Chief Compliance Officer, Corporate -Legal

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.

There are multiple postings for marketing purposes but only 1 opening. This position is Hybrid to our Newton, MA location. Relocation assistance is available.

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.
• At Ascensus we are guided by our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always®. They inspire us every day to prioritize an environment of respect for those we serve and one another and should be visible in your actions on a day-to-day.

Supervision  

• 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
• Transfer agent compliance and/or operations experience preferred
• Expert knowledge of securities, investments, investment products, markets, and their rules and regulations
• 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 an uninterrupted virtual workspace and there is also an expectation of family care being in place during business hours. Additionally, there is an internet work speed requirement of 25 Mbps or better for individual use. If more than one person is utilizing the same internet connection in the same household or building, then a stronger connection is required. If you are unsure of your internet speed, please check with your service provider. Note: For call center roles specifically, it is a requirement to either hardwire your equipment directly to the internet router or ensure your workstation is in close proximity to the router. Please ensure that you are able to meet these expectations before applying.

The national average salary range for this role is  $250-300k in base pay, exclusive of any bonuses and benefits. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salary offered will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, performance, and internal pay alignment. We do not anticipate that candidates hired will begin at the top of the range however, from time to time, it may occur on a case-by-case basis.  Other rewards and benefits may include: 401(k) match, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid-Time-Off, etc.  For more information, please visit careers.ascensus.com/#Benefits.

Be aware of employment fraud. All email communications from Ascensus or its hiring managers originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com email addresses. We will never ask you for payment or require you to purchase any equipment. If you are suspicious or unsure about validity of a job posting, we strongly encourage you to apply directly through our website.