Senior Manager of Compliance

Senior Manager of Compliance at Acorns

At Acorns, our mission is to look after the financial best interests of the up-and-coming, beginning with the empowering, proud step of micro-investing. Our values — Lead With Heart, Make Bold Decisions, Always Build Trust, Never Stop Growing, and Find a Way — guide us, and our mission drives us. Come join us and help deliver financial wellness for the whole family, putting the tools of wealth-making into everyone’s hands.

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Compliance to help us build and maintain the trust our customers place in us every day. This role is instrumental in ensuring our products, communications, and everything we create meets regulatory standards as we work to accomplish our mission of looking after the financial best interests of the up-and-coming.

You will partner closely with the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) in executing all aspects of Acorns’ compliance program. This critical role involves shaping our compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with regulations, reviewing marketing communications, and collaborating with business partners across the organization.

If you possess an eye for detail, communicate clearly, and care deeply about helping millions of people make smarter money choices, we encourage you to apply. This role offers flexibility to work remotely or be based in our Irvine or New York offices.

What You Will Do At Acorns

• Modify, update, and implement investment adviser and broker-dealer written policies and procedures in response to regulatory and business requirements.
• Responsible for the annual review and refresh of the compliance department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify, prioritize, and mitigate investment adviser and broker-dealer risks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across the organization.
• Assist the CCO with SEC and FINRA examinations, inquiries, and requests from other relevant authorities.
• Collaborate with key business partners such as Legal, Marketing, Product, Support, and Invest Operations to champion business and compliance initiatives.
• Support day-to-day compliance activities, including the review of customer complaints, marketing materials, referral program, and public communications, to ensure adherence to regulatory, legal, and internal policy standards.
• Develop risk management strategies and contribute to strategic compliance goals aligned with the firm's mission.
• Manage a small team of direct reports, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to ensure the success of the compliance program.
• Provide compliance insights to the CCO, CEO, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a role model by embodying and promoting the firm's cultural principles.

What You Will Bring To Acorns

• FINRA Series 7 and 24 are required; Series 65 or 66 license is required or must be obtained within the first 90 days.
• 7+ years of compliance experience, specifically with an SEC Registered Investment Adviser or Broker Dealer.
• BS / BA Degree or equivalent.
• Experience working with SEC and FINRA rules and regulations, specifically the SEC Marketing Rule and FINRA Rule 2210.
• Prior work experience with the SEC or FINRA is highly desirable.
• At least 2+ years of experience managing and developing team members, fostering growth and performance excellence.
• Demonstrated experience motivating, supporting, and developing team members to meet performance expectations and build their careers.
• Ability to align compliance strategy with organizational goals and guide the team through effective execution.
• Strong ability to communicate compliance expectations and initiatives clearly and effectively.
• Passion for Acorns’ mission and a belief in the potential for societal change through innovative financial solutions.
• Ability to align company vision and organizational goals with team execution.
• Commitment to upholding policy and procedures per company standards.
• Own strategic decision-making and effectively communicate direction to team members.
• Hunger to deliver game-changing products.
• Exceptional drive and precision in delivery.
• A belief that your work is tied to your life's mission.
• Optimistic about the potential of societal change.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• A comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Flexible paid time off.
• Numerous career possibilities that allow you to grow with Acorns.
• Talented and motivated team members who care deeply about one another, our mission, and our customers.
• The rare opportunity to create a new world. We inspire one another every day to do meaningful work that solves big societal challenges.

About Acorns

Acorns is a financial wellness app that helps everyday people and families save and invest money for the long term. Since 2014, Acorns has grown into a global company with multiple life stage products serving the needs of kids, teens, adults, and parents. Named one of Time’s “World’s Best Brands of 2024,” Acorns has helped over 13 million people save & invest over $22 billion dollars, much of it from spare change and small amounts.

Management Principles

• Managers are constantly raising the bar.
• Managers ensure all team members have a voice and a path.
• No surprises - Managers give and receive feedback early and often.
• Managers continuously assess performance and action on concerns quickly.
• Managers foster a resilient, results-oriented mindset.

Compensation Information

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $145,000 and $170,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, equity grants, and discretionary cash bonus awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Key skills/competency

• Regulatory Compliance
• SEC Rules & Regulations
• FINRA Rules & Regulations
• Investment Adviser Compliance
• Broker-Dealer Compliance
• Risk Management
• Policy Development
• Team Leadership
• Marketing Material Review
• Strategic Planning