Client Relationship Specialist at Sikich in Chicago, IL

Client Relationship Specialist

(Chicago, IL/Naperville, IL - Hybrid)

What to expect when you join Sikich

Team members at Sikich have a lot in common while also being part of a rich and varied group of contributors, creating a distinct and thriving culture. Chief among our commonalities is a desire for growth and a shared unity of purpose in our professional lives. We believe that through diverse perspectives, challenging the status quo and rewarding action, we accelerate innovation and drive growth – for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.

The professional services landscape continues to evolve. For Sikich, this means we have an opportunity to further cement our leadership position in this industry and continue to grow our organization in increasingly exciting ways. This growth is meaningful for every team member at our company because larger companies simply see more interesting client opportunities and can attract impressively talented individuals like you. Through a dedicated focus on key business priorities and intentionally creating a rewarding employee experience, Sikich has developed into a highly regarded provider of professional services and a sought-after employer of choice.

Do you want to work with other skilled and agile practitioners who thrive on challenge and growth? We believe everyone has untapped potential. That’s why we lead with vision and act fast, pairing deep expertise with practical solutions. Our teams cut through complexity and deliver real impact. It's our hope that you find more than just a job. At Sikich, you'll find optimism, clear insights and genuine warmth, without egos.

Are you ready to grow with us?

Position Summary

Reporting to the Principal, the Client Relationship Specialist will …

Position Summary

The Client Relationship Specialist (CRS) enhances client experience by servicing clients and providing operational/administrative support to wealth managers. This role focuses on delivering exceptional client service, demonstrating empathy, and utilizing strong problem-solving skills. Responsibilities include active communication with clients, processing requests, resolving inquiries, providing guidance, and ensuring all key information and documentation remains up to date.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to wealth managers, including handling client calls, responding to inquiries, requesting trades as directed, executing money movement transactions, scheduling meetings, preparing client reports and meeting materials, checking custodian alerts daily, and managing follow-up tasks after client meetings.

• Oversee the client onboarding process, including account openings, preparing documents for signatures, ensuring adherence to compliance procedures, and maintaining accurate database updates and client folders.

• Become proficient in the firm’s workflows and custodian’s technology platforms/tools, actively participating in training programs to identify and implement workflow improvements that enhance client service.

• Manage the recurring client calendar for RMDs, retirement contributions, billing, meetings, and compliance notification.

• Provide timely and accurate answers to operational questions from wealth managers and clients. Conduct research regarding a variety of topics such as IRA distributions, social security, college planning, and other similar topics.

• Assist with maintaining and monitoring regulatory compliance and works directly with firm CCO (Chief Compliance Office).

• Manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

• Prepare and send packages, letters, and other correspondence.

• Work closely with multiple teams to service clients. Collaboration with other departments or offices as needed.

• Available for last-minute advisor requests.

• Assist with organizing client/marketing events and special projects, as necessary.

Qualifications

Education and/or Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred

• 2+ years of experience in wealth management, securities, or financial planning industry

• Experience with Schwab and Redtail CRM preferred

• Series 65 preferred or willingness to sit for the exam

• Highly organized with strong problem solving and analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and tech savvy

• Client focused; self-starter and motivator; efficient, quick learner with ability to support wealth managers

• Strong ethical standards with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of client and firm information

• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $56,131.86- $73,44.30- $90,756.75. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on several factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Compensation ranges for roles in our Government Services pillar are determined by contract with the specific government agency Sikich is servicing

In addition, specific skills/experience required are as follows:

• Values driven – You embody and model absolute integrity and servant leadership and you have a bias for action and continuous innovation.
• Uncompromising problem solver – You see opportunities in every business challenge and can develop, articulate and implement solutions.
• Collaboration – You are a relationship builder across all levels of the organization and across all business units.
• Instills trust – You do what you say, without ego, and you follow through on commitments consistently and credibly.
• Impact & influence – You are relentlessly focused on making a difference and can gain support for ideas, proposals and solutions. You get others to act, with or without formal authority, to advance initiatives and objectives.

About Sikich

Sikich offers the public and private sectors a diverse platform of professional services across consulting, technology and compliance. Highly specialized and hands-on teams deliver integrated solutions rooted in deep industry experience. Our approach is strategically and thoughtfully designed to help our clients, teams and communities accelerate success.

Sikich has approximately 2,000 team members and operates across North America, EMEA and APAC.

Sikich Total Rewards

Our team members enjoy expansive benefits ranging from competitive compensation and insurance options to wellness programs and a flexible time off policy, to name only a few. Sikich also takes pride in prioritizing team members’ health, total wellbeing and time spent with family, friends and in the pursuit of personal goals, hobbies, and endeavors.

Some examples of our many benefits:

• Sikich maintains a Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy. We encourage every full-time employee, as your role permits, to utilize paid time off (personal time, mental/physical health care, vacation, sick leave, etc.). Waiting for time off to accrue is common at other companies. At Sikich, you do not have to wait for this benefit to kick in. FTO is activated on your first day with our organization.
• Sikich will also recognize paid holidays during the year and strives to permit employees to have time off the last week of the calendar year when client and project work permits.
• Sikich offers a comprehensive wellness program to engage, challenge and empower team members to take responsibility for their wellbeing. Activities can be tracked through our wellness provider to obtain gift cards and other rewards.

We also offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options
• HSA employer contribution
• Nine (9) paid holidays annually.
• A robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster children.
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• CPA bonus with four (4) paid exam days & four (4) paid study days.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous employee referral bonus program
• Client referral bonus program
• Pet insurance
• FORCE – Sikich community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer and make a difference in their local communities.

Want to learn more? Visit our Careers website or Glassdoor profile.

Sikich is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Sikich currently practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients. Sikich LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich CPA LLC under which Sikich LLC provides Sikich CPA LLC with professional and support personnel and other services to support Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services, and Sikich CPA LLC shares certain client information with Sikich LLC with respect to the provision of such services.

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