Sr. Onboarding Operations Specialist III

Kestra • Austin, TX

20h

About The Position

Kestra Financial is a wealth management platform dedicated to empowering independent financial professionals—including traditional and hybrid RIAs—to grow their businesses and deliver exceptional client service. We combine advanced business management technology with personalized consulting to provide unmatched scale, efficiency, and support. Our advisor-focused culture is built on innovation and advocacy, enabling advisors to offer comprehensive securities and investment advisory solutions to their clients
Lead with Purpose. Partner with Impact.
At Kestra Financial, we don’t just process accounts; we help financial advisors thrive by ensuring their operations run smoothly. Our service model is human-led, tech-enabled, and built on purpose: to help advisors deliver great outcomes for their clients. We want individuals who show up to serve, work together as one team, and do what it takes to make their success easier.
As a Senior Client Service Associate, you are a highly experienced and influential individual contributor within the Account Services department. You will be responsible for overseeing and resolving complex processing challenges related to client account setup, maintenance, and asset transfers, often acting as a primary point of escalation and subject matter expert across multiple processing areas. Beyond processing, you will play a critical role in mentoring colleagues, identifying and implementing process improvements, and ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional service to advisors and their staff via comprehensive support, including managing advanced phone and Salesforce cases. This role is ideal for someone who demonstrates profound functional knowledge, advanced problem-solving capabilities, and a strong commitment to leadership without formal supervisory duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Finance, Business Administration, etc.) preferred, or equivalent extensive industry experience.
• 3-7 years of progressive experience in brokerage/financial services operations and client support, with demonstrated expertise across multiple processing functions.
• Proven ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop effective, long-term solutions. Strong judgment and decision-making skills, even in ambiguous situations.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly, mediate challenging conversations, and influence outcomes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor less experienced team members, share knowledge, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Operates with significant independence, managing multiple priorities and projects with minimal oversight. Proactive in identifying potential issues and driving solutions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and expert-level command of relevant operational systems (e.g., AdvisorComplete®, LaserFiche, Salesforce).
• A relentless commitment to delivering exceptional client service and driving operational excellence, coupled with a deep understanding of advisor needs.
• Internal applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum of 1 year of service with Kestra.
• Internal applicants must also have a minimum of 1 year service in current role unless approved by EVP.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary subject matter expert across multiple account services processing areas (e.g., New Accounts, Maintenance, Transfer of Assets, Specialty Services), handling escalated and highly complex transactions and inquiries.
• Process intricate new accounts, incoming and outgoing transfers, direct rollovers, Periodic Investment Plans (PIPs), Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs), and special account features for both existing and transitioning firms, ensuring compliance with intricate requirements.
• Proactively identify and resolve Not-In-Good-Order (NIGO) issues, working directly with advisors and internal partners on complex solutions.
• Drive the resolution of unique or challenging account maintenance requests and transactional exceptions.
• Act as a senior point of contact for critical operational needs of all clients and their support staff, offering expert guidance and solutions.
• Manage high-priority phone and email queues, handling complex inquiries that require in-depth research and cross-functional coordination.
• Oversee and resolve complex Salesforce cases, leveraging advanced system knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Provide in-depth education and training to representatives and their assistants on complex operational procedures and AdvisorComplete® functionalities.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancements and efficiency gains, taking initiative to propose and implement solutions that improve departmental workflows and service quality.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior Client Service Specialists and Associates, sharing expertise and fostering their development.
• Lead small projects or initiatives focused on improving internal procedures, documentation, or training materials.
• Collaborate with Sales Supervision, Legal, Compliance, and other departments to resolve complex paperwork and operational issues.
• Champion departmental efforts to exceed processing standards and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, advocacy, and integrity.
• Analyze complex financial reports to identify discrepancies or trends impacting processing.
• Perform special projects and assignments requiring independent judgment and deep functional knowledge.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits with a large employer (over 1600 employees nationwide)
• 401(k), health insurance, and a competitive benefits package
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment committed to professional excellence
• Help clients navigate meaningful financial decisions with confidence
• Opportunities for training, development, and long-term growth within the firm
• Tuition reimbursement for qualified expenses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED