Business Transition Strategist

Fifth Third Bank; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fifth Third Bank seeks a Business Transition Senior Strategist to serve as the primary wealth planning expert for high-net-worth clients, with a focus on business owners and closely held entities undergoing ownership transitions.

You will collaborate with Wealth Management Advisors, Commercial Relationship Managers, and Investment Banking partners to craft integrated transition and wealth plans across pre- and post-transaction phases, aligning outcomes with estate and tax objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of experience in wealth planning, business advisory, investment banking, legal, accounting, or related professional services environment supporting business owners.
• Advanced knowledge of estate, tax, investment, and business transition planning concepts.

Responsibilities

• Partner with WMAs and One Bank to acquire and retain key client relationships.
• Lead discovery and planning for business transition and pre/post-transaction phases.
• Align transition plans with estate, tax, investment, and liquidity goals.
• Develop integrated wealth plans across estate, tax, investment, risk, and cash flow planning.
• Model financial and tax implications of transition scenarios.
• Coordinate client deliverables and presentations.
• Lead coordination with Wealth Management, Commercial, and Investment Banking teams.
• Educate partners and clients on transition strategies.

Skills

Wealth & Transition Planning

Client Advisory

Business Owner Advisory

Relationship Management

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Make banking a Fifth Third better®

We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Business Transition Senior Strategist serves as the primary wealth planning expert for high-net-worth clients and prospects, with a specialized focus on business owners and closely held entities navigating ownership transition events. This role partners closely with Wealth Management Advisors (WMAs), Commercial Relationship Managers, and Investment Banking partners to lead discovery, develop integrated wealth and business transition strategies, and support implementation across pre- and post-transaction phases.

The role contributes directly to client acquisition, retention, and overall client experience by delivering comprehensive planning solutions that align business transition outcomes with personal wealth, estate, and tax objectives.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Client & Prospect Engagement: Partner with WMAs and One Bank partners to acquire and retain key client relationships by delivering comprehensive wealth strategies, with a focus on business owners and transition opportunities.
• Business Transition Discovery & Planning: Work directly with business owners to assess transition readiness, identify key risks and opportunities, and develop customized transition strategies spanning pre- and post-transaction phases.
• Integrated Wealth & Business Strategy: Align business transition plans with personal wealth strategies, including estate planning, tax optimization, liquidity planning, and legacy goals.
• Wealth Planning Strategy: Lead development of integrated wealth plans across estate, tax, investment, risk, insurance, and cash flow planning disciplines.
• Research & Modeling: Identify planning opportunities and model financial and tax implications of business transition scenarios, including sale, transfer, or recapitalization strategies.
• Client Deliverables & Oversight: Coordinate preparation and review of client deliverables, including transition plans, financial models, and presentations.
• Strategy Implementation: Present recommendations and coordinate execution of transition and wealth planning strategies in partnership with internal and external advisors.
• Partnership & One Bank Coordination: Lead a coordinated team approach across Wealth Management, Commercial, and Investment Banking partners to deliver a seamless client experience.
• Thought Leadership & Education: Educate internal partners and clients on business transition strategies, trends, and considerations through presentations, materials, and external engagement.
• Leadership & Talent Development: Coach and mentor Analysts and Strategists to build capabilities in advanced planning and business transition advisory.
• Risk & Compliance: Operate within the Bank's risk framework and ensure adherence to policies and procedures while acting in the best interests of clients and colleagues.
• Other Duties: Performing other duties as assigned, adapting to new tasks or shifts in priorities as necessary to support your team's and the company's mission.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of experience in wealth planning, business advisory, investment banking, legal, accounting, or related professional services environment supporting business owners.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Wealth & Transition Planning Expertise: Advanced knowledge of estate, tax, investment, and business transition planning concepts.
• Client Advisory Skills: Strong consultative approach with excellent communication and presentation capabilities.
• Business Owner Advisory: Ability to advise on complex transition scenarios including sale, succession, and liquidity events.
• Relationship Management: Ability to collaborate and influence across a matrixed, team-based environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and financial modeling capabilities.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS:

• Professional Credentials: JD, CPA, CFP®, or equivalent credentials preferred.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect business transition outcomes with long-term wealth and legacy planning.
• Business Development Orientation: Demonstrated ability to contribute to pipeline development and growth initiatives.
• Influence & Communication: Ability to engage effectively with business owners, advisors, and senior partners.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of trends, market dynamics, and practices related to business transitions.

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