Operations Associate (Contract)

Job Description

Your Future Team

Highland is a rapidly growing wealth management company that specializes in helping clients maximize their opportunities in money and life. As Wealth Confidants we use our financial muscle, culture of caring and connection, and proprietary training and tools for the purpose of helping clients connect their wealth to a life of meaning and purpose in order to experience the joy of thriving.

The Operations Associate is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operational functions necessary to serve Highland's clients accurately, efficiently, and consistently. The role works closely with the Operations team and is primarily focused on custodial administration, trading support, account maintenance, data integrity, reporting, and other recurring operational processes.

A highly successful Operations Associate is dependable, highly accurate, responsive, and able to independently manage recurring responsibilities while identifying and resolving operational issues as they arise. The role is well suited for someone who enjoys detailed work, solving problems, working with systems and data, and becoming highly proficient in the operational functions of a wealth management firm.

What You’ll Do

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• Serve as a custodial liaison with Schwab and Fidelity, including account opening, account paperwork, transfers, account maintenance, and resolution of custodial issues.
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• Process and monitor client account transactions, including cash movements, journals, deposits, distributions, and other account-related requests.
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• Monitor accounts and operational workflows to identify incomplete items, exceptions, or issues requiring follow-up.
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• Maintain accurate client, household, and account data across Highland's CRM, portfolio management, custodial, and other operational systems.
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• Perform data reconciliation and quality-control procedures to maintain the accuracy and integrity of client and portfolio information.
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• Create and maintain recurring operational and client reports.
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• Support billing, performance reporting, and other recurring operational processes.
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• Communicate with clients regarding transactional and administrative matters, including documentation, account maintenance, transfers, and status updates.
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• Coordinate with Client Advisors and Client Service Associates to complete client-related operational requests accurately and timely.
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• Research and resolve operational issues involving custodians, systems, accounts, transactions, and client data.
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• Maintain organized and complete client and operational records in accordance with Highland's established procedures.
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• Follow established operating procedures and controls while identifying opportunities to make recurring processes more accurate, efficient, or reliable.
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• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of operational systems, workflows, and procedures.
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• Participate in operational projects and other duties as required.
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What You’ll Bring

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• 4-year degree or substantial relevant financial services experience
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• 0-3 years of operations or administrative experience, preferably within financial services
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• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning new technology systems
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• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
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• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage recurring responsibilities and deadlines
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• Resourceful problem solver with the ability to research issues and follow them through resolution
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills
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• Team-first mentality and willingness to support others
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• Dependable, responsive, and comfortable working within established processes
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• Desire to develop deep expertise in wealth management operations
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• This is a contract position paying $30-$40/hour (exact hourly rate will be dependent on experience) 
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Hightower’s Story

Founded in 2008, Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower’s capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their financial vision. Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., the firm operates as a registered investment advisor (RIA). 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Hightower is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related), gender identity or expression, genetic information including sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local law.

You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or possess other unrestricted U.S. work authorization and will not require sponsorship for U.S. work authorization now or anytime in the future.