Job Description
Global, solidly-established, investment manager looking for an experienced IRA & Retirement professional to join its Retirement Team as the Head of Retirement & IRA Services. In this role, you will oversee approximately 12,000 IRA/Retirement Accounts totaling nearly $10 billion in Assets within the Private Wealth Management (PWM) Business. As the firm’s “IRA Champion,” you will take ownership of all IRA-related processes, ensuring exceptional client service, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. The role requires a combination of deep technical expertise in IRA regulations, exceptional client and advisor-facing skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to drive innovation and process improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced certifications (e.g., CFP, CEBS, JD, or similar) preferred.
- Ten Plus (10+) years of experience in IRA or Retirement Services, with a strong understanding of IRA Structures, Tax Law, and
Regulatory Requirements
- Familiarity with trusts, estate planning, and tax implications related to IRAs.
- Experience with ERISA plans is a plus.
- Previous experience at a wire house (e.g., Fidelity, Merrill Lynch, UBS) or managing a large IRA book of business is highly desirable.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong and comprehensive knowledge of IRA Laws, Regulations, and Processes, with the ability to think like a T&E (Trusts & Estates) Attorney when addressing complex beneficiary scenarios.
- Exceptional client service skills with the ability to partner effectively with Advisors, high-net-worth clients, accountants, and attorneys.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead calls, Zooms, and in-person meetings with various stakeholders.
- Highly independent and proactive, with the ability to work autonomously while building strong relationships across the organization.
- Proven track record of identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery and operational excellence.
- Strong ability to collaborate with internal teams (Operations, Legal, Compliance, Financial Planning) and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Client and Advisor Support
- Serve as the primary point of contact (“IRA hotline”) for Advisors and Portfolio Management teams, addressing questions on regulations, beneficiary designations, and client-specific inquiries.
- Educate Advisors, new employees, and internal teams on IRA-related topics, regulatory updates, and industry trends.
- Partner with Advisors and their clients (including accountants and attorneys) to address complex IRA-related matters, providing consultative support.
- Review and assist with beneficiary questions, offering technical guidance on trusts, tax implications, and compliance requirements.
Operational Oversight and Process Management
- Oversee IRA services provided by NFS/Fidelity, identifying areas for improvement and driving process enhancements.
- Review and approve beneficiary changes, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and risk mitigation.
- Analyze the impact of tax law and regulatory changes on Retirement Operations processes and implement necessary adjustments.
- Resolve escalated issues, unusual items, and errors to maintain service quality and operational efficiency.
Regulatory Oversight and Compliance
- Monitor and interpret changes in tax laws and regulations (IRS, DOL) impacting IRA accounts, ensuring compliance and minimizing fiduciary risk.
- Communicate regulatory updates and their implications to Advisors, Operations, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain and update critical IRA documentation, including Adoption Agreements, Beneficiary Agreements, and Disclosure Statements.
- Lead internal audits related to IRA accounts, ensuring adherence to best practices and identifying areas for improvement.
Strategic Leadership and Thought Leadership
- Develop innovative strategies to improve IRA-related processes, client service, and risk management.
- Drive initiatives such as client webinars, whitepapers, and collaboration with the financial planning team and trust and estate attorneys.
- Act as a trusted partner to Advisors, helping integrate IRA expertise into broader wealth planning strategies.
- Proactively bring forward ideas to elevate the role, improve processes, and ensure scalability and operational efficiency.