Zachary Parker
Royal Oak,MI
Summary
Finance and wealth professional with experience across financial advising, broker-dealer and RIA operations, and institutional trading environments. Known for building strong, long-term relationships with clients and financial advisors across multiple offices, serving as a trusted partner in both day-to-day service and complex financial planning needs. Brings deep expertise in portfolio management, advanced trading systems, regulatory compliance, and operational execution in high-volume environments. Recognized for clear communication, responsiveness, and the ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical, client-focused solutions while improving efficiency and service quality.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Securities Trading Supervisor
Axtella
Ann Arbor, Michigan
11.2023 - Current
- Led the integration of broker-dealer and RIA trading desks, standardizing workflows and improving efficiency across platforms and teams
- Led and optimized a trading desk of 3–4 licensed traders, building the firm’s first fully Series 7–licensed team while improving service levels with a leaner structure
- Executed and supervised trade activity across all major asset classes—including equities, options, fixed income, and mutual funds—using advanced trading platforms
- Served as escalation point for complex trading, compliance, and regulatory matters; identified and resolved regulatory issues and supported FINRA inquiries
- Streamlined operations by implementing call review frameworks and performance metrics, improving service quality and accountability
- Collaborated cross-functionally with advisors, vendors, and internal teams (operations, compliance, commissions) to support ~1,000 financial professionals and ensure seamless service delivery
- Led hiring, training, and performance management, strengthening team capabilities and driving consistent results
- Improved RIA billing processes, reducing outstanding receivables by over 50%
- Developed and rebranded marketing and web materials, and authored press releases and newsletters to increase brand visibility and client engagement
Financial Advisor
Sigma Financial / Sigma Planning Corp
Ann Arbor, Michigan
10.2016 - Current
- Manage and grow an independent book of business, providing comprehensive portfolio management and financial planning services
- Advise clients on insurance and annuity solutions as part of holistic wealth planning strategies
- Conduct ongoing client meetings to assess goals, adjust strategies, and deliver personalized financial guidance
- Partner with other financial advisors on complex planning cases to support optimal client outcomes
- Service RIA and brokerage clients across multiple states
Wealth Planner
Axtella
Ann Arbor, Michigan
03.2019 - 11.2023
- Partnered with financial advisors to support portfolio construction and comprehensive financial planning, enhancing client outcomes and competitive positioning
- Specialized in security analysis, model portfolio development, and charitable planning strategies, with a focus on donor-advised funds
- Authored published newsletter articles on charitable planning strategies and trends
- Developed and implemented a curated product platform for donor-advised funds
- Supported high-net-worth client cases exceeding $100M in assets, contributing to complex planning strategies
- Utilized advanced financial planning and portfolio analysis software to deliver data-driven insights
- Demonstrated expertise across financial products, including annuities, insurance solutions, securities, and planning vehicles such as donor-advised funds and trusts
Operations Associate / Team Lead
Axtella
Ann Arbor, Michigan
02.2016 - 03.2019
- Delivered front-line support via phone and email, resolving advisor inquiries related to account servicing, paperwork, cashiering, and platform navigation
- Reviewed and corrected account documentation, proactively identifying errors and coordinating with advisors to ensure timely resolution
- Built strong relationships with financial professionals across offices, enhancing service quality and responsiveness
- Developed subject matter expertise in advanced trading tools, supporting block trading and multi-account portfolio rebalancing
- Assisted with fee processing and billing operations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Provided guidance, training and informal leadership within the team, supporting workflow efficiency and knowledge sharing
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI05-2015
Licenses & Designations
Skills
- Broker-Dealer & RIA Operations
- Institutional & Retail Trade Operations and Execution (Equities, Options, Fixed Income, Mutual Funds, etc)
- Advanced Trading Systems & Platform Expertise (Multi-Account / Block Trading Tools)
- Portfolio Management & Model Portfolio Construction
- Financial Planning & Comprehensive Wealth Strategies
- Regulatory Compliance & FINRA-Related Issue Resolution
- Client Relationship Management & Advisor Support
- Cross-Functional Coordination (Advisors, Compliance, Commissions, Operations, Vendors)
- Process Improvement, Operational Efficiency & Risk Mitigation
- Team Leadership, Training & Performance Management
- Financial Product Expertise (Securities, Insurance, Annuities, and Investment Vehicles)
- Financial Planning & Portfolio Tools: eMoney Advisor, Morningstar Advisor Workstation, Nitrogen
- High-Pressure, Time-Sensitive Trading & Operations Environments
Timeline
Securities Trading Supervisor
Axtella
11.2023 - Current
Wealth Planner
Axtella
03.2019 - 11.2023
Financial Advisor
Sigma Financial / Sigma Planning Corp
10.2016 - Current
Operations Associate / Team Lead
Axtella
02.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Central Michigan University
Licenses & Designations