Compliance Officer- Office Exams

Hightower Advisors•Chicago, IL

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

Hightower is seeking an experienced Compliance Officer – Office Examinations to join its Compliance Department. The role reports to the Executive Director of Compliance Review and contributes to a risk-based office examination program for an SEC-registered investment adviser and FINRA-regulated broker-dealer. The position supports the firm's supervisory and compliance framework by identifying regulatory risks, assessing compliance with applicable regulations and internal policies, and helping strengthen the firm's compliance program. The Compliance Officer conducts routine and for-cause examinations of branch offices, OSJs, and advisory locations, both onsite and remotely. The role reviews compliance with SEC, FINRA, applicable state regulations, firm policies, and written supervisory procedures. It documents findings and remediation recommendations, tracks corrective actions, maintains examination records, refines examination methods, identifies trends, and supports regulatory examinations.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in compliance, supervision, audit, or a related function within a broker-dealer or RIA.
Working knowledge of SEC and FINRA regulations, particularly branch supervision and office inspection requirements.
Ability to independently analyze issues and requirements while understanding business practices.
Responsive and proactive, with the ability to work autonomously or collaboratively depending on circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting compliance testing, audits, or office examinations.
FINRA licenses such as Series 7, 24, or 65/66, or willingness to obtain them.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine and for-cause office examinations of branch offices, OSJs, and advisory locations, onsite and remotely.
Evaluate compliance with SEC regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; FINRA rules, including Rule 3110; applicable state regulations; and firm policies and written supervisory procedures.
Perform testing and review of sales practices and suitability, advertising and communications, books and records, outside business activities and private securities transactions, fee billing and advisory practices, cybersecurity and safeguarding client information, and adherence to firm policies and procedures.
Escalate findings or potential violations to compliance leadership.
Document examination findings, risk impact assessments, and proposed remediation protocols.
Prepare and distribute examination finding reports.
Track remediation efforts and follow up with business partners to ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
Maintain accurate books and records of examinations, findings reports, and supporting documentation.
Help refine examination procedures, checklists, and risk-based methodologies.
Identify trends or recurring issues and provide input to enhance policies, procedures, and training.
Support SEC, FINRA, and state regulatory examinations by gathering documentation and responding to requests.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage beginning on the first day of employment.
Paid parental leave: 16 weeks for the primary caregiver and 8 weeks for the secondary caregiver.
Mother's lounge onsite.
Flexible PTO plan.
Free gym in the Chicago office.
401(k) matching plan.
HSA employer contributions.
Student loan assistance.
Pet insurance.
Base salary of up to $110,000 plus a discretionary bonus; exact base salary depends on experience.