VP Operations CALA

The Position of Vice President - Operations is focused on providing exceptional service to the financial advisors, broker dealers, and registered investment advisors distributing the firm's products. This role will be responsible for supporting all aspects of our corporate or operational efforts surrounding our product line that include, but may not be limited to, non-traded alternatives and redeemable preferred stock offerings. This is a leadership role working directly in support of Senior Leadership, third-party vendors, external clients, clearing/firm intermediary clients across all product offerings. The individual will play a key role in identifying, leading, developing and improving projects and/or processes proactively or in reaction to operational inefficiencies, technological advancements, a changing regulatory environment, varied distribution channels, the competitive landscape and customer service initiatives thereby improving financial results and/or reducing risk to Ashford Securities.

 

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Understand, support, and drive the organization's mission, vision, strategy, culture, goals, and objectives.
• Serves as a member of the leadership team in developing short- and long-term goals and initiatives to achieve strategic vision.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the broader business issues, risk considerations, and goals essential for selecting and planning new projects that improve the client experience.
• Responsible for coordinating the daily operational work and providing a point of escalation for teams, collaborating across the organization to implement and improve workflows, operational in nature.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to minimize risk and ensure sound operational processes exist and are accurately documented.
• Lead critical vendor relationships, including but not limited to relationship management and timely invoice reconciliation and payment,.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with operational contacts at external clearing firms and intermediaries critical to the capital raise process.
• Creates and implements workflows that bring scale, efficiency, and a positive client experience.
• Evaluates, manages, and documents custom client requests such as exceptions to policy and unique client processes.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver actionable analysis, high quality reporting, and operational excellence, as applicable.
• Drive awareness and adoption of standardized fundraising processes and lead efforts to improve operational efficiency through ongoing system and business process enhancements.
• Support the design, implementation and training of new functionality and related business processes; provide thought leadership and input to ensure that enhancements align to product vision while meeting needs of the business.

• Coordinate with the various third parties (internal teams, escrow agent, transfer agent, clearing agent) and internal departments on the reconciliation process, including but not limited to, new business, sales commissions, shareholders admittance, redemptions.
• Understand and balance concerns of advisors, the operational capabilities of the transfer agent and clearing firms, and fund policies and procedures in the issue resolution process; research and provide explanations on curing items and/or system issues and propose improvements and solutions to avoid new issues.
• Review and maintain departmental policies and procedures. Make recommendations for workflow/system improvements and implement, as necessary.
• Taking a leadership role in managing projects and initiatives impacting distribution, accounting, marketing, legal, compliance, as well as external vendor partners.
• Consistently maintain a knowledge of our business, regulatory and market environment, new product lines, product features, distribution channels, etc.
• Perform other related duties, as applicable.

 

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; major in business administration or finance preferred.
• 5-7+ years Financial Services experience preferred
• 2+ years project management and/or operational experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel
• Experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Prior experience in an office environment required.
• Exceptional written, verbal and phone skills
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• High standards for accuracy and quality
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing projects with finite resources.
• Ability to identify existing and potential problems and develop detailed and carefully thought-out solutions.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team structure and with other internal departments.
• Strong business acumen and demonstrated proficiency in general business disciplines.

• Ability to synthesize and present complex information in a way that ensures understanding.
• Ability to operate and manage comfortably and effectively in a fast-paced, highly matrixed environment.
• Ability to identify and lead process improvement while operating within established guidelines.

Competencies:

• Character: Exhibits integrity, professionalism, practical judgment, positive attitude, exhibits perseverance, mental toughness and initiative in the face of problems and challenges; must be able to take direction and accept constructive criticism.
• Interpersonal Confidence: Strong interpersonal skills; can effectively communicate and relate to all levels within and outside the organization; creates and builds positive and productive relationships.
• Results Oriented: Drives the team and the organization for results that improve performance; able to make timely or planned decisions appropriate to the circumstances or situation.
• Managing Processes: Ability to manage appropriate steps to get projects completed; has strong abilities to organize people and processes.
• Teamwork: Must be able to work independently and be self-directed, yet work as a member of a team; willing to put firm's objectives ahead of individual goals
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are necessary; excellent listening skills required
• Organizational Ability: Can manage people and resources to prioritize and get projects completed; has a strong ability to multi-task and keep order.