A financial services organization is seeking a Compliance Officer to oversee branch examination activities and evaluate adherence to securities regulations, supervisory standards, and internal policies. This position involves conducting risk-based reviews of financial advisor offices, assessing supervisory controls, identifying compliance deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions. The ideal candidate has experience in broker-dealer compliance, branch inspections, or securities supervision and can independently manage examinations while building strong relationships with business stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Branch Examinations & Compliance Reviews Plan and conduct regulatory compliance examinations of broker-dealer and investment advisory locations, including supervisory offices, remote locations, and other affiliated business sites.
- Review financial advisor activities, supervisory procedures, client documentation, and operational practices for compliance with FINRA, SEC, state securities regulations, and internal policies.
- Assess the effectiveness of supervisory controls and identify potential regulatory, operational, and conduct risks.
- Apply risk-based examination techniques using business data, regulatory developments, and historical findings.
- Maintain thorough examination records and supporting documentation.
- Risk Assessment & Remediation Identify compliance violations, supervisory weaknesses, and areas requiring further investigation.
- Prepare detailed examination reports summarizing findings, regulatory concerns, and recommended corrective actions.
- Coordinate with compliance leadership and business partners to resolve deficiencies and track remediation efforts.
- Evaluate corrective actions to confirm identified issues and underlying causes have been addressed.
- Escalate significant regulatory concerns, customer complaints, potential misconduct, and supervisory failures.
- Analyze examination trends to identify recurring issues and opportunities to improve compliance controls.
- Regulatory Guidance & Training Provide guidance to financial advisors, branch supervisors, and support personnel on securities regulations and supervisory expectations.
- Assist with compliance training, educational materials, and communications designed to reinforce regulatory standards.
- Support regulatory examinations, internal audits, and information requests.
- Recommend improvements to examination procedures, reporting tools, and supervisory practices.
- Participate in compliance initiatives, risk assessments, and special projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline preferred;equivalent industry experience may be considered.
- Approximately 3+ years of experience in securities compliance, branch examinations, supervision, internal audit, operations, or financial services risk management preferred.
- FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 licenses required, or ability to obtain both within an established timeframe.
- Knowledge of FINRA, SEC, and state regulatory requirements governing broker-dealers and registered investment advisers.
- Strong understanding of supervisory controls, compliance examinations, and regulatory documentation.
- Excellent analytical, investigative, interviewing, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong written communication skills, including preparation of clear, well-supported examination reports.
- Ability to independently manage multiple examinations, priorities, and deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate findings and influence corrective actions.
- Collaborative approach to working with financial advisors, management, and compliance teams.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Additional securities registrations, including Series 51, 63, or 65.
- Insurance licensing, such as Group I, or willingness to pursue additional professional credentials.
- Direct experience conducting broker-dealer or investment advisory branch examinations.
- Familiarity with Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) requirements and financial advisor supervisory practices.
- Experience investigating regulatory deficiencies, monitoring remediation, or developing compliance training.
- Background supporting regulatory examinations or internal supervisory reviews.