Virtual Financial Advisor

Job Summary :

Under limited supervision, uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training or certification to provide all levels of financial services in a team environment to associates or clients of the company by combining the traditional roles of the Financial Advisor and Service Associate.

Fosters and assists in the development of relationships with new clients in a call center environment. Assists associates or clients over the phone on a non-advisory basis by executing unsolicited orders.

Provides point-in-time diversification suggestions, suitability and position concentration advice, or recommendations for alternative investment options in commission-based brokerage accounts.

Guidance is provided to perform varied work that is somewhat difficult in character requiring some evaluation, originality and ingenuity to make moderately complex decisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Coaches and mentors less experienced Investment Central associates.
• Works in cohesion with other Virtual Financial Advisors to oversee over $6 billion in client assets to ensure proper fiduciary processes and procedures are integrated and aligned with business practices to mitigate risk to the business.
• Provides escalated support and guidance in dealing with client portfolios and various customer queries.
• Informs appropriate management about issues with client accounts that may involve or expose the business to potential liability.
• Assists management to implement adequate controls and quality assurance processes to address potential liability.
• Keeps abreast and maintains working knowledge of current Capital market news and how that can impact our client accounts.
• Researches, interprets and translates investments within portfolios and educates clients based on proper asset allocation and modern portfolio theory.
• Addresses sensitive client issues surrounding AML or other Supervisory alerts generated by the firm.
• Understanding complex business models and constantly evolving practices.
• Assists clients, branches, advisors and back office operations with general questions on all aspects of our business and intertwined departments.
• Assists in sales practices, oversight of the account opening process, the execution of client unsolicited orders and offering guidance / supervision in relation to other associated sales practice activities and requirements.
• Manages, reviews, and approves all clients’ activity. Educates and guides our clients regarding services and products offered.
• Establishes and manages client brokerage accounts while maintaining complete client information in accordance with internal and external regulations.
• Proactively contact clients to review portfolios, complete Investment Policy Questionnaire and provide information on investments and make suitable recommendations.
• Work to acquire additional assets that the client may have held away from the firm.
• Places various trades including large volume trades while performing due diligence and mitigating risk to the business.
• Ensures firm and regulatory policies are followed within compliance standards.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Advanced Knowledge of :

• Concepts, practices and procedures of securities and banking industry.
• Fundamental investment concepts, practices and procedures used in the securities industry.
• Principles of banking and finance and securities industry operations.
• Financial markets and products including annuities, UIT’s, structured products, alternative investments, mutual funds, stocks and options.

Skill in :

• Organizational and time management skills sufficient to prioritize workload, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Detail orientation to ensure quality standards are met without impairing workflow.
• Follow-up to ensure resolution and completion of tasks.
• Integrating and aligning fiduciary duties and procedures with business processes.
• Coordinating large volumes of complex branch activities.
• Reviewing trades and disbursements that may expose the firm to potential liability.
• Research all forms of client queries that relate to various types of brokerage accounts.
• Gather information and prepare oral and written reports to clients.
• Preparing and delivers written and oral presentations.
• Investigating relevant irregularities.
• Identifies gaps in client portfolios based on client’s objective and goals using modern portfolio theory.
• Effectively and concise communication with clients.
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications to perform research and produce e-mails, memos, spreadsheets and reports.
• Identifying the needs of customers through effective questioning and listening techniques.

Ability to :

• Use effective oral and written communication skills sufficient enough to interact effectively and guide clients, financial advisors, and back office staff on various operational issues.
• Execute instructions and request clarification when necessary.
• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives.
• Provide a high level of customer service in a calm, courteous and professional manner.
• Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas and problems are addressed.
• Attend to detail while maintaining a big picture orientation.
• Gather information and convey appropriate solutions to client queries or needs.
• Supervise and monitor suitability, concentration and investor profile alerts under the Supervisory Alert System (SAS) program.
• Analyze daily activity reports for sales practice, suitability and performance issues.
• Use independent judgment on a wide variety of monetary issues with potentially large liabilities to the firm.
• Work under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Review a client’s financial profile and determine if the product they are purchasing is appropriate for their risk tolerance, income needs and goals.

Educational / Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. / B.S.) in a related discipline and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in the financial services industry.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and / or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses / Certifications

• SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.
• FINRA Series 7 required.
• FINRA Series 66 or 63 and 65 required.

Raymond James Guiding BehaviorsAt Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.

We expect our associates at all levels to :

• Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
• Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
• Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
• Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firmAt Raymond James as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.

When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.

Customer Service