Jessica Hurley

PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and your current responsibilities? How do you contribute to your firm/team’s growth and progress?

Hurley: I’m a senior operations manager at Oswald Financial, where I focus on keeping our internal systems efficient, compliant and built to scale. I oversee plan onboarding, process improvement, revenue tracking and partner closely with our legal and compliance teams to stay aligned with changing regulations. My role is about creating structure behind the scenes so our advisers can focus on what they do best: serving clients. I’ve led initiatives that have improved turnaround times, streamlined transitions and reduced friction in day-to-day operations. I also collaborate with sales and marketing to ensure our internal processes support the firm’s growth goals and client experience. The retirement plan space brings a lot of complexity, but that’s part of what I enjoy. I like solving operational challenges, building systems that work and making sure the right details don’t get overlooked. At the end of the day, I take pride in being the one who keeps things running smoothly in the background. Clean execution, smart processes and fewer headaches for everyone. That’s where I know I have made the biggest impact and what keeps me motivated in this industry.

PLANADVISER: How did you end up in the retirement advisory industry?

Hurley: My journey into the retirement advisory industry was unexpected but rewarding. After graduating with a business degree, I shared my resume with a family member, and, by coincidence, Oswald Financial was hiring an administrative coordinator. I had no background in financial services or retirement plans, but I quickly became fascinated by how dynamic the industry is and how it genuinely helps people retire with dignity. I eagerly immersed myself in every aspect I could, discovering a real passion for operations and compliance. Inspired by my mom, a retired vice president of operations, and mentored by Deena, I’ve grown within the space for nearly 10 years, helping build a firm that truly stands out. What began as a chance opportunity turned into a fulfilling career where I’m deeply invested in the operational details that keep the firm running smoothly. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

PLANADVISER: What are the most common operational challenges in a retirement plan advisory firm? How do you manage those?

Hurley: One of the biggest operational challenges in a retirement plan advisory firm is keeping up with changing regulations while maintaining consistent, efficient processes. The space is highly regulated, and even small errors can create issues for both the team and the client. Coordinating across departments like sales, compliance and client service adds complexity, especially as the firm grows. Data accuracy and timely reporting are also critical. The team depends on reliable information to serve plan sponsors and make informed decisions. Weak operational infrastructure can lead to delays, errors and unnecessary risks. I address these challenges by building clear, repeatable processes that support scale and compliance. Investing in the right technology helps reduce manual tasks and improve accuracy. Equally important is fostering open communication across departments to keep everyone aligned and prevent surprises. Strong operations are not just about what happens behind the scenes. They directly impact the team’s ability to serve clients well. When the foundation is solid, the team can focus on strategy and relationships instead of troubleshooting. That is the real value of a well-run operation.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Global Retirement Partners, DBA Oswald Financial, an SEC registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.