Senior Client Operations Associate

Willis Johnson & Associates•Houston, TX

About The Position

Reporting to the Client Operations Manager, the Senior Client Operations Associate serves as a senior team lead within the Client Operations group. This individual is responsible for owning key client service workflows, supporting operational execution, and providing day-to-day guidance to junior team members and interns. This role is designed for a high-performing operations professional who demonstrates strong initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to drive consistent follow-through across client service processes. While this position is not currently a formal people manager role, it is expected to contribute to team leadership and may grow into expanded management responsibilities over time. Willis Johnson & Associates is a fast growing, award winning, wealth management firm specializing in corporate executives and professionals. They help clients optimize everything in their personal financial lives from compensation and benefit strategy to tax mitigation, from retirement planning to investments. They also have an in house CPA to provide tax preparation for their clients that need it. The firm operates on a straight fee-only financial planning and asset management model, with no product sales or commissions. They invest in their team by providing a competitive benefits package and supporting personal and professional growth, including incentivizing continued education and participation in educational conferences and events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Three or more years of experience in financial services industry required
Demonstrates excellent organizational, problem solving and communication skills in a highly collaborative team environment
Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and project management skills to drive progress of firm projects; ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality work
Strong technology skills, including MS Office (Excel), CRM and internal portal technology
Highly adaptive and responsive to changing needs and deadlines
Ability to establish structures, checks-and-balances, and maintain follow-up systems

Nice To Haves

Client service, administrative or operations experience at an RIA is preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as an escalation point for complex client operations issues, ensuring timely resolution and high service standards
Direct daily client operations activities including service requests, account maintenance, transfers, and onboarding workflows
Ensure all paperwork is accurate, complete, and in good order prior to custodian submission
Perform status checks throughout service and transfer processes, communicating proactively with advisors and internal teams
Serve as liaison between custodians, advisors, trading, and the investment team
Record all service tasks and workflow steps in the CRM to ensure accountability and timely follow-through
Maintain compliance awareness within service workflows and documentation standards
Support the design, implementation, and refinement of operational workflows related to onboarding, service paperwork, and client experience
Establish consistent structures, checks-and-balances, and follow-up systems to reduce errors and improve execution
Participate in regular review and continuous improvement of team processes and service standards
Provide training, coaching, and day-to-day support to Client Operations Specialists and Associates
Assist with onboarding and support of interns, ensuring consistent execution of core client service processes
Serve as a resource to the team by reinforcing best practices and operational consistency
Contribute to a culture of accountability, professionalism, and strong client service execution
Assist with initial resume review and first-round candidate screening for Client Operations and Residency-related hiring needs
Support recruiting coordination efforts as needed, including internship pipeline and outreach support

Benefits

Very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability/life insurance, 401(k), and PTO
Support personal and professional growth
Encourage and incentivize continued education for all employees and support their participation in educational conferences and events
Salary range: $75,000 - $105,000, plus discretionary performance bonuses paid out bi-annually
Total Compensation Range with Bonus = $86,000 - $132,000
401(k) plan with opportunity to earn up to 7% the first year and 10% with tenure
Best and brightest leaders will have opportunities to buy into and become owners in the firm over time
11 paid holidays and 15 PTO days to use at your discretion
Employer paid Health/Dental/Vision insurance premiums for individuals and families
Employer HSA contributions
Employer paid Life and Long-Term Disability