Operations Associate

Merit Financial Advisors • Alpharetta, GA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Associate will support the field of wealth managers and client service team members nationwide. Being a vital part of headquarters operations, this position will maintain proficient operational workflows for all employees nationwide.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
• A minimum of 2+ years in operations for a wealth management firm.
• Excellent knowledge of the securities industry’s rules & regulations
• Ability to take initiative, solve challenges and handle multiple tasks.
• Proficient computer skills (ability to access email and the Internet) and proficiencies in Outlook, Word, and Salesforce
• Experienced and highly skilled with Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding teamwork and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Promptly resolve and / or escalate problems / discrepancies within established timelines.
• Clearly document all occurrences and exceptions for future reference
• Request new rep code creation with custodians and monitor data to ensure completion
• Establish login access and entitlements on custodian and operational technology platforms (Fidelity, Schwab, PKS, SEI, Orion, CAIS, etc.)
• Serve as an administrator for key technology systems
• Manage user access, onboarding, and off-boarding for employees
• Collaborating with Merit Team members to answer and solve operational questions and escalations with Merit’s operational & custodial platforms
• Establish and maintain internal service level agreements (SLAs) ensuring quality control and adherence to firm policies and procedures
• Execute account movements between advisors within all data systems (Custodian, Orion, Salesforce and sponsor companies).
• Process alternative investment orders through centralized account opening team using CAIS Alternative Investment platform
• Collaborate with advisors and operations team members on data discrepancies, resolve issues, and perform reconciliation on cross functional systems (custodians vs. Orion vs. Salesforce)
• Cross-train in support of other areas of Operations as needed
• Maintain precise records and audit trails for all processed transactions
• Prioritize workload effectively to meet deadlines in a high-volume processing environment
• Collaborate with internal partners to clarify requests and facilitate timely resolution
• Continuously monitor for risk and escalate potential compliance issues when identified
• Apply strong attention to detail to minimize errors and uphold data integrity across systems
• Provide timely and accurate status updates within contact management and workflow systems.
• Make outbound phone calls to financial professionals as needed to resolve issues and communicate status updates.
• Maintain a strong understanding of firm processes and policies.
• Act as back‑up support to co‑workers by cross‑training on all department functions and demonstrating flexibility during periods of increased workflow.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Respond to questions regarding accounts, products, services, and procedures or route to the appropriate department from our ticketing portal.
• Research and resolve issues efficiently, escalating complex matters as needed
• Document all interactions accurately in internal systems
• Work closely with internal teams to resolve inquiries and improve service delivery
• Contribute to a positive team environment and customer-focused culture
• Research and resolve issues quickly, accurately, and with appropriate urgency.
• Communicate regularly with internal and external contacts to resolve issues, confirm information, and provide status updates.
• Maintain and update internal workflow templates to ensure consistency and efficiency across the firm
• Support ongoing operational projects and firm initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and streamline internal operations
• Maintain system data integrity and support ongoing system organization
• Work with the Sr. Operations Manager, VP of Operations and COO as projects in the department are initiated
• Develop relationships with the Client Service team members and leadership

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life & Personal Accident Insurance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA) or Dependent Care FSA
• 401(k) Plan with company matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree