Overview At Community Financial System, Inc. (CFSI), we are dedicated to providing our customers with friendly, personalized, high-quality financial services and products. Our retail division, Community Bank, N.A., operates more than 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont and Western Massachusetts. Beyond retail banking, we also offer commercial banking, wealth management, investment management, insurance and risk management, and benefit plan administration.

Just as our employees are committed to helping our customers manage their finances, we’re committed to our employees. After all, they make it happen for our customers every day.

To ensure our people can enjoy long and successful careers here at CFSI, we offer competitive compensation, great benefits, and professional development and advancement opportunities. As an equal-opportunity workplace and affirmative-action employer, we celebrate and support a diverse workplace for the benefit of all: our employees, customers and communities.

Responsibilities This position can be based out of one of our major site locations, including Syracuse, Oneida, Rochester or Buffalo New York, as well as Scranton or Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania, or Williston or Burlington Vermont. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Financial Planning Director to lead our financial planning division and drive comprehensive financial strategies for our clients and the firm. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in financial planning, investment management, tax strategies, estate planning, and regulatory compliance. This role requires strong analytical skills, business acumen, and a proven ability to deliver financial planning solutions to clients alongside our Financial Consultants.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership: Lead the financial planning segment for the firm, setting goals, developing processes, and driving excellence in client service Collaborate with senior leadership to shape and execute long-term financial planning initiatives for the firm and its clients Client Advisory & Oversight: Serve as the senior financial planning resource for clients, ensuring comprehensive financial plans are tailored to meet their goals Oversee complex financial plans, including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, risk management, and investment analysis. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all financial planning activities adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies Keep abreast of changes in financial laws and regulations and advise the team accordingly Business Development Support: Partner with Financial Consultants to drive financial planning adoption and penetration among existing client base and ensure financial planning is a key part of new client onboarding process Contribute to proposal development, client presentations, and strategic partnerships as needed Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to policies, procedures, and internal controls, and meet all training requirements in a timely manner

Qualifications REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (MBA or Master's preferred) Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation required; additional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) are a plus Experience using financial planning software at an advanced level, eMoney experience/proficiency preferred Minimum of 10 years of experience in financial planning or wealth management Proven experience working with high-net-worth individuals and complex financial situations Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building capabilities High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism Job Comfortable working in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment High level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and professionalism Expert knowledge of basic personal computer, MS Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet applications Experience with CRM platforms Familiarity with virtual communication tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) Team player with the ability to collaborate with others Goal oriented, self-motivated and results driven Commitment to excellence and a high level of integrity