Economic Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Operations Specialist

Job Description

The Operations Specialist supports lead advisors in the execution of their daily business activities and helps deliver a high-quality client experience. This role combines client service, operational processing, and trading support, with opportunities to contribute to financial planning and firm growth. The Operations Specialist works closely with advisors, clients, and internal teams to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant handling of accounts, transactions, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support lead advisors in the execution of their business activities and day-to-day client service needs.
• Prepare client information, including portfolio details and related documentation, while maintaining positive, professional relationships with clients.
• Respond to client needs by managing account openings, preparing and processing forms, and performing account transactions as needed.
• Execute client requests such as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), money transfers, and other account-related actions accurately and on time.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls to the appropriate contact, ensuring prompt and courteous communication.
• Execute trades of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds at the individual account level for clients and the firm, following established procedures and guidelines.
• Serve as a backup trader for batch-trading execution of advisory-program accounts when needed.
• Send and log critical documents using DocuSign and DocuPace software, maintaining accurate records and tracking completion.
• Open and process incoming mail, ensuring timely distribution and appropriate handling of client and firm documents.
• Run and email daily reports to advisors and relevant team members, supporting ongoing monitoring and operations.
• Complete recurring task lists and checklists to ensure consistent and reliable completion of operational responsibilities.
• Assist in the construction of financial plans by gathering data, organizing information, and supporting advisors with plan preparation.
• Utilize Bloomberg Report applications for basic economic research as requested by advisors or leadership.
• Facilitate a collaborative and team-oriented environment by communicating effectively and supporting colleagues as needed.
• Support the company’s recruiting process by assisting with coordination, communication, and onboarding-related tasks.
• Support the company’s growth goals by delivering excellent client service and contributing to efficient, scalable operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support clients, advisors, and the broader operations team.

Essential Skills

• Experience in operations or administrative support within a financial services or investment-related environment.
• Strong customer support skills with the ability to respond to client needs in a professional and timely manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data entry, reporting, and basic analysis.
• Accurate and efficient data entry skills, including the ability to transfer data between systems and maintain data integrity.
• Knowledge of brokerage operations, including account management, processing orders, and handling financial transactions.
• Experience with account management, including opening, maintaining, and servicing client accounts.
• Ability to process orders and transactions accurately, including trades, transfers, and distributions.
• Foundational understanding of financial planning concepts and processes.
• Preference for 4–6 years of investment industry experience or support experience.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage recurring tasks and daily workflows in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and support multiple advisors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferred but not required, depending on length and relevance of experience.
• Experience using electronic signature and workflow tools such as DocuSign and DocuPace.
• Experience executing trades in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds at the account level.
• Familiarity with advisory-program accounts and batch-trading processes.
• Experience using Bloomberg Report applications or similar tools for basic economic research.
• Prior experience supporting recruiting processes, such as scheduling, communication, and onboarding support.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in documentation and reporting.

Work Environment

The Operations Specialist works in an open office environment with direct client contact and a fast-paced atmosphere. Noise levels are reasonable, and collaboration with advisors and team members is frequent. The position requires on-site attendance to support in-person operations and client interactions. Sporadic short-term remote work may be available upon request with supervisor approval, typically in situations such as inclement weather, car trouble, or home repairs. The team currently includes several Operations Specialists, each supporting multiple advisors, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment focused on high-quality client service and operational excellence.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $33.65/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.