Operations Associate - Financial Services

Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel is a San Diego-based asset management and trust services firm serving independent financial advisors and RIAs across the country, operating through three entities: Dunham, Dunham Trust, and Dunham Private Trust Company. The way we work is a direct reflection of our company culture; we believe in accountability, putting our clients first, and constantly striving for growth. Since 1985, Dunham has grown to become a multi-billion-dollar firm. We work with close to 1,400 Financial Advisors across all 50 states.

Dunham is an independently owned, registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser helping Financial Advisors and individual investors reach their long-term goals. The firm's focus is on providing disciplined wealth management solutions and related services.

Position Summary
The Operations Associate supports daily operational activities across trust, retirement, tax, cash management, and accounting functions. This role is responsible for processing transactions, performing reconciliations, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with regulatory, audit, and client service-related tasks. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.  This is a 40-hour per week onsite position in our San Diego office.

Key Responsibilities
Reconciliation and Accounting Support

• Perform daily IDM reconciliations to ensure transaction accuracy and completeness.
• Conduct University Financial Services (UFS) and Institutional Support Services (ISS) account reconciliations.
• Download and reconcile bank activity and reports.
• Reconcile ISS data to General Ledger (GP) records.
• Assist with tax withholding processing and validation.
• Upload Net Asset Values (NAVs) and factor data to designated systems.
• Support the Sovos tax reporting interface and related processes.

Cash Management and Payment Processing

• Print and process client and corporate checks.
• Set up and maintain check payment instructions.
• Establish and maintain ACH payment instructions.
• Set up domestic and international wire transfer instructions.
• Assist with federal tax payment processing.

Retirement and Trust Operations

• Review IRA contribution and withdrawal transactions for accuracy and compliance.
• Review pledged account activity and documentation.
• Support tax setup maintenance and exception processing.
• Ensure operational records and supporting documentation are properly maintained.

Audit, Compliance, and Risk Support

• Assist with internal and external audit requests.
• Research and resolve operational discrepancies and reconciliation exceptions.
• Support compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard client information.

Operational Support and Process Improvement

• Collaborate with Operations team members to complete daily processing requirements.
• Assist with identifying process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records and provide timely updates to management regarding outstanding items.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Basic understanding of accounting and financial transaction processing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Qualifications Preferred

• Experience in financial services, trust operations, retirement account administration, or accounting environments.
• Familiarity with reconciliation processes and financial systems.
• Knowledge of ACH, wire transfers, tax reporting, or retirement account transactions.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Time management and organization
• Analytical thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Professional communication
• Adaptability and willingness to learn

Salary depending on experience:  $26.45 to $33.65 per hour

Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser and Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services and securities offered through Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. Trust services offered through Dunham Trust, an affiliated Nevada Trust Company.
 

Dunham offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees who regularly work more than 30 hours per week. Interns and temporary employees are not eligible for these benefits.

Health & Welfare

Medical, Dental & Vision (choices vary by state)
Life and AD&D Insurance (company paid)
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Employee Assistance Plan (company paid)
Domestic Partner benefits
Aflac

Other Great Benefits!

401(k) Plan with generous company match
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday benefits
Company-Sponsored Events