Managing Wealth Advisory Director: Strategy and Operations

CLA is currently seeking a Managing Wealth Advisory Director: Strategy and Operations.   

Why This Role Matters

The next era of wealth at CLA is being built right now—and this role is at the center of it. As our Managing Director, you will be stepping into a transformative leadership opportunity that shapes how we serve clients, grow markets, and elevate the entire Wealth platform.

Our firm is on a multi‑year journey to scale the Wealth Advisory practice with intention, discipline, and heart. This role is a catalyst: connecting vision to execution, strategy to people, and clients to the full power of the CLA platform. If you are energized by growth, inspired by developing exceptional talent, and eager to leave a lasting mark on a business poised for expansion—this is your arena.

What Makes the CLA Platform Distinctive

A Truly Integrated Enterprise

Unlike traditional RIAs, CLA’s Wealth Advisory practice is embedded into one of the largest professional services firms in the country. This creates:

• Seamless cross‑service collaboration with tax, assurance, valuation, outsourcing, and consulting.

• A deeper bench of technical expertise to support complex client needs.

• A unique advantage in the market—clients trust CLA Wealth Advisory because we are true advisors to or clients that can deliver seamless tax and wealth planning and execution.

A Strategic Growth Mandate

You are joining a practice with bold ambitions: accelerating expansion, advancing advisor talent pathways, modernizing our WealthTech and investment platforms, and reimagining how we show up for clients. Leadership is aligned, the plan is in motion, and your region will be a cornerstone of this next chapter. Your role is critical in ensuring wealth advisors are capturing the market potential and serving clients with the highest quality standards.

A Culture That Believes Leaders Are Multipliers

At CLA, we don’t hire leaders to supervise—we hire them to inspire, elevate capability, cultivate belonging, and unlock opportunity for advisors and clients alike.

How You Will Shape the Future of Wealth at CLA

You will oversee our Wealth Advisory operational infrastructure, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and excellence in client service. This role is critical in driving organizational growth, operational discipline, and alignment with the firm’s fiduciary mission. Specifically, you will contribute to our growth in the following areas:

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Chief Wealth Officer and executive team to define and execute the firm’s vision and long-term strategy.

• Translate strategic goals into operational plans and measurable outcomes.

• Serve as a key advisor on organizational structure, growth initiatives, and risk management.

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations across all business units, including client service, technology, and advisor support.

• Implement systems, processes, and controls to ensure efficiency and scalability.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and client experience.

Talent & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop operational teams.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and fiduciary responsibility.

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization.

Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the CFO to monitor financial performance, budgets, and resource allocation.

• Ensure operational decisions support profitability and sustainable growth.

• Identify opportunities to optimize cost structures without compromising client service.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to SEC, FINRA, and state regulatory requirements.

• Oversee firm-wide risk management practices, including cybersecurity and business continuity.

• Maintain the highest ethical standards and promote fiduciary responsibility.

Technology & Innovation

• Drive adoption of technology solutions to improve efficiency and client engagement.

• Partner with IT leadership to ensure secure, scalable, and innovative platforms.

• Stay ahead of industry trends and integrate best practices into operations.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant financial services or wealth advisory experience required.

• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7, 24, and 65 licenses required (or equivalent registrations)

• Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation preferred

• Depth in wealth advisory leadership, with a clear record of team and business growth.

• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, or supervising financial professionals.

• Strong background in financial planning, investment management, and client advisory.

• Strong strategic thinking paired with operational discipline.

• A passion for client service and the craft of advisory excellence.

• Willingness to travel within your region; presence in a high‑value market strongly preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Combination of relevant experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of a degree (Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, performance incentives, and potential equity participation.

• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement plans).

• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

• Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on client success.

Location

Any CLA Office, with a preference for Newport Beach or Minneapolis.

Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range.

The compensation range for this position in Minnesota is: $225,000 - $400,000

The compensation range for this position in California is: $225,000 - $400,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
 
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Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.

To view a complete list of benefits click here.