Chief Operating Officer Full Time

Arkansas Talent Group’s Executive Search Division is exclusively working with one of the largest Wealth Management Groups in the state of Arkansas on a retained basis to find their next Chief Operating Officer (COO)!

This position will report directly to the President and be one of the only Executives in the company outside of the partner group. The position is becoming available due to a current COO that is gearing up for retirement at the end of the year.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees the firm’s daily operations, collaborating closely with the executive committee to manage administrative tasks essential for the firm’s success. Serving as a crucial link between the partner team, Human Resources, Internal Accounting, and professional staff. The COO plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future. This role requires motivation, dedication, a forward-thinking approach that embraces innovation, and the ability to provide strategic and professional support to empower the team to serve their clients effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Responsibilities:

• Oversight of accounting for the organization, COO will have a Controller that is a direct report to over see day-to-day accounting functions
• Financial reporting for internal purposes for ownership review monthly and quarterly Understanding of QuickBooks or similar software and financial structures of closely held businesses and regulatory environment desired
• Quarterly financial reporting to outside minority owner
• Liaison with outside CPA firm for 1099 reporting, annual income tax filings, and technical support as needed
• Oversee the budgeting and forecasting process by collaborating with President to develop realistic and achievable budgets and by identifying and addressing variances between actual and budgeted figures

Sales and Growth:

• Analyze and strategize initiatives the company should undertake to enhance its operations and facilitate scalability and growth within the business
• Organize regular team meetings, town halls, and updates to foster a connected and collaborative workplace
• Collaborate with the President to develop and implement strategic plans
• Development and management of Sales Operation for all wealth advisors (prior sales operations experience desired, but not required)

Human Resources:

• Lead and manage the HR department, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, company events and performance management

• Development and maintenance of an expanded Human Resource function
• Oversight and preparation of biweekly and monthly incentive compensation grids and payouts to producers under employment contracts, and quarterly bonus calculations for staff
• Manage and produce monthly distribution payments to owners
• Retirement plan management, including EPIC administration
• Day to day management of staffing levels, PTO time, supporting staff and advisor functions
• Standardize and enforce office procedures and systems between all office locations
• Recommend system revisions and implement new procedures as necessary

Information Technology:

• Oversight of IT infrastructure and coordination with outside service providers, including cyber security (technical IT background helpful but not required)
• Ensure all software systems are up-to-date and functioning properly

• Thinking about future software and CRM upgrades to improve functionality of the company

Other duties:

• Management of firm property & casualty insurance including property, professional liability, cyber coverage, and general liability
• Day to day management of office properties and infrastructure

Requirements:

• Bachelors in Business / Preferably higher- level education and credentials (MBA/JD and CPA/CFA/CFP)
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience required, at least 3 years of which include supervising multiple direct reports

• Strong track record as Operational Leader- (oversight in HR, Management, Compliance, IT, Employer Insurance, Facilities Management, 401k, PTO, Payroll, etc.)
• Proven track record of helping a company 2-3x their business model
• Executive Stature with Strong Soft Skills and compassion for employees
• Some Accounting Acumen, oversight of a P&L ; Proficient in Excel
• Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on achieving goals and meeting deadlines
• Strong networking, mentoring, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively both written and verbally to various stakeholders
• Strong organizational and management skills, with experience in overseeing office operations and facilities management
• Drive to contribute to a dynamic, collaborative team environment

This is a very rare and unique opportunity for someone to join a wonderful organization with a strong recognizable brand that has 3x their business model in the last 10 years and has huge growth plans! This is also an opportunity for someone to eventually step into the CEO role of the organization in the next 5 years!

Client is offering generous compensation, profit sharing, great benefits and 401k match, ample PTO, normal 40-hour work life balance, and so many other perks!

The client also offers nice offices in Little Rock, AR. COO MUST be in office, so this position REQUIRES the candidate to live in Central Arkansas. Client will only consider local candidates, or candidates that are willing to relocate to the area. Some travel will be required in this job as well, but will mainly be in-state.

For more information, please apply directly or send a copy of your resume for review to Chris Chunn or Stephanie Shine at chris.chunn@arkansastalentgroup.com or stephanie.shine@arkansastalentgroup.com

Arkansas Talent Group is an Executive Permanent Placement Recruitment Firm, all considerations will be held confidential.

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