How will this role impact First Command?
The Compliance Officer, Field Examiner serves as a key contributor to First Command's branch inspection program by conducting branch inspections, evaluating supervisory controls, identifying regulatory and operational risks, and promoting a culture of compliance throughout the organization. This role is responsible for planning and executing inspections of OSJs, branch offices, residential supervisory locations, and non-registered locations in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and firm policies.
The Field Examiner analyzes business activities, supervisory practices, books and records, and client interactions to assess compliance with FINRA, SEC, state regulatory, and firm requirements. This position collaborates with Compliance leadership and business partners to identify emerging risks, recommend corrective actions, communicate best practices, and support ongoing enhancements to the firm's supervisory and compliance framework.
What will the employee do in this role?
Branch Exams:
- Prepare, schedule and conduct Financial Advisor inspections related to First Command Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisory business to ensure compliance with applicable industry rules, firm supervisory procedures and policies.
- Analyze branch, advisor, and operational data to identify risk indicators, emerging trends, and areas requiring enhanced supervisory review. Conduct targeted review procedures based on regulatory developments, firm risk assessments, emerging compliance trends, and prior examination results.
- Identify matters requiring further review and coordinate with Compliance leadership and appropriate business partners to support investigations, fact gathering, and issue resolution.
- Prepare inspection reports and ensure all noted deficiencies are adequately addressed within the branch office and advisor response in a timely manner.
- Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of branch supervisory controls, supervisory practices, and compliance processes to determine whether regulatory and firm requirements are being effectively implemented.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions and remediation efforts and determine whether underlying root causes have been appropriately addressed.
- Maintain proficiency regarding regulatory developments, industry trends, and emerging compliance risks impacting the firm's business activities.
- Serve as a compliance resource for Financial Advisors, supervisors, and administrative staff by providing guidance, education, and training regarding regulatory requirements, firm policies, supervisory expectations, and industry best practices.
- Maintain detailed examination workpapers and supporting documentation sufficient to support findings, conclusions, corrective actions, and regulatory inquiries.
- Prepare clear, concise, and professional written reports, findings, recommendations, and communications for field leaders, advisors, Compliance management, and executive stakeholders.
- Analyze examination results across assigned division to identify recurring deficiencies, emerging risks, and root causes, and provide recommendations to strengthen supervisory controls, training, and compliance oversight programs.
- Promptly escalate potential violations, customer complaints, ethical concerns, supervisory failures, or other matters presenting legal, regulatory, reputational, or operational risk.
- Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of workflows and inspection tools and assist in the development and enhancement of specific compliance-related forms.
- Provide field intelligence to the Compliance Leadership for possible red flags or risks to the firm.
- Cultivate positive, solutions-oriented relationships to efficiently serve the field.
- Assist with other duties as assigned.
Approximately 30-40% of travel required to field office locations depending on assigned division.
Other Compliance Requirements:
- Collaborate with management to develop communications that foster a culture of compliance.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of compliance training and continuing education based upon exam findings.
- Effectively communicate policies and procedures at the Home Office and to the field.
- Support regulatory examinations, audits, and information requests by providing documentation, analysis, and subject matter expertise related to branch supervision and inspection activities.
- Participate in special projects, risk assessments, and other Compliance initiatives as assigned.
What skills & qualifications do you need?
Education
- A bachelor's degree in relevant field required (industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
Work Experience
- Preferably 3 or more years experience in compliance, supervision, branch examinations, audit, operations, risk management, or other financial services functions with demonstrated knowledge of securities and insurance regulations.
Certifications
- Series 7 and 24 required. If not currently held, licenses must be obtained within a timeframe established by management and consistent with business needs.
- Series 51, 63, 65, Group I Insurance preferred or willingness to obtain for professional development.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of FINRA, SEC, and state regulatory requirements applicable to broker-dealer and investment advisory business activities.
- Team player but possesses the ability to work independently when needed.
- Strong interviewing, fact-gathering, and written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-supported examination reports
- Ability to influence business partners and recommend corrective actions in a professional, collaborative and constructive manner
- Ability to demonstrate problem-solving/analytical skills to assess the significance of findings and pursue them to their logical conclusion.
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills for delivery of field training and compliance communications.
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