About the position
Ascensus is the leading independent technology and service platform powering savings plans across America, providing products and expertise that help nearly 16 million people save for a better today and tomorrow. The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing and managing the compliance of Ascensus’s operating businesses and its broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and transfer agents ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies. This position is Hybrid to our Newton, MA location.
Responsibilities
• Ensure that operating businesses comply with laws, regulations, policies and procedures
• Develop, own and manage department vision, priorities and agenda
• Serve as CCO of broker-dealer, registered investment advisers, transfer agent and State-Chartered Trust Companies
• Advise senior management and business units on regulatory initiatives
• Provide guidance and training to operating business units
• Act as liaison with regulators including FINRA, SEC, MSRB and State Banking Regulators
• Oversee regulatory exams and audits
• Serve as spokesperson for Ascensus on compliance issues, including client due diligence visits
• Drafts and maintains policies and procedures to fulfill the applicable compliance requirements of each regulated entity and business unit
• Drafts and maintains relevant corporate-wide compliance policies and procedures
• Coordinate with internal operational groups to implement any needed compliance changes
• Handle all required filings and notices, including MSRB G42 and G45, Form BD, and Form ADV
• Administer AML/CIP/CID/SAR policies and filings, including transaction monitoring and FinCEN and OFAC searches
• Collaborate with Legal and Risk Management on privacy, identity theft and fraud incidents
• Oversee review and required filings of all advertising and marketing communications
• Oversee licensing and continuing education requirements for FINRA registered representatives including Forms U4 and U5, email review, compliance meeting monitoring and attestations
• Create, manage, and deliver annual compliance trainings, including firm, regulatory and AML Investment
• Oversee investment advisor compliance program for mutual funds, exchange traded funds, separately managed accounts, municipal securities and other investment products
• Conduct initial and ongoing due diligence of investment managers and collaborate with investment personnel to ensure compliance with the investment directives of Ascensus’s clients
• Assist with the review and drafting of relevant program disclosure documents
• Work closely with the legal and risk management departments
• Support other compliance activities including responses to RFPs
• Evaluate compliance needs and requirements of acquired companies and ensure corporate standards are applied consistently across all divisions and locations
• Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.
• Manage and lead a team of compliance professionals who support multiple business units
• Develop a high performing team through implementation of effective recruitment, training/cross training, performance management, mentoring, motivation and coaching while fostering strong team and cultural dynamics.
• Engage associates in a positive and professional manner where inclusion, belonging and diversity of thought are leveraged for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Works with associates to set and execute goals/objectives.
• Manages direct reports according to Ascensus policy; maintains a safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following and enforcing standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations.
Requirements
• BS required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 15 years of broker-dealer and investment advisor compliance experience
• Must have the following Securities Licenses or be willing to obtain them within 6 months: Series 7 – General Securities Representative Series 24 – General Securities Principal; and Series 51 – Municipal Fund Securities Limited Principal; or Series 53 – Municipal Securities Principal
• Certification required: Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM); other risk-related certifications desirable (CIA, CRP, CFE or CAMS)
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills
• Action-oriented; able to drive change and achieve results
• Strong managerial and leadership skills
• Effectiveness presenting to executive management, board of directors and regulators
• Strong business acumen
• Exceptional problem solving, decision making and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• For all virtual remote positions, in order to ensure associates can effectively perform their job duties with no distractions, we require a