Compliance Examiner & Operational Specialist
Financial Planning
How will this role impact First Command?
The Compliance Examiner & Operational Specialist will be responsible for ensuring all Home Office Non-Registered Locations, Residential Supervisory Locations (RSL) offices, and National Branch are inspected following regulatory requirements and with FCFS specific Policies and Procedures. The Compliance Examiner & Operational Specialist will be responsible for evaluating and ensuring that the company operations and activities are compliant with regulatory standards. They will also act as a liaison between the Compliance Department and the Risk Department by identifying issues and gaps and creating interim solutions to mitigate risk while substantial controls are being developed. The Compliance Examiner & Operational Specialist is an integral part of the risk-based Compliance program by validating and examining processes and controls, ensuring proper maintenance of books and records, and communicating and training on best practices at the Home Office.
What will the employee do in this role?
· Prepare, schedule, and conduct Home Office inspections, including National Branch, related to First Command Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisory business to ensure compliance with applicable industry rules, firm supervisory procedures, and policies.
· Thoroughly analyze data gathered in preparation for inspections and conduct targeted inspections due to industry or company compliance trends.
· Facilitate department internal investigations based on findings or noted areas of concern.
· Prepare inspection reports and ensure all noted deficiencies are adequately addressed within the office and that associates response in a timely manner.
· Participate in the development and revision of compliance policies and procedures
· Identify issues, conduct root cause analysis, and assist in development of corrective action
· Acts as the Home Office compliance resource for general compliance questions and related matters by providing onsite or remote training to educate associates on compliance policies and procedures.
· Second line Compliance review and sample of transactions, and electronic[1] communications as specified in FINRA Rule 3110 to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, as well as company policies and procedures.
· Assist the Branch Inspection Team Lead on quality control metrics for the inspection team.
· Cultivate positive, solutions-oriented relationships to efficiently serve the Home Office and Nation Branch.
Operational Testing:
· Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of workflows in the Compliance department and assist in the development and enhancements to specific compliance related forms and processes.
· Provide compliance and risk intelligence to the Compliance Leadership for red-flags or risks to the firm.
· Ensure compliance-related controls are effective by ongoing testing
· Provide recommendations to enhance operational effectiveness and mitigate risks.
· Identify and manage existing and emerging risks that stem from business activities and the job role.
· Serve as a liaison and primary resource to cross-functional team members such as the Risk Department and advise on risk mitigation opportunities.
· Drive a culture of compliance throughout the company.
· Provide training and support to employees to ensure compliance awareness and adherence to procedures
· Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to ensure risk and issues are strategically implemented
· Assist with other duties 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
· 3-5 years of compliance work experience in the financial services industry experience in compliance, internal audit, operational testing or related field
Certifications
· Series 7 and 24 preferred. Or, must be obtained within 90 days of receiving test materials.
· Series 51, 63, 65, Group I Insurance preferred or willingness to obtain for professional development
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Ability to effectively multitask and successfully work on several projects at the same time.
· Demonstrate personal initiative and strong relationship building
· Strong analystical skills for analyzing reports, trends, and measurements and interpreting the data to identify risks and opportunities
· A thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks and experience in operaional audits and testing.
· Broad understanding of First Command structure and support provided by the Home Office
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and attention to detail
· Ability to demonstrate problem-solving/analytical skills to assess the significance of findings and pursue them to their logical conclusion.
· Excellent research and problem-solving skills
· Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with multiple business partners.