AWM Operations Specialist

Pay is based on a number of factors including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge and skills, qualifications, and prior experience. Arvest offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including a full range of health and life, financial, and wellness benefits. For more information about benefits, please visit www.arvest.com/careers/benefits .

Position is located at 921 West Monroe in Lowell, Arkansas.

Position is Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm with additional hours as needed.

Summary:

The story of Arvest is one of commitment started by our founders in 1961, with an intense dedication to focusing on our customers. We will always be active and involved members of the communities we serve, and we will always work to put the needs of our customers first as we continue to fulfill our mission – People helping people find financial solutions for life .

Job Title: AWM Operations Specialist

The AWM Operations Specialist is responsible for managing general investment, insurance, annuity, IRA, asset movement and client support issues. The Specialist must become knowledgeable of all processes, procedures, and service level agreements for the AWM Operations department, as well, as FINRA and SEC regulatory requirements for investments and state requirements for insurance. The AWM Operations Specialist should have a desire to work toward appropriate FINRA and SEC licensures.

We are seeking candidates who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired.

What You Will Do at Arvest: (Other duties may be assigned.)

• Responsible for developing, maintaining, and growing an understanding of all processes and procedures, service level agreements, compliance and regulatory requirements, duties, and client responsibilities which flow through the operations team: investments, insurance, annuities, IRAs, ACATs, internal asset transfers, account opening process, wire transfers, etc.
• Responsible for responding to internal Client Advisor and Client Advisor Assistant inquiries regarding all brokerage, advisory, and Insurance/Annuity business that flows through the operations team. Ensure responses are timely and compliant. Assist Client Advisors and Client Advisor Assistants with any issue resolution to clear any discrepancies. Provide guidance to the Client Advisors and Client Advisor Assistants on any exception or NIGO matters.
• Accountable for account set up, maintenance of accounts, responding to inquiries, communicating with clearing firm/broker, and guiding Client Advisors and Client Advisor Assistants through the account opening and maintenance process.
• Accountable for processing of new life insurance and annuity business as well as Full Surrenders, Free Look processing, policy delivery and agent of record changes and appointing of advisors with independent insurance carriers. Working with compliance to ensure all policy and procedures are being followed.
• Assist with gathering of information and participating in research requests from both internal and external customers. This requires research skills and abilities necessary to conduct independent research and analysis for client accounts. Work with Arvest Bank to help resolve subpoena requests submitted.
• Function as primary resource for tax related questions and inquiries as it relates to contributions, distributions, qualified rollovers, etc.
• Perform daily reconciliation of all asset movements between Arvest Bank and Clearing Firm for overall net transfer of assets.
• Receive and identify and deposit all checks received via physical mail at the home office, working through any NIGO related issues with corresponding client advisor and assistants.
• Reconcile all check deposits received both at the home office and by Client Advisors and Client Advisor Assistants in the field and reporting any items that fall outside of policy and procedures to compliance department.
• Develop and maintain general knowledge of AWM, FINRA, and SEC policies and procedures, industry changes and requirements through continued education.
• Develop and maintain a general knowledge of insurance, insurance products, and processing procedures related to such products, industry changes, and requirements through continued education.
• Develop and maintain general knowledge of AWM’s clearing firm system and other software systems necessary to complete tasks and provide guidance and assistance to internal customers.
• Ensure all FINRA, SEC, bank, investment, insurance, IRA, trading, and departmental policies and procedures are followed.
• Understand and comply with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank's BSA/AML Program, as applicable to your job duties. This includes but is not limited to; complete compliance training and adhere to internal procedures and controls; report any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations and report any suspicious customer and/or account activity.
  
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

NA

Responsibilities:

Toolbox for Success:

• Associates Degree or equivalent military or field experience required.
• 1 year of customer support and/or administrative/office experience required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Desire to acquire FINRA license, etc. within 1 year of hire required.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Investment and/or financial sales experience preferred.
• Trading of client accounts experience preferred.
• Relevant military experience is considered for veterans and transitioning service members.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

The associate must be able to travel occasionally by themselves within the US, possibly overnight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and significant professional growth.

Along with an excellent benefits package, our associates are engaged, rewarded for performance, and encouraged to grow professionally and personally. Our future is driven by our associates. If you want to be recognized for your results and empowered to reach your potential, we urge you to apply.

Grade 13

Pay Range: $21.89 - $26.00 per hour