Client Services Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Client Service & Operations Associate

Firm: Sterling Wealth Advisors®, a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (mostly remote) Employment type: Full-time (40 hours/week) Reports to: Founder / Lead Advisor Compensation: $55,000-65,000 base salary plus benefits

About Us

Sterling Wealth Advisors® is a fee-only fiduciary firm specializing in financial planning, retirement planning, investment counseling, and tax strategy. We do not sell products or earn commissions; we work only for our clients, who pay us directly for objective advice. We help clients align their financial decisions with a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. We are a small, growing team that values accuracy, responsiveness, and genuinely caring for the people we serve.

Position Summary

The Client Service & Operations Associate is often the first point of contact for our clients and the operational backbone of the firm. This person makes sure every client interaction is warm and professional, and that every account, transfer, and back-office process runs accurately and on time. It is a hybrid role, about half client-facing service and half back office operations, and it suits someone who enjoys both people and process. As the firm grows, this position can develop into an Operations Manager or Paraplanner role.

Key Responsibilities

Client Service

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for client phone calls, emails, and requests, responding promptly and professionally
• Schedule and prepare for client meetings, then attend to take notes and track action items
• Screen prospective clients using our scorecard, then onboard new clients
• Process client requests such as distributions, contributions, address changes, and beneficiary updates
• Update client financial plans in MoneyGuidePro, generate reports, and help conduct account reviews
• Guide clients over Zoom through tasks such as funding HSAs, enrolling in Medicare or Social Security, allocating 401(k)s and HSAs, freezing credit, and using their secure portal
• Maintain accurate and complete client, prospect, and vendor records in the CRM
• Support client appreciation, including monthly birthday cards mailed to arrive on each client's birthday, birthday calls or emails, and Christmas cards

Operations

• Open and close Schwab accounts and process custodial paperwork
• Initiate and track ACATS transfers, rollovers, and money movement, resolving issues until they are complete
• Code client transactions
• Ensure Pontera and Advyzon are integrated each week
• Set up and monitor systematic withdrawals, RMDs, and recurring contributions
• Help with quarterly advisory fee billing and reconciliation
• Maintain the firm's technology stack, including CRM, portfolio management, planning, and document management software
• Create and improve written procedures and workflows for operational tasks
• Handle general office administration, vendor relationships, and supply management

Qualifications

Required

• Working knowledge of account types, including IRAs, Roth IRAs, trusts, joint accounts, and 529 plans
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a polished and friendly demeanor
• Tech savvy, with strong Excel and Word skills and the ability to learn new software quickly
• Basic knowledge of Form 1040 individual tax returns
• High integrity and discretion with confidential client information
• Client-service oriented, proactive team player with a passion for financial planning and continuous growth
• College degree, preferably in financial planning, finance, or a related field

Preferred

• 2+ years working with Schwab (opening accounts, transferring assets, wires, etc.)
• Familiarity with Advyzon, MoneyGuidePro, Holistiplan, DocuSign, and wealth.com
• Series 65 license, or willingness to obtain one (the firm will sponsor and pay exam costs)
• Interest in growing toward a CFP® or ChFC designation or a paraplanning career
• Lives within 30 minutes of Broward Blvd. and University Dr. in Broward County

What Success Looks Like

• Clients receive responses within one business day and feel well cared for
• New accounts and transfers are completed accurately and efficiently
• Billing and recordkeeping are clean and audit-ready
• Operational processes are documented, so the firm can grow with confidence
• Daily work is prioritized and deadlines are consistently met

Benefits

• $55,000-65,000 base salary
• 5 weeks of PTO (including holidays)
• Sponsored licensing and continuing education, including the Series 65, CFP®, CFA®, EA, ChFC and CKA® designations
• Mentorship from Elizabeth Barrett, CFP®, CKA®, MA in Counseling Psychology, with a unique perspective on financial planning and behavioral finance
• Strong work-life balance: spring and fall are client-focused, while summers are typically quieter and devoted to internal projects
• Clear path for professional growth in a fiduciary firm

Sterling Wealth Advisors® is a fee-only fiduciary firm specializing in financial planning, retirement planning, investment counseling, and tax strategy. We do not sell products or earn commissions; we work only for our clients, who pay us directly for objective advice. We help clients align their financial decisions with a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. We are a small, growing team that values accuracy, responsiveness, and genuinely caring for the people we serve.

Company Description

Sterling Wealth Advisors® is a fee-only fiduciary firm specializing in financial planning, retirement planning, investment counseling, and tax strategy. We do not sell products or earn commissions; we work only for our clients, who pay us directly for objective advice. We help clients align their financial decisions with a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. We are a small, growing team that values accuracy, responsiveness, and genuinely caring for the people we serve.