Investment Operations Manager

Who We Are

Willis Johnson & Associates is a fast-growing wealth management firm where operational excellence plays a critical role in delivering a consistent and high-quality client experience. Our clients rely on us not only for thoughtful financial advice but for reliable systems, precise execution, and seamless coordination behind the scenes.

We work quickly, manage a high volume of client relationships, and maintain a high bar for accuracy and responsiveness. Our operations team plays a central role in ensuring the investment platform functions smoothly, allowing advisors and portfolio managers to focus on serving clients.

If you enjoy building systems, improving processes, and solving complex operational challenges in a fast-paced environment, you will thrive here.

If you prefer highly siloed roles or environments where operational improvement and innovation are limited, this will not be the right fit.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Investment Operations Manager to lead the operational infrastructure supporting the firm’s investment platform.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Operations, this role oversees the daily execution and long-term improvement of investment operations, including trading workflows, portfolio accounting, reconciliation, billing, investment data management, and custodial coordination.

This leader manages the Investment Operations team and serves as the operational bridge between the Investment Committee, Wealth Management advisors, custodians, and internal operations teams. The role is responsible for ensuring operational reliability while continuously improving systems, processes, and controls that support the firm’s continued growth.

This role is ideal for a candidate who enjoys building scalable systems, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams in a fast-growing wealth management environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Series 65 required or willingness to obtain within the first 60 days
• 5–8 years of experience in investment operations or wealth management
• Experience supervising and mentoring operations staff
• Strong understanding of trading workflows, portfolio accounting, reconciliation, and billing processes
• Experience working with custodians such as Fidelity or Schwab
• Familiarity with portfolio management platforms such as Orion
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  
  

Preferred (not required):

• CFA, CIPM, CFP, or similar industry designation
• Experience working in a growing RIA or institutional investment platform
  
  

Investment Operations Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day execution of the firm’s investment operations function
• Supervise Investment Operations Associates and Specialists, ensuring accurate and timely workflow execution
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members
• Balance workloads and manage operational priorities across the team
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues
  
  

Trading & Portfolio Operations

• Oversee execution of daily trading workflows across custodians
• Ensure trades are implemented in accordance with portfolio models and client account guidelines
• Monitor account drift, cash balances, and portfolio allocations
• Coordinate closely with Portfolio Managers and Investment Analysts on portfolio implementation
• Oversee resolution of trade errors, corrections, and custodian exceptions
  
  

Reconciliation & Operational Controls

• Oversee daily and monthly reconciliation processes between custodians and portfolio accounting systems
• Ensure discrepancies are identified and resolved promptly
• Monitor operational risk and implement controls to ensure data accuracy and trade integrity
• Maintain operational documentation and process controls
  
  

Performance Reporting & Data Quality

• Oversee preparation and reconciliation of portfolio and model performance reporting, including maintenance of firm-wide reporting standards and oversight of GIPS-compliant monthly performance analysis
• Ensure investment data accuracy across custodians, portfolio accounting systems, and CRM platforms
• Review monthly reporting outputs and resolve discrepancies
• Support preparation of materials for Investment Committee meetings
  
  

Billing Oversight

• Oversee quarterly asset-based billing processes
• Review fee calculations and ensure billing accuracy
• Coordinate with Wealth Management teams to resolve billing exceptions
  
  

Custodian & Platform Coordination

• Serve as the primary operational contact with custodians such as Fidelity or Schwab
• Manage trade processing issues, reconciliation inquiries, and service escalations
• Oversee administration of investment operations systems such as Orion and ByAllAccounts
• Ensure integrations between custodial platforms, portfolio systems, and CRM systems remain accurate and functional
  
  

Process Improvement & Operational Scaling

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, automation, and reporting accuracy
• Support implementation of new operational systems and technology tools
• Maintain documentation of operational workflows and procedures
• Assist leadership with operational capacity planning as the firm continues to grow
• Support onboarding of new custodians, platforms, and investment capabilities
  
  

Compliance & Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner with Compliance to ensure adherence to trading policies, regulatory recordkeeping, and operational best practices
• Assist with audit requests and regulatory inquiries related to investment operations
• Collaborate with Wealth Management teams to resolve complex operational client issues
  
  

Technology Environment

Our investment operations team works with a range of industry platforms including:

• Orion Portfolio Solutions
• ByAllAccounts account aggregation software
• Custodial trading and reporting platforms (e.g., Fidelity Wealthscape, Schwab Advisor Center)
• CRM systems and internal operational reporting tools
• Microsoft 365 and Excel-based reconciliation and reporting workflows
  
  

This role oversees the reliability, integration, and operational effectiveness of these systems as the firm continues to grow.

Why Join Us

• A collaborative, high-performing team with strong values and vision
• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and specialization
• Meaningful work supporting the delivery of exceptional client service
• An environment that rewards initiative, accountability, and operational excellence
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 – $130,000 depending on experience
• Eligible for a 15% – 30% discretionary bonus based on performance
• 401(k) plan with firm contributions of up to 7% in the first year and up to 10% with tenure
• 11 paid holidays and 15 PTO days to use at your discretion
• Employer-paid Health, Dental, and Vision insurance premiums for individuals and families
• Employer HSA contributions
• Employer-paid Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
• High-performing team members may have the opportunity to participate in firm ownership over time
  
  

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