Account Specialist I

tastylive•Chicago, IL

5d•$50,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Account Specialist I at tastytrade provides account-opening support, customer service, and account maintenance. This foundational role in the Accounts career path develops expertise in account processing, regulatory compliance, and customer service, with a progression path toward Account Specialist II and approver-level responsibilities. The role processes applications for individual, joint, IRA, and basic entity accounts; reviews documentation for identity verification and Customer Identification Program (CIP) compliance; supports customer due diligence and routine monitoring; and handles straightforward account maintenance. It also provides customer support through chat, email, and phone as needed, documents interactions in Salesforce, and escalates complex matters or potential irregularities to senior team members. The Account Specialist I participates in training, shadows Account Specialist IIs, contributes to process improvements, and builds knowledge of entity accounts, trust documentation, margin agreements, KYC/AML requirements, and suitability standards. Advancement development includes pursuing internal Accounts Approval qualifications and passing Series 24 and Series 4 exams. The position is based in Chicago and is in person three days per week.

Requirements

FINRA SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses.
Bachelor's degree or related work experience.
Experience or a strong interest in the financial industry.
Detail-oriented, willing to learn, and able to uphold applicable regulatory requirements.
Basic understanding of individual, joint, IRA, and entity account types, or willingness to learn quickly.
Interest in developing expertise in AML/KYC compliance and brokerage account operations.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to identify appropriate customer solutions.
Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
Patience and empathy when helping customers with documentation requirements.
Extremely proficient with technology.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple applications and processing tasks.
Strong organizational skills.
Self-motivated and able to work independently while recognizing when to escalate matters.

Nice To Haves

Prior customer service experience, particularly in financial services or a brokerage environment.

Responsibilities

Process new applications for individual, joint, IRA, and basic entity accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Review customer documentation for identity verification and CIP compliance, verify application details, and flag discrepancies.
Guide customers through account opening, required documentation, and application steps.
Process straightforward account maintenance requests, including address changes, phone updates, and beneficiary designations.
Prepare applications for review by an accounts approver.
Perform ongoing customer due diligence in accordance with AML regulations and assist with routine monitoring, documentation, and reporting.
Identify and escalate potentially suspicious account activity or documentation irregularities.
Maintain accurate customer due diligence records for audit and regulatory purposes.
Support basic suitability reviews by verifying customer-provided financial and suitability information.
Respond to customer inquiries about application status, documentation, and processing timelines through chat, email, and phone as needed.
Help customers resolve application holds or documentation issues and collaborate with teammates on time-sensitive issues.
Document customer interactions thoroughly and accurately in Salesforce.
Provide input and recommendations to improve policies, procedures, and technologies.
Participate in team training and shadow Account Specialist IIs to learn complex account handling and approver-level judgment.
Develop foundational knowledge of entity account structures, trust documentation, and margin agreements.
Build proficiency and demonstrate accuracy and sound judgment as preparation for approver-level responsibilities.
Pursue internal Accounts Approval qualifications with support from the Team Lead and Account Specialist IIs.
Pass Series 24 and Series 4 exams.
Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Performance bonuses, including a discretionary bonus of 5–10% of base salary based on individual and company performance.
Stock purchase options.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits.
401(k) plan.
20 paid vacation days, plus an additional paid vacation day during the employee's birthday month.
10 paid sick days.
Gym membership reimbursement.
Commuter benefits.
Pet insurance.
Wellness and mental health programs.
Charitable donation matching.
Two paid volunteer days off.
Daily catered lunch when in the office.
Full kitchen with snacks and beverages.
In-building gym.
Shuttle to and from Metra.