Director of Compliance

Falcon Wealth Planning, Inc.; Ontario (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Falcon Wealth Planning, Inc. in California seeks a Director of Compliance to oversee the firm's compliance program, regulatory filings, and ethics governance.

This role partners with the COO and leadership to sustain a fiduciary, fee-only model while meeting SEC/state obligations and industry guidelines. The position covers surveillance, marketing compliance, employee compliance, client onboarding oversight, cybersecurity alignment, and training to foster a strong compliance culture across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Pre-Law, Accounting, or related field; Advanced degree (JD, MBA) or industry certifications (IACCP, CRCP, or CFP) preferred.
• 5–8+ years of direct compliance experience within an SEC-registered investment advisory firm (RIA) or compliance consulting practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SEC examination priorities, and fiduciary standards.
• Hands‑on familiarity with Fee‑Only RIA models (NAPFA/fiduciary standards).
• Proficiency with FINRA/SEC IARD and CRD systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee regulatory governance and annual reviews, update WSPs and Compliance Manual.
• Coordinate annual compliance review, perform forensic testing, risk assessments, and gap analyses.
• Lead regulatory filings including Form ADV, Form CRS, and U4/U5 processes.
• Review marketing materials to comply with SEC Rule 206(4)-1 and Marketing Rule updates.
• Administer Code of Ethics, monitor OBAs, gifts, and employee personal trading.
• Oversee client onboarding, fiduciary oversight, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Design and deliver ongoing compliance training and executive briefings.

Job description

Firm Type: Fee-Only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Executive Leadership

Location: Hybrid / On-site (Ontario, CA headquarters or designated regional offices)

Position Overview

Falcon Wealth Planning is an independent, Fee-Only Registered Investment Advisor committed to delivering comprehensive, fiduciary financial planning and wealth management without commissions or product-driven conflicts of interest.

The Director of Compliance plays a critical role in managing, administering, and advancing the firm’s compliance management system. This role ensures unwavering adherence to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, state and SEC regulatory requirements, and the strict ethical standards inherent to a true fiduciary wealth management practice.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director will oversee day-to-day regulatory operations, execute surveillance and testing programs, lead regulatory filings, review marketing materials, and partner across advisory and operations teams to sustain a robust culture of compliance.

Core Focus Areas & Specific Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Governance & Annual Review (Rule 206(4)-7)

Maintain, test, and update the firm’s Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs) and Compliance Manual to reflect operational changes and emerging SEC guidance.

Coordinate the firm’s annual compliance review, performing forensic testing, risk assessments, and internal gap analyses.

Act as a key liaison during regulatory inquiries, SEC/state examinations, and third-party mock audits.

Monitor regulatory updates from the SEC, state regulators, and industry bodies, assessing operational impact and advising leadership on necessary adjustments.

2. Regulatory Filings & Disclosures

Oversee the timely preparation, review, and filing of Form ADV (Parts 1A, 2A brochure, 2B brochure supplements, and Form CRS / Part 3) via the IARD system.

Manage investment advisor representative (IAR) licensing, state notice filings, Form U4/U5 submissions, and annual renewal processes.

Ensure accurate, timely disclosures regarding fee schedules, investment strategies, conflicts of interest, and business affiliations in strict alignment with Fee-Only guidelines.

3. Advertising & Marketing Compliance (SEC Rule 206(4)-1)

Review and approve all external-facing materials, including website copy, podcasts, webinars, whitepapers, social media campaigns, print collateral, and public presentations.

Ensure strict adherence to the modernized SEC Marketing Rule regarding performance reporting, testimonials, endorsements, and third-party ratings.

Verify that marketing materials clearly and accurately represent the firm's Fee-Only, fiduciary approach without misleading performance claims or unbacked superlatives.

4. Surveillance, Monitoring & Code of Ethics Administration

Administer the firm’s Code of Ethics, managing employee personal securities trading, pre-clearances, initial/annual holdings reports, and quarterly transaction reports.

Monitor outside business activities (OBAs), political contributions (Pay-to-Play Rule 206(4)-5), and gifts/entertainment disclosures.

Supervise electronic communications surveillance (emails, SMS/text messages, instant messaging, and social channels) using automated archiving and compliance software.

Monitor billing audits to verify that management fees match client advisory agreements and ADV fee schedules without unauthorized deductions.

5. Client Onboarding, Fiduciary Oversight & Cybersecurity

Conduct regular sampling and audit of client accounts for investment suitability, portfolio drift, documentation of fiduciary recommendations, and client mandate alignments.

Assist in maintaining books and records compliance under Rule 204-2.

Collaborate with IT and Operations to oversee cybersecurity compliance, Regulation S-P, identity theft prevention (Red Flags Rule), and client privacy data safeguards.

6. Training & Compliance Culture

Design and execute ongoing compliance training programs for new hires and seasoned advisory staff.

Provide advisory staff with practical, actionable guidance on day-to-day compliance matters, framing compliance as a business-enabling partner rather than a roadblock.

Prepare and present periodic compliance briefings to executive leadership and department heads.

Position Specifications & Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Pre-Law, Accounting, or a related field; Advanced degree (JD, MBA) or industry certifications (IACCP, CRCP, or CFP) preferred.

5–8+ years of direct compliance experience within an SEC-registered investment advisory firm (RIA) or compliance consulting practice.

Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SEC examination priorities, and fiduciary standards.

Hands‑on familiarity with the nuances of a pure Fee‑Only RIA model (NAPFA/fiduciary standards).

Technical & Platform Skills

Proficiency with the FINRA/SEC IARD and CRD systems.

Experience administering RIA compliance platforms (e.g., MyComplianceOffice, ComplySci/NRS, RIA in a Box, Orion Compliance, Smarsh, or similar archive tools).

Working knowledge of wealth management technology ecosystems (e.g., Orion, Black Diamond, Schwab Advisor Center, Fidelity Wealthscape, Salesforce/Wealthbox).

Core Competencies

Fiduciary Mindset: Deep dedication to client‑first ethics and transparent advisory practices.

Analytical Precision: Exceptional attention to detail in document review, regulatory filings, and forensic audits.

Pragmatic Problem Solving: Ability to balance strict regulatory rigor with the operational realities of a growing wealth management firm.

Collaborative Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively educate, guide, and influence advisors and team members.