Compliance Advisor, Branch Examinations

Basic Function

Position involves conducting Compliance Examinations of Branch Offices and other Lincoln business locations. Effective July 1, 2024, FINRA Rule 3110.18 established a voluntary, three-year remote inspections pilot program to allow eligible member firms to fulfill their inspection obligation of qualified branch offices, including OSJs and non-branch locations remotely, without an on-site visit to such offices or locations, subject to specified terms, which Lincoln has affirmatively elected to participate in.

Responsibilities

• Conduct announced and unannounced Annual, Semi-Annual and/or Periodic Compliance Examinations of Branch Offices and other Lincoln Investment business locations.
• Evaluate adherence to FINRA, SEC, MSRB, and applicable state regulations, as well as Firm policies, procedures, and supervisory requirements, including: Recordkeeping obligations, Sales practices and client interactions.
• Prepare clear and concise written Exit Interview report of the inspection identifying deficiencies and required corrective actions.
• Communicate findings effectively, both verbally and in writing, and provide remediation guidance to branch personnel.
• Review and assess branch’s formal written responses to Exit Interview reports to confirm adequacy of remediation and closure.
• Plan and prepare for examinations, including pre-audit review, scheduling, and travel coordination in accordance with departmental budgets and Firm travel policies.
• Manage multiple examinations and projects simultaneously.
• Present and articulate examination findings and supporting workpapers to regulators and others, when necessary.
• Stay abreast of changing regulations that impact the firm and remain current with the firm's written policies and procedures.
• Support departmental and enterprise-wide compliance initiatives, including providing guidance to Designated Supervisors, Financial Professionals, branch personnel, and Home Office staff.
• Assist with new branch onboarding, set-up, and training, as needed.
• Provide cross-functional support to other Compliance team members, as needed.

Knowledge/Experience Required

• Strong working knowledge of FINRA, SEC, MSRB, and applicable state regulatory frameworks governing Broker-Dealers and Registered Investment Advisers.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of securities and insurance products as well as investment advisory services.
• Strong communication skills, including clear, concise written communication and professional, effective verbal presentation abilities.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as Adobe Acrobat and web-based applications.
• 3+ years of Compliance focused auditing experience in a Broker-Dealer and/or Registered Investment Adviser environment.
• Experience using Quest CE, SunGard/FIS, Pershing NetX360 and other third-party vendor systems.

Preferred

• Helpful: Registered representative or branch administrative background or Broker-Dealer operations experience.
• Lincoln Investment operations experience a plus.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management, organizational and follow-through capabilities.
• Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and deliver within defined timelines.
• Maintain focus and develop a prioritization system to provide exceptional customer service levels in a dynamic environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and interviewing capabilities.
• Compelling and effective at communicating, presenting and building consensus on compliance issues across all levels within the organization.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Exercises strong independent judgment and discretion in determining compliance with applicable regulations and company guidelines.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• FINRA Series 7, 24 and 65 or 66 registrations are required. (Successful candidates who do not possess principal’s registration at time of hire will have 6 months to obtain).
• Additional registrations, licenses and/or professional designations a plus.