Abacus Wealth Partners interview questions

I knew about Abacus for a while, having done my homework on the field of fee-only financial planning firms nationwide. I knew that Abacus has 50% female advisors (when industry average is 23%), I knew that Abacus is a B Corp (look it up) and has been one since the concept began. I knew that Abacus walks the talk in terms of values, charitable giving and impact investing. I knew that Abacus has amazing employee benefits (maternity/paternity leave, time off, etc.). I knew that Abacus actually does care about centering client relationships and being rooted in real financial planning. I knew that an opportunity to work as an 'apprentice' (Associate) in this field - in an actually structured path - is incredibly rare. At every turn throughout the interview process, the Abacus staff was friendly, warm and professional, and not afraid to show their unique personality. The interview process: A structured, multi-step process that took place over 3-ish months (and two coasts). The first step was a 30 minute call with HR, where the overall process was clearly laid out. The second step was an exercise in showing if you have basic listening and writing skills. Then came a 60 minute video call broken into two segments with 2 interviewers on each half of the call. Next was an in -person meeting/interview with the hiring office, and finally an in-person meeting with headquarters. Since I was briefed on all the steps on the front end, I was prepared and aware of where I was in the process at all times.

The interview process was extremely frustrating. It started a brief phone interview with HR, which was quick and simple. Two weeks later I hear back and they request that I complete a case study. Essentially, you watch a client meeting and write up notes and a follow up email to the client as if you were the assistant in the meeting. I thought I was well prepared and had great feedback. I didn't hear back for over three weeks, but I was asked to move on in the interview process. Next was a "technical" interview with a team from a different office. The advisors asked an assortment of financial planning questions (i.e. max contribution to a SEP IRA, above the line deductions, etc). Again, I thought things went well. This time, I waited over another three weeks. I tried to contact HR during this time, but the HR rep took a vacation during the interview process. After nearly a month, they contacted me to tell me they were not moving forward. Abacus seems like a great place to work. Unfortunately the interview process will make you pull your hair out. Mine lasted about 2 months, with only about 30 minutes of facetime during that period with the interviewing team. If I were to offer advice to Abacus, make these interviews more of a priority. I am fortunate that I am happily employed elsewhere, I simply thought Abacus might be a great fit for my career. Other applicants might be unemployed or unhappy in their current roles and will not be willing to wait 2+ months to get feedback.