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Explore a Career at Vertex Planning Partners

Our team reflects our values: integrity, client first, consistent and purposeful. We believe in doing the right thing, always striving for the highest standards in our services and recommendations. Do you believe you’re a fit?

Current Positions Available

Below are the positions we are actively recruiting. To apply, please send your cover letter/resume and specify which position you would like to be considered for in your email to in**@ve************.com.

Financial Advisor

Working closely with clients to develop wealth management strategies that combine professional investment management and personalized financial planning.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Vertex Planning Partners’ Financial Advisors work closely with their clients to develop wealth management strategies that combine professional investment management and personalized financial planning.

Our financial advisors have a proven track record of offering financial advice to handle larger and more complex portfolios and provide every client with comprehensive and sophisticated, individualized financial planning and investment advice. They are committed to guiding decision-making for portfolio management, estate planning, tax minimization, risk management, budgeting, generational wealth education, charitable giving, socially responsible investing, asset purchases, and sales. As members of our advisory team, our financial advisors take on leadership roles. They are involved in business development and strategic planning, keeping Vertex Planning Partners at the top of the industry.

 

Client Relationship Management

  • Focuses on maintaining and enhancing relationships with existing clients, handling more extensive and complex portfolios, and financial situations.
  • Meet with clients to determine their financial objectives, risk tolerance, income, expenses, and assets.
  • Monitors each client’s accounts to determine if changes are needed to improve financial performance or to accommodate life changes such as getting married, having children, education, large purchases, etc.
  • Advises clients on investment strategies and portfolio management to optimize returns and minimize risks. Offers strategic advice on products and services such as investments, insurance and liability coverage, and debt management tools.
  • Educates clients and answers questions about investment options, potential risks, and plans for unexpected circumstances.
    Financial Planning
  • Support the creation of financial plans tailored to clients’ needs and goals.
  • Analyze client financial status, including cash flow, savings, and investments.
  • Recommend appropriate financial products and services based on client profiles.

 

Administrative Tasks

  • Schedule and coordinate client meetings.
  • Prepare meeting materials, presentations, and follow-up documentation.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in CRM systems.

 

Market Research and Analysis

  • Conduct research on financial products, market trends, and investment opportunities.
  • Provide senior advisors with relevant data to inform their recommendations.
  • Monitor economic news and updates to support investment strategies.
    Compliance and Continuing Education
  • Ensure adherence to industry regulations and firm policies.
  • Stay updated on financial regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Pursue continuing education and relevant certifications.

 

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
  • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) designation required.
  • Six to ten years of financial planning experience.
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Understanding of financial planning concepts and investment strategies.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Eagerness to learn and develop in the financial advisory field

 

Compensation & Professional Development

Vertex Planning Partners, LLC offers competitive compensation packages including:

  • Base salary range: $90,000 – $150,000 annually
  • Discretionary bonuses tied to client retention metrics and intergenerational planning success rates

The salary range is a good-faith estimate of base pay. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC provides a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life and accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

 

Work Environment

This hybrid role combines Vertex’s Downers Grove headquarters collaboration days with remote work. The candidate must be open to light, potential client-facing travel.

To apply please send cover letter and resume to in**@ve************.com

Senior Wealth Advisor

Serving as the primary steward for Vertex's most substantial client relationships, delivering integrated wealth management services that align with each family's unique values, legacy goals, and financial objectives.

SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR

Vertex Planning Partners, an independent wealth management firm specializing in generational wealth solutions and holistic financial planning, seeks an experienced Senior Wealth Advisor & Trust Strategist to manage complex client relationships. This role requires extensive knowledge of fiduciary responsibilities, complex estate planning, and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies within a collaborative advisory framework.

 

Position Overview

The Senior Wealth Advisor & Trust Strategist serves as the primary steward for Vertex’s most substantial client relationships, delivering integrated wealth management services that align with each family’s unique values, legacy goals, and financial objectives. The role requires mastery of fiduciary law, tax-advantaged estate structures, and behavioral finance principles to guide intergenerational wealth transitions while maintaining Vertex’s standards of client advocacy and technical excellence.

 

Core Responsibilities

Relationship Stewardship & Strategic Advisory

  • Create comprehensive wealth roadmaps through Vertex’s proprietary PATH™ process, synthesizing investment management, philanthropic strategies, and business succession plans into unified action plans
  • Conduct in-depth discovery sessions to identify hidden family dynamics, unarticulated goals, and latent risk exposures across multiple generations
  • Coordinate with Vertex’s tax optimization specialists and external legal counsel to implement advanced estate planning and gifting strategies

Enterprise Collaboration & Leadership

  • Mentor junior advisory teams through structured shadowing programs
  • Represent Vertex in strategic partnerships with boutique law firms and multi-family offices to expand referral networks

 

Professional Qualifications

  • 10+ years progressive experience managing large complex relationships within RIA, Trust Bank, or multi-family office environments
  • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) designation required and Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification are a plus
  • JD or LLM with concentration in estate planning is a plus

 

Compensation & Professional Development

Vertex Planning Partners, LLC offers competitive compensation packages including:

  • Base salary range: $165,000 – $275,000 annually
  • Discretionary bonuses tied to client retention metrics and intergenerational planning success rates

The salary range is a good-faith estimate of base pay. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC provides a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life and accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

 

Work Environment

This hybrid role combines Vertex’s Downers Grove headquarters collaboration days with remote work. The candidate must be open to light, potential client-facing travel.

To apply please send cover letter and resume to in**@ve************.com

Associate Financial Advisor

Entry-level position ideal for supporting senior financial advisors by assisting with client management, financial planning, and administrative tasks.

ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ADVISOR (Entry Level)

Vertex Planning Partners’ financial advisors work closely with their clients to strategically optimize their profitability and minimize debt expenses by developing wealth management strategies and long-term financial practices that increase future wealth, provide a balanced combination of professional investment management, and personalized financial planning. As an integral member of the advisory team, our financial advisors provide financial planning and investment advice to their clients ranging in age and wealth, and other aspects to fully realize their financial situation and requirements.

Vertex’s Associated Financial Advisors supports our senior financial advisors by assisting with client management, financial planning, and administrative tasks. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals looking to start a career in financial advisory services and gain valuable experience in the industry.

Client Relationship Management 

  • Assist in developing and maintaining client relationships.
  • Prepare and review financial plans, investment strategies, and retirement plans.
  • Conduct initial client assessments and gather relevant financial information.

Financial Planning

  • Support the creation of financial plans tailored to clients’ needs and goals.
  • Analyze client financial status including cash flow, savings, and investments.
  • Recommend appropriate financial products and services based on client profiles.

Administrative Tasks

  • Schedule and coordinate client meetings.
  • Prepare meeting materials, presentations, and follow-up documentation.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in CRM systems.

Market Research and Analysis

  • Conduct research on financial products, market trends, and investment opportunities.
  • Provide senior advisors with relevant data to inform their recommendations.
  • Monitor economic news and updates to support investment strategies.

 Compliance and Continuing Education

  • Ensure adherence to industry regulations and firm policies.
  • Stay updated on financial regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Pursue continuing education and relevant certifications.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
  • Relevant licenses (e.g., Series 7, Series 66) or willingness to obtain them.
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Understanding of financial planning concepts and investment strategies.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Eagerness to learn and develop in the financial advisory field.

Compensation & Professional Development

Vertex Planning Partners, LLC offers competitive compensation packages including:

  • Base salary range: $65,000 – $80,000 annually
  • Discretionary bonuses tied to client retention metrics and intergenerational planning success rates

The salary range is a good-faith estimate of base pay. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC provides a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life and accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Environment

This hybrid role combines Vertex’s Downers Grove headquarters collaboration days with remote work. The candidate must be open to light, potential client-facing travel.

 

To apply please send cover letter and resume to in**@ve************.com

Client Service Associate

Providing administrative and operational support to Vertex Planning Partners’ financial advisors ensuring a high level of client satisfaction and efficient day-to-day operations.

CLIENT SERVICE ASSOCIATE

The Client Service Associate provides administrative and operational support to Vertex Planning Partners’ financial advisors ensuring a high level of client satisfaction and efficient day-to-day operations. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, high attention to detail, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional client service.

 

Client Service

  • The primary point of contact for clients to address inquiries and assist with account related requests, including but not limited to: opening new brokerage accounts, facilitating account transfers, money movement, and account updates. Ensure all necessary documentation and materials are prepared and processed accurately and in a timely fashion.
  • Foster strong trusting relationships with clients reinforcing Vertex Planning Partners as a credible long-term advisory firm for their financial service needs.
  • Schedule and coordinate client meetings, and manage advisor’s calendar.

Administration

 Manage and maintain client records ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in Salesforce ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

  • Open new brokerage and advisory accounts for various client types including, but not limited to, individual, joint, retirement, trust, and corporate accounts.
  • Prepare and process various forms, applications, and documentation required for client accounts and transactions.
  • Manage calendars, organize files, and handle correspondence for financial advisors.
  • Monitor, follow up and track client account activities, ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.
  • Process and facilitate money movements including wires, ACHs, journals, DTC, ACAT and non-ACAT transfers, etc.

Operations

  • Support financial advisors in day-to-day operations including administration, operational tasks, client service, internal projects, client-related projects, manage calendars, correspondence, file maintenance, maintain accurate records of client communications and transactions, and keep clients’ data current such as contact information, beneficiaries, estate documentation, trusts etc.
  • Monitor and track client account activities and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
  • Annually updates RMD Payments (Required Minimum Distributions)
    • Adhere to high standards of business and professional ethics and legal and regulatory requirements when serving clients and prospects, and while performing all work-related activities.
  • Ensure all client interactions and transactions comply with industry regulations and company policies.

Collaboration

 Work closely with financial advisors and other team members to ensure a seamless client experience.

  • Work with custodians, broker-dealers, and other financial institutions to facilitate transactions and resolve issues.
    • Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas to improve processes and client service.
    • Provide training and support to others as needed.

 

Skills and Competencies

  • High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Inquisitive and able to pick up new skills, knowledge and capabilities quickly
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt to change with ease.
  • Able to problem solve and critically think through operational tasks and client service needs.
  • Detail oriented with strong organizational skills able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills adhering to procedures and documentation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Salesforce, OnceHub, Slack and eMoney. And ability to learn new software when implemented.
  • Ability to function in fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Client-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering outstanding service.
  • Positive attitude, team player, and proactive problem-solver.

To apply please send cover letter and resume to in**@ve************.com

Finding THE Perfect Match

At Vertex Planning Partners, we believe in a synergy of values and vision. It’s crucial that our team members align with our culture of integrity, client-first approach, and innovative thinking.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Email your cover letter and resume using the button below and a member of our hiring team will contact you to take the next step.

Contact Us

3000 Woodcreek Drive,
Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515

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Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Vertex Planning Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Vertex Planning Partners, LLC is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

© 2024 Vertex Partners. All rights reserved.

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Connect

Connecting with Vertex Planning Partners is your first step towards a tailored financial future. Reach out to discuss guidance that aligns with your unique financial goals and aspirations.

Connect With Us

Schedule a meeting with a  Vertex Planning Partner Advisor who will answer any questions you might have. 

p: 630.836.3300 – e: in**@ve************.com

We’re here to help. Email or call us and speak with a Vertex Planning Partner Advisor who will answer any questions you might have: 630.836.3300 or in**@ve************.com

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Peter M. Babilla, CFP®, CRPS®

PARTNER

Peter Babilla brings 40 years of experience in investment management and fiduciary* financial consulting to Vertex Planning Partners, LLC.

Pete graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance.

He began his career in 1983 with a focus on institutional fixed-income portfolio management, primarily working with community banks. After a decade serving institutional clients, Pete shifted his focus to working with individuals, families and business owners, providing guidance and education in all areas of Wealth Management.  Among his areas of focus are accumulation and retirement planning, investment management, risk management, and estate and wealth transfer.

Pete’s planning philosophy allows him to create a personalized program for clients, based on their own unique goals and circumstances.  The extensive investment and planning platform offered by Vertex enables him to create a highly customized program, tailored to each individual client.

Pete and his wife Suzanne have two children, and have resided in Wheaton, Illinois for the past 30 years.  He enjoys golf, reading, and traveling with his family.  Pete gives back as a past Board Member of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, where his focus is on improving the lives of those living with epilepsy.

Pete works as fiduciary for his clients and holds the CERTIFIED FIANANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) designation.

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JUSTIN J. D'AGOSTINO, CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, AIF®

PARTNER

Justin D’Agostino joined Vertex Partners in 2019 and serves a select group of business owners and affluent families. He specializes in investments, financial planning, and succession planning. His interest and knowledge in providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services to clients was sparked when he worked at a boutique tax and wealth management firm in Michigan. He has nine years of experience in the financial services industry, and his mission is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and to help them implement customized strategies designed to move them closer to accomplishing their unique goals.

Justin attended Hillsdale College where he earned his BA in Accounting and Financial Management and was a member and captain of the football team. Justin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, holds the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ designations.

Justin and his wife, Alexandra, reside in Chicago, Illinois. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys golfing, playing soccer and spending summer weekends with his family.

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Scott A. Sandee CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA

MANAGING PARTNER

Scott Sandee brings over 20 years of experience as Managing Partner. He is responsible for leading the firm’s efforts in assisting middle-market business owners and seven and eight-figure families to plan and realize financial goals based on their unique aspirations and situations.

With a privately held family business background, Scott has helped owners prepare for and execute a successful transition. In addition, he works with business owners and their advisors to develop financial strategies to maximize sales proceeds and minimize future taxes.

Before joining Vertex, Scott served in financial planning and investment strategy roles at Oxford Financial Group, Capital Group, and The Northern Trust Company, working with Chicago’s HNW/UHNW families clients.

Scott holds the Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor designations. Scott earned his B.S. in Computer Science from Northern Illinois University, and his family resides in Wilmette, IL.

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Julie Hupp CFP®, MBA

PARTNER

Julie Hupp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has worked in the accounting and corporate finance field since 1987. She began her career as a CPA with Deloitte & Touche, specializing in the financial needs of small businesses. Then spent the next 13 years in corporate financial planning and business development at Baxter and TAP Pharmaceuticals. Recognizing her passion for personal financial planning, Julie started her business in 2006 where she focuses on comprehensive financial planning strategies and implementation.

Julie graduated from University of Illinois with a BS in Accountancy. She received her Master’s in Management with a concentration in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1994.

Outside the office, Julie is the co-founder of the 12 Oaks Foundation, which has merged with Cal’s Angels, and is a former Board member. Julie enjoys cooking, reading, running, triathlons and doing almost anything outdoors. A great weekend is spending time with her husband and two adult kids boating at their lake house in Wisconsin.

Steven P. Franzen, CPA, PFS, CGMA

MANAGING PARTNER

Steven P. Franzen, CPA, PFS, CGMA is a public accountant and consultant with more than 23 years of experience helping individuals and businesses reduce their tax liability.  He began his career under the guidance of Patrick M. De Sio, CPA, CGMA and in 1996 became Mr. De Sio’s partner in De Sio, Franzen & Associates, Ltd. Steve’s expertise include entity design, complex tax strategies and multigenerational wealth transfer.  As Managing Partner, Steve conducts his practice under the philosophy that the client’s investment in their CPA should yield a return on that investment – most of the time that return is realized when working with clients on planning for their future. In an effort to increase the planning capabilities of the firm,  Steve formed Vertex Accounting Partners, LLC to ensure their guiding philosophy will continue well into the future.

Steve is a certified public accountant and has earned the professional designations of Personal Financial Specialist and Chartered Global Management Accountant.  He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.  Steve earned a B.S. degree in accounting from Millikin University.  He and his wife Kristie live in Sugar Grove, IL with their three children.

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Gregory P. Benner, CPWA®, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®, RMA®

MANAGING PARTNER

Gregory P. Benner, CPWA®, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, AIF®, RMA® has over twenty-two years of experience as a financial advisor. Greg’s practice is based on developing holistic financial plans that help his clients integrate sophisticated retirement, tax, risk management and estate planning strategies into an actionable plan, then stay the course as their behavioral coach.

Prior to founding Vertex Planning Partners, LLC, Greg spent four years as a founding partner of a Registered Investment Advisory firm affiliated with LPL Financial. He also spent seven years with JPMorgan Chase as a Senior Financial Advisor and was a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Life.

Greg holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certificant. He also holds the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, and Retirement Management AdvisorSM designations. He earned a B.S. in Finance from Miami University.

He and his wife Lindsey reside in Naperville, IL with their daughter and twin sons.

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Michael D. Bellis, CFP®, CLU®

MANAGING PARTNER

Michael D. Bellis, CFP®, CLU® began his career as a financial planning professional in 1994. His practice is centered on holistic financial planning, astute risk management strategies and empirical, research-driven portfolio construction. He began his career in partnership with his father under the name Bellis & Associates. Together, their practice and reputation for excellence dates back more than 40 years and includes multiple generations of the same families. After his father’s retirement several years ago, Mike continued to build a client-centric, consultative practice before forming Vertex.

Mike holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and is also a Chartered Life Underwriter. He has been an active member of both the Society of Financial Services Professionals and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He earned a B.S. in Business & Marketing from Illinois State University. Mike is a lifelong resident of Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife Tanja have three children.

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