This is not a typical entry-level job. This is an apprenticeship on an institutional trade desk.
For the ambitious graduate obsessed with market dynamics and driven to build a career in investment management, this is your starting line. Foundations Investment Advisors, a $10B AUM firm, is seeking a Junior Trader to execute trades and support the portfolio team from our Phoenix headquarters.
This role is for someone who thrives on discipline, precision, and the energy of the market open. You will not be getting coffee; you will be executing multi-asset trades, monitoring market-moving data, and learning the operational mechanics of a sophisticated investment platform.
The Value Proposition
- Target Compensation: $65,000 – $85,000+ Annually. This range reflects total first-year cash compensation, including a $60,000 – $75,000 base salary and a discretionary performance bonus target.
- Career Foundation: This is a direct path to a career in trading and portfolio management, with mentorship and support for pursuing the CFA designation.
- Institutional Exposure: You will gain hands-on experience at a $10B SEC-registered investment adviser, working directly with institutional-grade tools (Orion/Eclipse) and major custodians (Schwab, Fidelity).
What You Will Do: Outcomes & Responsibilities
- Execute with Precision: Manage and execute high-volume, multi-asset trades (equities, fixed income, futures) to ensure model integrity, rebalances, and cash-flow alignment.
- Become the Market Expert: Provide critical market intelligence by monitoring pre-open and intraday data, tracking macro releases, and identifying developments relevant to firm-wide model positioning.
- Master the Technology: Command the firm’s Order Management System (OMS) and trading platforms (Orion/Eclipse) to stage, route, and reconcile all orders, maintaining meticulous blotter accuracy.
- Drive Operational Excellence: Manage cash and sleeve-level details for household accounts, implement tax-aware rebalancing, and identify opportunities to streamline desk workflows.
- Be a Clear Communicator: Serve as a reliable internal partner, articulating model rationale and market conditions to colleagues with speed and precision.
The Profile We Are Seeking (Required)
- A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Finance, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
- An absolute commitment to being in-office and ready to perform at the 5:45 AM market-hours start.
- A genuine and demonstrable motivation to build a long-term career in investment trading and pursue the CFA designation.
- Exceptional attention to detail, composure under pressure, and a proactive, team-first attitude.
- Working knowledge of Order Management Systems (OMS) and portfolio reporting tools (e.g., Orion/Eclipse).
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior internship or work experience on a trading, operations, or portfolio management team.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivots, lookups, data analysis).
- Familiarity with advisor workflows and custodial platforms (Charles Schwab, Fidelity).
- Understanding of tax-aware rebalancing or direct indexing concepts.
About Foundations Investment Advisors
Foundations Investment Advisors is a $10B SEC-registered investment adviser (RIA) that partners with a nationwide network of financial advisors. We are not just a platform; we are an extension of their team, providing institutional-grade investment solutions, white-labeled planning, and a complete back-office that includes trading, transitions, and custodial support. Our mission is to help advisors scale their business and meet their fiduciary responsibilities through structure, strategy, and flawless execution.
Benefits & Perks
- 401(k) with a generous company match
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten paid holidays per year, plus birthday PTO
- Extensive team-building and company culture opportunities
This is a career-defining opportunity to build your foundation in institutional investment management. We are a selective firm seeking an exceptional candidate. If you have the drive, discipline, and attention to detail this role demands, we invite you to apply.
