Position Overview:
The Advisor Onboarding Transition Specialist ensures a seamless transition for newly recruited advisors during their first four months at Cerity Partners. This role manages client data migration, system setup, training coordination, and operational integration—serving as the primary liaison between new advisors and centralized service teams.
This is a high-touch role that calls for steady, confident support for incoming advisors. This person will work closely with senior stakeholders and requires someone to be comfortable leading from an operational expert role while taking a consultative, collaborative approach.
The scope of this role is expected to flex with the volume and timing of advisor liftouts. During periods of lower liftout activity, this person may pivot to support broader M&A integration work, including regular mergers and other transition-related projects outside the core advisor onboarding workflow. Candidates should be comfortable with a role whose day-to-day focus shifts based on deal flow rather than following a fixed, static scope.
Key Responsibilities:
Client Data Migration & System Setup
Handle custodial paperwork and new-account setup processes for clients transitioning onto CP's platform
Manage client data input into Salesforce CRM and coordinate account setup in Orion portfolio management system
Verify data integrity across all systems and resolve discrepancies with technology and operations teams
Maintain detailed documentation of all client migration activities and system configurations
Advisor Onboarding & Training Coordination
Develop and execute customized onboarding plans tailored to each advisor's background and book of business
Schedule and coordinate training sessions covering services, procedures, compliance, technology platforms, and internal resources
Facilitate introductions to key internal stakeholders across portfolio management, trading, compliance, and technology
Track onboarding milestones and proactively address gaps throughout the 4-month transition period
Administrative Support & Transition Management
Serve as primary advisor contact for questions, troubleshooting, and issue escalation
Coordinate logistics including technology setup, office space, business cards, and marketing materials
At the 4-month mark, conduct comprehensive handoffs with detailed transition documentation and warm introductions to centralized support teams
Act as a liaison with our custodian service and transition teams to troubleshoot client issues with account openings and asset transfers as they arise.
Work Environment & Travel:
This role requires travel to advisor locations to support in-person onboarding. CP aims to provide 30 days' notice, but turnaround can be shorter given the nature of acquisition timing. Candidates should go in with eyes open about this and be comfortable with a flexible, sometimes fast-moving travel schedule.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field; or equivalent work experience
3–5 years of experience in financial services operations, client onboarding, or project coordination
Proficiency with CRM and portfolio management systems; experience with Salesforce and/or Orion strongly preferred
Experience with custodial paperwork and new client account setup
Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent onboarding projects
Strong written/verbal communication, detail orientation, and customer service aptitude
An operational mindset — someone who enjoys the paperwork and process side of the job, not just the relationship side
Comfort operating with ambiguity; able to problem-solve independently
Working understanding of project management fundamentals
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting wealth management or RIA practices through mergers and acquisitions
Experience working with executive-level stakeholders in change management environments
Knowledge of financial advisory compliance…