Wealth Planner at Sunflower Bank NA – Irvine, California

At Sunflower Bank, N.A., we’re experiencing great growth. Since our founding in 1892, we've been committed to serving our communities and supporting the team members who make it all possible. As a full-service financial institution, we offer a full range of relationship-focused services to meet personal, business, and wealth-management financial objectives. Creating Possibility is not just our mission, it’s what we do every day for clients and associates. Learn more about Sunflower Bank, N.A. at sunflowerbank.com.

Sunflower Bank, N.A/First Foundation Advisors. is looking for an energetic, highly motivated individual to fill the position of a full-time Wealth Planner at the Irvine, CA location.

The salary range for this position is $78,000 to 113,000 depending on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and location.

Description:

The Wealth Planner is responsible for supporting comprehensive financial planning and advisory services to high-net-worth and affluent clients. This individual works collaboratively with Relationship Managers, Wealth Advisors, and other members of the Planning Team to deliver tailored wealth management solutions that align with clients’ financial goals, risk tolerance, and life priorities. The Wealth Planner may assist the Managing Director of Wealth Planning and other Senior Wealth Planners in all aspects of enhancing client relationships and growing the organization’s wealth management business.

Responsibilities:

• Employee is responsible for adherence to all compliance programs and the completion of all required and assigned training by established due dates.
• Understands and complies with the requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to the position.
• Conduct client discovery and gather financial data to support the development of personalized financial plans.
• Analyze client financial information (cash flow, investments, retirement goals, risk profile) and prepare planning summaries or recommendations for advisor review.
• Provide guidance to clients on foundational financial planning topics, such as budgeting, insurance needs, retirement readiness, and basic tax considerations.
• Prepare plan projections, scenario analyses, and modeling using approved financial planning software.
• Support Wealth Advisors and Senior Wealth Planners by identifying planning opportunities and proposing suitable strategies within firm guidelines.
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating client needs, prioritizing planning tasks, and determining appropriate planning pathways.
• Participate in client meetings to explain planning concepts, gather additional information, and address routine client questions.
• Collaborate with internal specialists (investment, trust, tax, banking) to coordinate planning recommendations and ensure holistic service delivery.
• Draft client deliverables, planning outlines, and follow-up communications with limited oversight.
• Monitor client progress and update financial plans as circumstances change, ensuring plans stay aligned with client objectives.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial planning regulations, tax law changes, and wealth management trends.
• Support business development by identifying cross-selling opportunities and preparing pre-meeting planning insights for prospective clients.
• Uphold compliance requirements and exercise discretion in handling confidential client information and sensitive financial decisions.
• Spot potential problems and opportunities.
• Perform the job in accordance with applicable industry laws and regulations as well as the policies and procedures established by the company.
• Responsible for upholding Fair and Responsible Banking practices and Code of Ethics and Conduct guidelines.
• Understand and participate in the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in wealth management, financial planning, investment advisory, or a related financial services role
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in Finance or Financial Planning) preferred but not required
• CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation preferred.
• Other relevant certifications such as CFA®, ChFC®, or CPA are a plus
• Demonstrated experience working with high-net-worth or mass-affluent clients preferred
• Proven ability to develop comprehensive financial plans, including investments, retirement, tax, estate, and risk management strategies
• Must be bondable.

Working Conditions

The physical demands of this position require the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees may spend extended periods sitting or standing, using hands to operate computers or other equipment, and reaching for work-related tasks. Regular walking may be required, along with occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, or climbing. The role may involve lifting or moving items weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Sunflower Bank Benefits

People choose to “bank” with us, but for those we serve, we’re more than a bank. We strive to be the financial backbone of their lives, and we know that starts with our team.

Our supportive culture empowers team members to grow and seize new opportunities. Like our namesake, the sunflower, we are:

• Rooted in Strength
• Propelled by Growth
• Individuals in a Great Whole
• Creating Possibility
• Community Focused

Associates enjoy outstanding benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan with 6% Match
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Plus many more associate perks & incentives!

If you qualify, apply online at www.sunflowerbank.com/careers.

You’ve never worked anyplace like Sunflower Bank!

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets

Sunflower Bank, N.A. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Open until filled; early application encouraged. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

If you are a California resident, you may be entitled to certain rights regarding your personal information, which is information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked with a particular California resident or household. Additional information about our data collection practices and location-specific notices is available on our privacy policy.