An established private financial planning practice in Bellingham, Washington, is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Client Service & Operations Associate to help deliver an organized, responsive experience for clients and keep the office running smoothly. This is a central role in a small practice, working closely with the advisor and supporting approximately 135 client relationships through a structured meeting and service calendar.
The ideal candidate enjoys combining client service with hands-on administrative and operational work. Responsibilities will span front-office support, mail handling, scheduling, meeting preparation and follow-up, client records, new-account and application processing, and permitted transaction support. The practice has established templates and workflows and is continuing to strengthen its use of technology, automation, and AI-assisted tools.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a welcoming, professional point of contact for clients by phone, email, and in the office
- Manage incoming and outgoing mail, correspondence, document routing, scanning, and other essential office activities
- Coordinate client scheduling, calendar details, confirmations, and routine follow-up
- Prepare for client meetings by assembling materials, updating records, identifying missing information, and organizing advisor follow-up items
- Document meeting notes and next steps accurately in the client relationship management system using established templates and workflows
- Process new-account paperwork, client applications, insurance and annuity documentation, and other service requests accurately and promptly
- Support basic money movements and account transactions within the scope permitted for an unlicensed team member and established supervisory procedures
- Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential electronic client files and follow all practice, privacy, and regulatory procedures
- Monitor open tasks and service requests, communicate status updates, and help ensure commitments are completed on time
- Learn and use practice technology effectively, including client-management, document, meeting, workflow, and AI-assisted tools
- Partner with the current team member during a planned transition to learn client history, workflows, and day-to-day practice operations
- Identify practical opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and the overall client experience
Qualifications
- Two or more years of administrative, client-service, operations, banking, insurance, or financial-services experience preferred; strong recent graduates and candidates with relevant internships will also be considered
- College coursework or a degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, or a related field is helpful but not required
- Exceptional accuracy, organization, follow-through, and the ability to maintain focus while managing multiple priorities
- Warm, polished written and verbal communication skills and a genuine commitment to client service
- Reliability and the ability to work a consistent schedule of approximately 30 hours per week, primarily in the Bellingham office
- Sound judgment, discretion, and comfort working with confidential personal and financial information
- Ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, ask thoughtful questions, and collaborate closely in a small-team environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and confidence learning client relationship management, document-management, workflow, and other financial-services systems
- Comfort using technology and an interest in improving work through thoughtful use of automation and AI-supported tools
- Previous experience with new accounts, applications, money movement, insurance or annuity paperwork, or financial-services operations is a plus
- Financial-services licensing is not required. Interest in pursuing licensing or growing into an expanded client-service role is welcomed but not expected
- Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive hourly compensation of $24.00-$30.00, based on experience and qualifications
- Approximately 30 hours per week with a consistent schedule and flexibility in how the agreed weekly hours are arranged
- Paid time off and vacation benefits in accordance with the practice's written policy
- Paid holidays in accordance with the practice's holiday schedule
- Paid sick leave accrued in accordance with Washington law
- Structured training and transition support from an experienced team member
- Hands-on exposure to financial-planning practice operations, client service, and modern workflow technology
- Opportunity for long-term growth, including potential support for future financial-services licensing if aligned with the employee's goals and practice needs
This part-time position does not currently include employer-sponsored health insurance.