Client Operations Associate

Laffer Tengler Investments is a growing asset management firm. We are seeking a seasoned, client-centric operations professional to serve as the critical bridge between our trading and operations team and our client service/relationship management team. This role is essential to delivering seamless, white-glove service to ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and families, typically those with complex portfolios, multi-generational wealth, concentrated positions, alternative investments, trusts, and other sophisticated structures.

The ideal candidate combines deep operational expertise with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine client-first mindset. You will often translate complex operational realities into clear client outcomes, proactively resolve issues, improve cross-functional workflows, and ensure that operational excellence directly enhances the client experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison and escalation point between Operations and Client Service/Relationship Management teams for all UHNW client operational matters, ensuring timely, accurate, and discreet handling of requests.
• Lead and coordinate complex client onboarding and account maintenance processes for new and existing UHNW clients, including multi-entity/trust structures, multi-custodial relationships, funding, and documentation reviews.
• Oversee and execute or coordinate high-touch operational workflows such as asset transfers (ACATs), money movements (wires, journals, distributions), account maintenance, performance reporting, billing, and tax-related operational support.
• Monitor client accounts and operational queues proactively to identify potential issues, resolve discrepancies, and prevent client impact.
• Partner closely with portfolio managers, traders, compliance, and custodians to support client-specific needs while maintaining full regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key custodial partners and third-party providers to optimize service levels for sophisticated clients.
• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce friction between operations and client service, enhance scalability, and elevate the overall client experience (including opportunities for automation and better workflows).
• Provide operational subject-matter expertise and training to the Client Service team; participate in client meetings or calls as needed to support relationship managers with operational insights.
• Ensure data integrity across portfolio management systems (PMS), CRM, and client portals; support audit and compliance efforts related to client operations.
• Maintain the highest standards of discretion, accuracy, and professionalism in all client and internal interactions.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of progressive experience in wealth management or RIA operations and/or client service, with meaningful exposure to high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth clients and complex financial situations.
• Strong working knowledge of major custodial platforms (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Pershing) and portfolio management/reporting systems (e.g., Black Diamond, Advent/APX, Orion, or similar).
• Solid understanding of RIA compliance requirements, fiduciary standards, operational risk controls, and regulatory expectations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills — able to explain complex operational processes in clear, client-friendly language and build trust with sophisticated clients and internal teams.
• Outstanding attention to detail, organizational ability, and capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach focused on continuous improvement and client outcomes.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to strict client confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, Economics, or a related field required. Series 65, 7 and/or 66 (or willingness to obtain) and/or CFP® designation are strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience serving ultra-high-net-worth clients (e.g., $10M+ investable assets or complex multi-generational/family office-type relationships).
• Familiarity with alternative investments, private placements, concentrated stock positions, estate/trust coordination, and multi-custodial environments.
• Experience in a boutique or independent RIA setting.
• Project management or process improvement background (Lean/Six Sigma exposure is a plus).
• Proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce or equivalent) and advanced Excel/reporting tools.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation (base salary commensurate with experience + performance bonus).
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, retirement, PTO, etc.).
• Opportunity to work directly with sophisticated UHNW clients and a collaborative, high-performing team.
• A role with real impact — shaping processes and the client experience in a growing RIA environment.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Additional Requirements

• Full-time, in-office position located in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States
• No visa sponsorship available

This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of operational precision and high-touch client service and who takes pride in making complex things feel seamless for clients and who enjoys improving how teams work together.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience bridging operations and client service for sophisticated wealth clients.