Operations Associate

Aston Carter•City of Albany, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Associate plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations and client service functions of a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). This position partners closely with the Head of Operations to ensure accurate execution of account activity, exceptional client service, and strict adherence to regulatory and internal process standards. It offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional with a background in accounting, finance, or business who is detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, regulated financial environment.

Requirements

1 to 3 years of experience in financial services, accounting operations, banking, or wealth management support.
Experience or exposure to transactional processing, financial documentation, or client account operations.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
Strong transaction processing skills with a focus on accuracy and timeliness.
Ability to work effectively in a regulated or highly detail-oriented environment.
Experience with client support in a professional services or financial setting.
Proficiency in accounting-related tasks such as journal entries, reconciliations, reporting, fixed asset tracking, general ledger work, accounts receivable, and invoicing.
Familiarity with month-end processes and staff accounting responsibilities.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data and economic information.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, for reporting and analysis.
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for client and internal interactions.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or similar wealth management firm.
Exposure to custodial platforms such as Schwab, Fidelity, and Interactive Brokers.
Familiarity with Salesforce CRM or similar client relationship management systems.
Experience with performance reporting and operational reporting in a financial services context.
Exposure to audit processes or working with auditors.
background or coursework in economics or financial analysis.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small team environment and collaborate across functions.
Interest in developing a long-term career in operations within the wealth management or financial services industry.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for administrative client requests, delivering professional, high-touch service and timely responses.
Process money movement requests, including wires, ACH transactions, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), ensuring accuracy and compliance with firm and regulatory guidelines.
Manage end-to-end client onboarding by preparing account opening paperwork, coordinating with custodians, and tracking asset transfers through completion.
Maintain client accounts by processing updates such as address changes, beneficiary designations, and other account modifications in a timely and accurate manner.
Support advisors with client meeting preparation, including gathering account information, reports, and documentation, and manage post-meeting follow-up tasks.
Assist with client communications, including drafting and coordinating outreach, and support the planning and logistics for firm events.
Act as a liaison between the firm and custodial platforms such as Schwab, Fidelity, and Interactive Brokers to resolve operational issues and facilitate account activity.
Monitor account openings and transfers, identify Not In Good Order (NIGO) items, and work proactively to resolve them with custodians and clients.
Maintain accurate and compliant client records within Salesforce CRM, ensuring data integrity and proper documentation of client interactions and transactions.
Assist with quarterly billing reports, including data gathering, review, and preparation of invoices or billing summaries.
Support performance reporting and general operational reporting by compiling data, validating accuracy, and preparing reports for internal and client use.
Ensure all operational activities align with SEC, FINRA, and internal compliance guidelines, escalating issues as appropriate.
Contribute to continuous improvement of operational processes by identifying efficiencies, documenting procedures, and supporting implementation of best practices.