Client Services Associate

William Blair; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

William Blair seeks a Client Relationship Associate to support and strengthen relationships with small and mid-size clients. You will act as a trusted contact, deliver exceptional service, and coordinate relationship management activities, resolving moderately complex inquiries while supporting client needs.

The role requires 3–5 years of portfolio administration and a Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting or Business, plus licenses or initiation within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or Business.
• 3–5 years portfolio administration experience.
• SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 (or Series 63 and Series 65) licenses required or must be obtained within 90 days of start.
• Commits to satisfying internal and external customers.
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Perform client service duties associated with the maintenance of client portfolios, with special focus on moderately complex transactions.
• Support client relationship goals by handling projects with initiative, accuracy and a sense of urgency.
• Work with internal groups on accounting tasks such as verifying cash flows and reporting responsibilities.
• Interact daily with client organizations and respond to inquiries from custodians and clients.
• Prepare materials for client review meetings.
• Additional responsibilities as requested.

Skills

Client service

Portfolio administration

Relationship management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or Business

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.

Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.

As a Client Relationship Associate, you will play a key role in supporting and strengthening William Blair’s relationships with small and mid‑sized clients. You will serve as a trusted point of contact, delivering exceptional client service while helping to coordinate relationship management activities, resolve moderately complex inquiries, and support client needs. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with clients, produce meaningful reports and communications, and contribute to a high-quality client experience through proactive follow‑up, responsiveness, and professional relationship management. The ideal candidate is service‑oriented, detail‑focused, and committed to building strong client partnerships.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Perform client service duties associated with the maintenance of client portfolios, with special focus on moderately complex transactions and issues.
• Support client relationship goals by handling projects with initiative, accuracy and a sense of urgency.
• Work with administrative group, Client Services, Portfolio Specialists and other internal groups on general accounting tasks such as verifying cash flows and reporting responsibilities. Provide timely and accurate documentation and reporting.
• Interact on a daily basis with client organizations. Address inquiries from custodians and clients, such as answering questions, running client reports, including client meeting books and performing specific research and/or investigations into operational issues.
• Prepare materials for client review meetings.
• Additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business required
• 3-5 years of portfolio administration experience with an investment management firm, custodian or investment management consultant required
• SIE Exam, Series 7 and Series 66 (or Series 63 and Series 65) licenses required or must be obtained within 90 days of start
• Commits to satisfying internal and external customers
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize tasks
• Delivers clear, effective communication and takes responsibility for understanding others
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Accustomed to working in a fast‑paced, team oriented environment
• Works cooperatively with others to accomplish objectives
• Utilizes independent thought and judgment

#LI-HK1

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.

This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission‑based incentives.

Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long‑term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.

Salary Range

$65,000—$85,000 USD

About Our Firm

William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem‑solving abilities that our clients expect. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com.

William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v