C

Cetera Financial Group

Platform and services for independent advisors

Internal Business Development Consultant - CFI

Full-Time
$55k/yr+ Performance-based bonus + Incentive compensation
Mid
Bachelor's
Remote in USA
Remote
Sales & Account ManagementSales Development Representative

About the job

Requirements
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong relationship-building and professional outreach capabilities.
  • Experience conducting outbound prospecting, business development, or lead-generation activities.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Salesforce.
  • Understanding of sales techniques, pipeline development, and prospect qualification.
  • Demonstrated ability to research organizations and identify relevant decision-makers.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records within a customer relationship management system.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with external business development partners and cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
  • Build, expand, and maintain a comprehensive Financial Institution database in Salesforce, initially focused on Credit Unions.
  • Research Credit Unions, Banks, and their investment programs to identify prospective opportunities, key decision-makers, and relevant organizational information.
  • Conduct targeted outreach to Financial Institution executives, investment program managers, and Centers of Influence.
  • Utilize compliance-approved artificial intelligence and digital tools to support prospect research, lead generation, institutional market analysis, and recruiting initiatives.
  • Develop relationships with institutional contacts to gather information, assess potential business opportunities, and increase awareness of Cetera’s Financial Institution capabilities.
  • Generate qualified Credit Union and Bank investment-program leads for External Financial Institution New Business Development Officers and Senior Recruiters.
  • Partner closely with External Financial Institution New Business Development Officers and Senior Recruiters to understand territory priorities, ideal prospect profiles, and lead-generation goals.
  • Schedule introductory meetings between qualified Financial Institution prospects and external business development partners.
  • Accurately document outreach activity, contact information, institutional details, and lead status in Salesforce.
  • Maintain organized and current records to support effective pipeline management, follow-up activity, and reporting.
  • Support targeted outreach campaigns within assigned territories or market segments.
  • Track Financial Institution prospects through the business development pipeline using Salesforce and Microsoft Excel.
  • Collaborate with internal partners to refine outreach strategies, messaging, and sales enablement materials for Credit Union and Bank audiences.
  • Share market intelligence and prospect feedback with external business development partners to help identify trends and potential opportunities.
  • Communicate Cetera’s value proposition clearly and professionally to Financial Institution decision-makers and other key stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of related experience within the financial services industry.
  • 3+ years of experience in a sales, business development, recruiting, or lead-generation environment.
  • Experience working with Credit Unions, Banks, Financial Institutions, or institutional investment programs.
  • Familiarity with Financial Institution executives, investment program managers, and Centers of Influence.
  • Experience building or maintaining prospect databases in Salesforce.

About the company

C

Cetera Financial Group

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Cetera Financial Group provides a support platform for independent financial advisors and institutions to manage their businesses and serve their clients. The company delivers technology, marketing, and compliance tools that allow advisors to offer a wide range of investment products while earning revenue through fees and commissions. Unlike traditional firms that employ advisors directly, Cetera offers an independent model that gives advisors more flexibility and access to a broader network of strategic resources. Its goal is to help independent advisors grow their practices and improve financial outcomes for their clients through a comprehensive suite of professional services.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

1981

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Cetera recruited Sierra Ridge’s $2.1 billion team on August 31, 2026.
  • On September 24, 2026, Cetera added Palmetto’s $305 million team from LPL.
  • Cetera won two 2026 Wealthies awards on September 16, 2026.

What critics are saying

  • FINRA fined Cetera firms $1.1 million on January 16, 2026 for supervision failures.
  • Cetera’s advisor story depends on recruiting teams from LPL and Commonwealth.
  • A major compliance breakdown would trigger advisor defections and regulator-imposed growth freezes.

What makes Cetera Financial Group unique

  • Cetera’s five-channel model serves RIAs, banks, and independents through one operating system.
  • Blueprint gives RIAs multi-custodial flexibility and modular infrastructure without in-house buildout.
  • Growth360 Dashboard launched September 9, 2026, bundling diagnostics, benchmarks, and action plans.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Hybrid Work Options
  • Performance Bonus

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

24%

1 year growth

25%

2 year growth

25%
PR Newswire
Oct 21st, 2026
Cetera welcomes $210M Connecticut advisory team from MML Investors Services

Cetera has signed advisors Tim O'Connell and Peter Hall and their practice, Financial Guide Solutions (FGS), which oversees about $210 million in assets under administration. The Bethel, Connecticut, team joins from MML Investors Services through Cetera Wealth Partners. The team said it left for greater independence. "There were product expectations" at its prior firm, O'Connell said. Cetera stood out for its broader investment choice, including the ability to keep using the same models, and for continuity of clearing through Fidelity's NFS, which eased the client transition. Hall said access to a full range of investment options, rather than a limited set of proprietary models, was a key factor.

PR Newswire
Oct 15th, 2026
Cetera welcomes financial advisor Michele Johnson and her Elevated Wealth Solutions practice from LPL.

Cetera welcomes financial advisor Michele Johnson and her Elevated Wealth Solutions practice from LPL. Oct 15, 2026, 08:05 ET Independent advisor joins Cetera in search of greater support and resources to strengthen her relationship-driven practice, centered on family-like service and helping clients achieve peace of mind SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Cetera welcomes financial advisor Michele Johnson, CFP(R), who joins with her practice, Elevated Wealth Solutions, overseeing approximately $80 million in AUA[1]. The Willoughby, Ohio-based practice comes to Cetera from LPL and aligns with Prosperity Advisors, an independent wealth management firm that is one of the largest businesses within the Cetera Advisors community. Founded in 2023, Elevated Wealth Solutions serves individuals at every stage of life, focusing on retirement strategies, income replacement and wealth planning. Supporting the practice's day-to-day operations is office manager Alison Marrie, who has been with the team for more than a year and is the first voice clients hear when they call. Johnson is especially passionate about helping women feel more confident about their finances; her passion for helping women took root early in her career, with a defining moment that still guides her work today. "I had a client, a widow, who sat in my office and said, 'I don't know what any of this means.' That was my aha moment", she said. "I'm here to help women understand their finances." After 8 years affiliated with LPL, Johnson began exploring other broker-dealers in search of stronger support and better resources. Committed to helping people feel peace of mind about their future, Johnson said she is looking forward to having access to more robust tools, including tax and 401(k) planning, to deliver on that commitment. She said that together, Prosperity Advisors and Cetera offer the kind of environment she wanted, one that echoes where she got her start. "What stood out to me was hearing that it's a family," she said. "The practice where I got my start in this business felt like a family, and that's what I was trying to recreate." Relationships sit at the center of Johnson's approach. "I truly believe the relationship with your advisor is the most important thing. I want to be the advisor who gets invited to the weddings and the birthday parties," she said. "We're in a world where it seems like everybody's trying to take from everyone else, and I want to be the person who helps people feel better about their financial future." With plans to bring on a junior advisor in the coming months, Johnson is excited for the next chapter with Cetera and to continue growing Elevated Wealth Solutions. She looks forward to deepening her client relationships and extending them to their children and grandchildren. In welcoming Johnson, Cetera Advisor Channel Leader Tom Halloran said, "Michele has a gift for meeting people where they are and helping them feel confident about their financial future. Her passion for guiding women through important decisions is clear, and so is her commitment to the families she serves. We're honored she chose Cetera, and we're excited to support her as she grows in this next chapter." About Cetera Cetera is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 financial professionals and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms. Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice - blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth. As of June 30, 2026, Cetera firms manage approximately $688 billion in assets under administration and $330 billion in assets under management. Its Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 50,000 advisor reviews, and over 45,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score. Cetera is a network of independent retail firms, including FINRA/SIPC member firms Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. SEC-registered investment advisers include Cetera Investment Management LLC, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, and Cetera Planning Partners within Cetera Holdings, an affiliate of Cetera. All referenced entities are under common ownership. Cetera's principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside businesses. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. [1] Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of May 27, 2026. SOURCE Cetera Financial Group

PR Newswire
Sep 28th, 2026
Cetera welcomes former Commonwealth advisor John Fitzgerald, overseeing approximately $185 million in AUA.

Cetera welcomes former Commonwealth advisor John Fitzgerald, overseeing approximately $185 million in AUA. Sep 28, 2026, 08:05 ET Relationship-focused Vineland, New Jersey practice begins its next chapter of growth within Summit Financial Networks at Cetera SAN DIEGO, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Cetera welcomes financial advisor John Fitzgerald and his Fitzgerald Financial Group team, including financial professionals Doug Kramer, CFP(R) and Gary Bolno, and assistant Tatyana Shevchuk. The tight-knit team serves roughly 400 households, more than 1,300 accounts, and oversees approximately $185 million in AUA[1] from their Vineland, New Jersey-based office; they join Cetera from Commonwealth Financial Network. Fitzgerald said he joined Commonwealth in December 2017, attracted by its reputation for top-tier service, and built his practice one client and referral at a time rather than through acquired books of business. He describes his team as having a family feel while taking a hands-on approach to client service. Like many former Commonwealth advisors, Fitzgerald re-evaluated his broker-dealer affiliation after LPL announced it would acquire Commonwealth. Rather than simply default to LPL, Fitzgerald said he conducted extensive due diligence and met with several broker-dealers and RIAs before choosing Cetera and its Summit Financial Networks[2] community, which he said most closely resembled Commonwealth. "I didn't choose LPL, so rather than taking the path of least resistance and automatically going wherever the acquisition took us, I spent a lot of time doing due diligence and deciding where I wanted Fitzgerald Financial Group to be for the next 10 to 20 years," Fitzgerald said. "Ultimately, I felt Summit and Cetera were the best fit for our clients, our team, and where I want to take the business." Fitzgerald said one key to his choosing Cetera and Summit was access to and interaction with leadership. "On that home office visit, meeting Summit's leadership face to face is what drew me in," he said. "I saw in Summit that same service model I've valued at Commonwealth within their organization, and that's what had kept me with Commonwealth. So, that's why I felt good about choosing Cetera and Summit for the long haul." Fitzgerald said he plans to continue growing his practice primarily through referrals while also pursuing inorganic growth, including acquiring books of business and partnering with advisors seeking a succession solution. The firm recently purchased an office building in Fitzgerald's hometown of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, from where they plan to continue expanding while maintaining their presence in Vineland. Welcoming Fitzgerald Financial Group, Cetera Advisor Channel Leader Tom Halloran said, "John has built a practice the old-fashioned way, one client relationship at a time, and that hands-on, family-style commitment to client service is exactly the kind of partnership Summit is built to support. We're proud to help John build the next chapter of Fitzgerald Financial Group's growth." About Cetera Cetera is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 financial professionals and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms. Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice - blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth. As of June 30, 2026, Cetera firms manage approximately $688 billion in assets under administration and $330 billion in assets under management. Its Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 50,000 advisor reviews, and over 45,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score. Cetera is a network of independent retail firms, including those that are members of FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks); Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors); and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Entities registered as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission include Cetera Investment Management LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera's principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Avantax Planning Partners, Inc. (APP) and The Retirement Planning Group, LLC (TRPG), doing business as Cetera Planning Partners (CPP), are SEC registered investment advisers within the Aretec Group, Inc. (dba Cetera Holdings, an affiliate of Cetera). All referenced entities are under common ownership. Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside businesses. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. [1] Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of July 20, 2026. [2] Summit Financial Networks is a region of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. SOURCE Cetera Financial Group

Cetera Financial Group
Sep 28th, 2026
Cetera welcomes former Commonwealth advisor John Fitzgerald, overseeing approximately $185 million in AUA.

Cetera welcomes former Commonwealth advisor John Fitzgerald, overseeing approximately $185 million in AUA. Press room Cetera welcomes former Commonwealth advisor John Fitzgerald, overseeing approximately $185 million in AUA. Relationship-focused Vineland, New Jersey practice begins its next chapter of growth within Summit Financial Networks at Cetera SAN DIEGO - Sept. 28, 2026 - Cetera welcomes financial advisor John Fitzgerald and his Fitzgerald Financial Group team, including financial professionals Doug Kramer, CFP(R) and Gary Bolno, and assistant Tatyana Shevchuk. The tight-knit team serves roughly 400 households, more than 1,300 accounts, and oversees approximately $185 million in AUA[1] from their Vineland, New Jersey-based office; they join Cetera from Commonwealth Financial Network. Fitzgerald said he joined Commonwealth in December 2017, attracted by its reputation for top-tier service, and built his practice one client and referral at a time rather than through acquired books of business. He describes his team as having a family feel while taking a hands-on approach to client service. Like many former Commonwealth advisors, Fitzgerald re-evaluated his broker-dealer affiliation after LPL announced it would acquire Commonwealth. Rather than simply default to LPL, Fitzgerald said he conducted extensive due diligence and met with several broker-dealers and RIAs before choosing Cetera and its Summit Financial Networks[2] community, which he said most closely resembled Commonwealth. "I didn't choose LPL, so rather than taking the path of least resistance and automatically going wherever the acquisition took us, I spent a lot of time doing due diligence and deciding where I wanted Fitzgerald Financial Group to be for the next 10 to 20 years," Fitzgerald said. "Ultimately, I felt Summit and Cetera were the best fit for our clients, our team, and where I want to take the business." Fitzgerald said one key to his choosing Cetera and Summit was access to and interaction with leadership. "On that home office visit, meeting Summit's leadership face to face is what drew me in," he said. "I saw in Summit that same service model I've valued at Commonwealth within their organization, and that's what had kept me with Commonwealth. So, that's why I felt good about choosing Cetera and Summit for the long haul." Fitzgerald said he plans to continue growing his practice primarily through referrals while also pursuing inorganic growth, including acquiring books of business and partnering with advisors seeking a succession solution. The firm recently purchased an office building in Fitzgerald's hometown of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, from where they plan to continue expanding while maintaining their presence in Vineland. Welcoming Fitzgerald Financial Group, Cetera Advisor Channel Leader Tom Halloran said, "John has built a practice the old-fashioned way, one client relationship at a time, and that hands-on, family-style commitment to client service is exactly the kind of partnership Summit is built to support. We're proud to help John build the next chapter of Fitzgerald Financial Group's growth." About Cetera Cetera is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 financial professionals and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms. Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice - blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth. As of June 30, 2026, Cetera firms manage approximately $688 billion in assets under administration and $330 billion in assets under management. Its Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 50,000 advisor reviews, and over 45,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score. Cetera is a network of independent retail firms, including those that are members of FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks); Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors); and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Entities registered as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission include Cetera Investment Management LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera's principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Avantax Planning Partners, Inc. (APP) and The Retirement Planning Group, LLC (TRPG), doing business as Cetera Planning Partners (CPP), are SEC registered investment advisers within the Aretec Group, Inc. (dba Cetera Holdings, an affiliate of Cetera). All referenced entities are under common ownership. Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside businesses. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. [1] Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of July 20, 2026. [2] Summit Financial Networks is a region of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Tony Katsulos Director, External Communications Cetera Financial Group [email protected]

PR Newswire
Sep 24th, 2026
Cetera welcomes $305M team from LPL to Summit Financial Networks

Cetera has welcomed financial advisors John Sloop and John Black, along with their Palmetto Investment Consultants team, overseeing approximately $305 million in assets under administration. The Rock Hill, South Carolina-based team moved from LPL to join Cetera's Summit Financial Networks community. Sloop, who previously spent 13 years with Cetera, returned seeking a more responsive partner. The practice focuses primarily on advisory relationships, with about 95% of business centred on retirement income planning for clients in later career stages. The move was influenced by access to Cetera's Growth360 business-planning tools and its Regional Growth Team approach. The team cited Summit's boutique service model and streamlined operations as key factors in their decision. Cetera manages approximately $688 billion in assets under administration across its network of roughly 12,000 financial professionals.