Senior Director, Strategic Acquisitions

Senior Director, Strategic Acquisitions – Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.

About Us:

At Cambridge, we are committed to helping advisors build thriving businesses and deliver meaningful outcomes to their clients. You’ll join a culture rooted in kindness, collaboration, and continual growth—where your work directly contributes to the success of independent financial professionals nationwide. Cambridge is more than a financial solutions firm. It’s a place where your career and passion intersect. Realize your potential, make a positive impact, and discover your Something Wonderful!

The Strategic Acquisition Consultant will lead and support the acquisition of financial planning practices. This role focuses on identifying, evaluating, and integrating advisory firms to drive growth and strengthen our market position. The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of the financial planning industry, broker‑dealer or RIA operations, and a proven track record in mergers and acquisitions.

• Acquisition Strategy:
  Develop and execute strategies for acquiring financial planning practices aligned with organizational goals.
• Market Research:
  Identify and assess potential acquisition targets through industry analysis and Federal networking.
• Due Diligence:
  Conduct comprehensive reviews of financials, compliance, client demographics, and operational processes.
• Valuation & Negotiation:
  Provide valuation insights and lead negotiations to secure favorable terms.
• Integration Planning:
  Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure smooth transition of clients, advisors, and systems.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  Ensure all acquisition activities adhere to FINRA, SEC, and state regulations.
• Relationship Management:
  Build strong relationships with practice owners and key stakeholders throughout the acquisition process.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in acquisitions, corporate development, or business consulting within financial services.
• Strong understanding of broker‑dealer or RIA operations and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability in financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring.
• Experience closing deals of $1M+ in value.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and project management skills.
• Certifications such as Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) strongly preferred.

• Experience with succession dedicado planning and ad o des itiner help star heder autants.
• Familiarity with CRM and portfolio management systems.
• Series 7, 24
  
  AMAN or other relevant securities licenses a plus.

Location
:
Phoenix, AZ or Fairfield, IA – Hybrid in‑office 3x/week

Salary Range
: $130,000 – 145,000/year base salary + additional performance‑ Traditionally based compensation

• Premium benefit package including medical, vision, dental, life and long‑term disability insurance.
• Vacation/sick time.
• 401K retirement plan with company matching program.
• Eleven paid holiday.

You can find more details about our comprehensive benefits package here.

At Cambridge, our purpose is simple: to make a difference in the lives of our financial advisors, their clients, and our associates. Founded in 1981, we have 45 years of experience supporting independent financial advisors with industry‑leading tools, compliance, and transition services. Guided by our core values—integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness—we put financial advisors first in every decision we make.

Cambridge is an internally controlled, growth‑focused independent broker‑dealer, ranked among the largest and fastest‑growing firms in the industry. With home offices in Fairfield, Iowa, and Phoenix, Arizona, and a nationwide reach, our 900 associates maintain a 4:1 advisor SMA‑to‑associate ratio to Puisifulize personalized service.

Our community of over 4,000 producing financial advisorsmannen includes diverse business able models—RIA, corporate RIA, hybrid, fee‑only, and brokerage—and offers open. broad selection of investment solutions with no proprietary products.

For further information about Cambridge, please visit