Client & Custodian Data Management Senior Associate

We’re seeking a Senior Associate, Client & Custodian Data Management to play a hands-on role supporting custodian operations and leading merger and acquisition migration projects.

Reporting directly to the Principal of Custodian and Client Data Management, this role is well suited for someone who thinks in systems, is technically fluent, and is comfortable representing the team in front of stakeholders across the firm. This position combines day-to-day custodian operations with project leadership, systems thinking, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration.

The successful candidate will have the curiosity to understand how the firm operates end-to-end and the initiative to independently research, solve, and communicate solutions to complex operational challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

Migration & Project Leadership Serve as a primary point of contact on merger and practice migration projects, including onboarding newly acquired teams and liftouts onto Cerity Partners’ custodial and data infrastructure. Lead project calls independently from initiation through completion and step in to lead when the assigned lead is unavailable.

Independently manage cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders, priorities, and deadlines. Custodian Operations & Account Management Manage day-to-day custodian operations across Schwab, Fidelity, Pershing, and other platforms, including account setup, data feed troubleshooting, and platform-specific workflows.

Manage custodian user permissions, including onboarding, offboarding, and ongoing maintenance of access and entitlements. Navigate new account opening workflows, including nuances introduced by SMA managers, options and margin requirements, and complex account types such as trusts and other legal entities.

Know where to find the appropriate information or subject matter expert when working through unfamiliar or complex account requirements. Systems & Data Management Develop a strong understanding of how actions within custodian platforms affect downstream systems, including Orion and Salesforce, and proactively account for those impacts.

Diagnose and resolve issues with data feed configurations between custodians and portfolio accounting/reporting systems. Understand how breakdowns within one system can impact connected systems and processes and work to identify and resolve the underlying issue.

Interpret requests from advisors, colleagues, and stakeholders accurately, including requests that may not initially be framed in precise technical terms, and identify the underlying business need. Collaboration, Documentation & Training Partner with Compliance, Operations, Advisor Services, and other internal teams to resolve issues arising during migrations or ongoing account servicing.

Contribute to internal documentation, process improvement, and training materials related to custodian workflows and migration procedures. Deliver updates, findings, or training content to groups ranging from 5–20 people to larger firmwide audiences. Serve as a knowledgeable and collaborative resource to colleagues and stakeholders across the firm.

Ideal Candidate Profile – “Our Casting Call!” Skills & Competencies: Presentation skills: Comfortable leading calls and presenting to groups of 5–20 people; experience with larger audiences is a plus. Project leadership: Demonstrated ability to independently manage cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

Curiosity: Genuine interest in learning how the firm operates end-to-end rather than viewing the role narrowly. Systems thinking: Able to trace how a change in one area affects connected systems and processes, including custodian-to-reporting-system data architecture. Technology aptitude: Quick to learn new systems and platforms and comfortable working across multiple technology environments.

Problem-solving: Strong listening skills and the ability to identify what is actually needed from a request, even when it is not stated in precise technical terms. Self-starter mindset: Willingness to independently research unfamiliar questions before bringing findings back for confirmation or discussion.

Platform experience: Experience with Schwab, Fidelity, and/or Pershing is a plus; Orion and Addepar experience is also a plus. Organization: Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer Compensation Range: $80,000 - $120,000 Why Cerity Partners: Our people drive our success by working together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Below is a glimpse of the key elements of our total rewards package: Health, dental, and vision insurance – day 1! 401(k) savings and investment plan options with 4% match Flexible PTO policy Parental Leave Financial assistance for advanced education and professional designations
• Opportunity to give back time to local communities
• Commuter benefits Cerity Partners is committed to providing an environment where all individuals can be their authentic selves. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who respects each individual and supports the diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences of our colleagues. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Cerity Partners is committed to working with and providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities or special needs. For those needing accommodations, please reach out to careers@ceritypartners.com. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Ultimately, outstanding wealth management is about people and relationships. Our people are the nucleus of Cerity Partners. Each colleague brings unique expertise, commitment and knowledge to the firm and it is by working together that we achieve our mission to have a positive impact on the financial well-being of our clients, colleagues and communities. Our people drive our success by working together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We truly care about what we do. Introduce yourself to our Talent Acquisition Team and we'll be in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match for your skill set. Cerity Partners is one of the nation’s leading independent financial advisory firms. We serve high-net-worth individuals & their families, businesses, & their employees, and nonprofit organizations from our offices across the country. Our in-house specialists of tax advisors, financial planners, investment professionals, & retirement plan consultants are passionate about and committed to providing financial advice & oversight. At Cerity Partners, we believe in the long view. We work with clients who appreciate our comprehensive and sustained approach to wealth management. We don’t just look for short-term gains, we seek long-term growth. We have the same approach to our people. We look for experienced and credentialed wealth management colleagues who can keep pace with us. We manage over $190 billion in assets under management for our clients. We are routinely recognized as a Top RIA Firm by Barron’s Advisor, Newsweek, USA Today, and more. The driving factor of our accelerated growth is our people. Located throughout the U.S., our teams consist of specialists who are helpful, knowledgeable, sincere, and have the perseverance and capability to go the extra mile for our clients. We consider our firm a community that works together to serve one common goal: Finding diverse solutions to suit diverse financial needs.