
Michael Ciccone
Verified Expert in Engineering
Operations Developer
New York, NY, United States
Toptal member since August 21, 2023
Michael is a seasoned financial advisor and head of operations systems with a proven track record in leading a cross-functional team at a fast-growing, recognized top 100 RIA firm. His expertise spans selecting, implementing, and maintaining the systems infrastructure while driving data analytics. Michael's accomplishments include managing large-scale CRM migrations, achieving substantial annual savings through vendor optimization, and designing automated workflows to enhance client journeys.
Portfolio
Experience
- Microsoft Excel - 15 years
- Development - 10 years
- Wealth Management - 10 years
- Enterprise Architecture - 5 years
- Architecture - 5 years
- Flow - 3 years
- Salesforce - 3 years
- Scrum - 1 year
Availability
Preferred Environment
Windows, Salesforce, Flow, Microsoft Excel
The most amazing...
...architecture and integration solution I've implemented as an operations leader enabled a fast-growing top 100 RIA-ranked firm to save $80,000+ annually.
Work Experience
Head of Operations Systems – Financial Advisor and Director
Cary Street Partners
- Led an eight-member cross-functional team at a top 50 fastest-growing firm to deliver high levels of support to 60 advisors and 140+ employees across 17 offices, six states, and over $7 billion in assets.
- Managed the systems transition and onboarding of multiple acquisitions into the firm, from single advisors to a three-office 30-employee group, including migrating data feeds, performance history, and CRM data.
- Led the selection, implementation, and maintenance of the firm's operations infrastructure, including portfolio management, CRM (Salesforce), business analytics, client performance reporting and billing, and regulatory reporting (Form ADV and 13F).
- Spearheaded data feeds, systems integration, e-signature, project management, trading and rebalancing systems, development of workflows and procedures, optimization and digitization of existing procedures, vendor management, and compliance tools.
- Designed, built, implemented, and trained on a series of digitized processes and workflows that leverage automation and a central ops team to systematize and streamline key elements of the client journey.
- Developed a number of time-saving automations, such as one-click pre-filled client contracts for electronic signature via DocuSign and Salesforce.
- Managed the large-scale migrations of multiple legacy CRM systems into a single, firm-wide, customized Salesforce instance while cleaning and enhancing existing data.
- Realized $80,000+ of ongoing annual savings through vendor selection, optimization, and negotiation.
- Worked closely with the COO in managing a $1+ million annual operations budget.
Financial Advisor – Vice President
Tradition Asset Management (acquired by Cary Street Partners)
- Serviced new and existing high-net-worth (HNW) clients as a primary or secondary advisor, including transitioning clients from senior partners.
- Prepared for, participated in, and followed up after meetings with clients and prospects, including setting agendas, handling deliverables, documenting processes, and responding to client inquiries and requests.
- Analyzed investments for a registered investment advisor (RIA) with $650 million in assets under management (AUM) and developed strategies that included due diligence, portfolio optimization, asset allocation, and ongoing monitoring.
- Developed detailed research, analysis, and visuals for the firm's book on diversification, Wiser Investing.
- Performed in-depth financial planning analyses and developed tax, planning, and estate strategies for HNW families.
- Managed tax-aware trading and rebalancing of household-level strategies—featuring non-traditional investments and interval funds—across all portfolios.
- Oversaw operations, including training and supervising a team of six while continually refining the firm's processes.
Associate Vice President
Tradition Asset Management
- Lead a CRM conversion project, evaluated options, spearheaded Redtail CRM implementation and administration.
- Converted manual operations processes into organized, trackable, cross-platform workflows, including onboarding, client servicing, financial planning activities, new accounts, and rebalancing.
- Supported senior wealth advisors in servicing HNW and UHNW clients.
Co-creator and Lead Advisor
Building Benjamins (a Robo-advisor) at Tradition Asset Management
- Performed research and analysis of the competitive landscape and technology solutions for launching an in-house robo-advisor.
- Led the project and interface with tech and marketing firms to design and build custom front and back-end websites.
- Supported clients with investment strategy selection and financial planning services.
Experience
Digitized Processes and Workflows
I developed several time-saving automations to enhance efficiency, such as creating one-click pre-filled client contracts for electronic signatures by integrating DocuSign and Salesforce, significantly reducing the time spent on contract management and improving the overall client experience.
Through these initiatives, I contributed to transforming the client's journey, making it more efficient and user-friendly by harnessing the power of digital tools and automation.
Digital Transformation Initiative and Enterprise Architecture
Administered All Aspects of Firm's Black Diamond
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
William Paterson University - Wayne, New Jersey, United States
Certifications
Certified Financial Planner
CFP Board
Skills
Tools
Flow, Microsoft Excel
Platforms
Windows, Salesforce
Languages
SQL, HTML
Paradigms
Scrum, Web UX Design
Other
Development, Salentica, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Wealth Management, Mobile Money, Redtail CRM, Architecture, Enterprise Design, Enterprise Architecture, Business Architecture, MoneyGuide Pro, Orion, Fintech, FINRA, Operations, Web UI, Back-end
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