Compliance Advisor, Branch Examinations

Lincoln Investment is recognized as one of Philadelphia's Top Workplaces for fifteen years, is an independent broker dealer and registered investment advisor that offers brokerage, investment advisory and other financial services. Lincoln has about 1,000 financial professionals nationwide and we serve over 310,000 clients representing over $60 billion in assets. We are a majority family-owned financial services firm that regards our employees as integral players in our continuous growth. Lincoln Investment's success is built upon our dedication to helping people retire well and promoting a work environment that fosters success. Our financial strength and profitability are natural results of "helping people, having fun, and enjoying success." Lincoln Investment offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Our Home Office is conveniently located in Fort Washington, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. 

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. Under normal circumstances, this person may spend a large amount of time on the road, and overnight travel will be necessary. Position will also include providing consultation and training to Designated Supervisors and Financial Professionals, Branch Administrators/Sales Assistants and Home Office Employees on FINRA/SEC compliance rules and regulations relating to Broker-Dealer and investment advisory business. In addition, Compliance Advisor may be given other responsibilities relating to the oversight, detection and prevention of violations of such businesses’ rules and regulations.

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.
• Preferred:
  • 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.
• 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.

Certification/Licenses

• 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.

Physical/Other Requirements

• Domestic travel could represent 50% or more of time.
• Periods of fast pace are normal particularly when working to meet deadlines.

Lincoln Investment is an equal opportunity employer. Lincoln Investment prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Lincoln Investment conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.