Investment Operations & Trading Associate

Sowell Management Location: Little Rock, Arkansas (will consider Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, or remote for a highly qualified candidate)

About Sowell

At Sowell Management, everything we do is centered around our Core Values and our clients.

• We are family. Have each other's back. Put others first. Critique in private.
• Attitude is everything. Don't be a jerk & don't suck. Bring enthusiasm. Positivity goes both ways.
• Care about what you do. Passion, desire, and drive for excellence. No half-hearted efforts.
• Own your commitments. Do what you say. First time, every time.
• Go above and beyond. Teamwork always wins. Help each other out, even when it's not your job or after 5.

Position Summary

Sowell Management is seeking a highly motivated Investment Operations & Trading Associate to join our growing Investment Management team.

This role is ideal for someone who is intellectually curious, analytical, and passionate about financial markets. Working directly with the firm's investment leadership, you will help execute investment strategies, support portfolio implementation, develop advisor resources, improve operational workflows, and contribute to the continued evolution of one of the industry's fastest growing investment platforms.

This is not a traditional operations role. The successful candidate will gain exposure across portfolio management, trading, investment operations, advisor support, technology, and strategic initiatives while helping deliver an exceptional experience to financial advisors and their clients.

Key Responsibilities

Trading & Portfolio Implementation

• Execute trades across equities, ETFs, mutual funds, and fixed income portfolios.
• Assist with implementation of strategic and tactical investment decisions across model portfolios.
• Monitor trading activity to ensure timely and accurate execution.
• Coordinate cash management and portfolio implementation while maintaining investment guidelines.
• Assist with tax-aware trading and portfolio rebalancing initiatives.
• Partner with custodians and technology providers to resolve trading and operational exceptions.

Investment Operations

• Support the day-to-day administration of Sowell's investment platform.
• Monitor model portfolios and investment strategies to ensure operational accuracy.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of investment models across portfolio management systems.
• Support advisor requests related to investment management, portfolio construction, and trading.
• Maintain documentation of investment and trading procedures to ensure operational consistency.

Investment Research & Advisor Support

• Prepare investment proposals for prospective advisor and client opportunities.
• Assist in creating quarterly investment fact sheets, performance updates, market commentary, and presentation materials.
• Support development of investment presentations for advisors and prospective clients.
• Analyze portfolio allocations, investment characteristics, and performance attribution.
• Help communicate investment positioning and portfolio changes to internal stakeholders.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to automate workflows and improve operational efficiency.
• Assist with enhancements to portfolio management, trading, and reporting systems.
• Develop reports and dashboards that improve visibility into investment operations.
• Participate in strategic technology initiatives that improve scalability across the investment platform.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance advisor experience and operational excellence.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Investment Management, Advisor Solutions, Compliance, Sales/Marketing teams.
• Support firm-wide initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Participate in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) meetings and departmental objectives.
• Contribute ideas that improve investment processes, advisor support, and overall efficiency.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, Business, or a related field.
• Progress toward the CFA designation or other investment-related certifications is a plus.

Experience

• 2 to 5 years of experience in investment operations, trading, portfolio administration, wealth management, or asset management.
• Experience working with an RIA, institutional investment manager, broker-dealer, or custodian is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Experience with portfolio management and trading systems such as GeoWealth, Orion, Fidelity Wealthscape, Schwab Advisor Center, Bloomberg, Morningstar Direct, or similar platforms is preferred.
• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with large datasets and investment reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for investing and financial markets.
• Intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Why Join Sowell?

This position offers a unique opportunity to work alongside senior investment professionals while gaining experience across portfolio management, trading, investment operations, technology, and advisor consulting. As Sowell continues to expand its investment platform, this role provides significant opportunity for professional growth and increasing responsibility.

Company Description

Sowell Management is a nationally recognized Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) providing institutional-quality investment management, OCIO solutions, technology, and practice management services to independent financial advisors across the country. Our collaborative culture, innovative investment platform, and commitment to excellence help advisors deliver better outcomes for the clients they serve.