout with seller financing options
• Growth potential: Expand an already successful practice
• Legacy building: Your name, your vision, your success

Our Values & Culture

At ArkWise Wealth, we believe in providing clarity, confidence, and contentment in our clients’ financial affairs. We’re committed to wise life stewardship and building lasting relationships that span generations.

Ready to stop waiting and start leading?
If you’re an accomplished Ameriprise advisor who wants to own their future, we want to hear from you. This opportunity won’t wait—succession planning requires the right fit and proper transition time.
Contact: [Contact Information]
Location: 908 E Jefferson St, Suite 201, Charlottesville, VA 22902
ArkWise Wealth is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.