Chief Compliance Officer

Summary: The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering all aspects of the company’s Compliance Management Programs. This role involves planning, organizing, and controlling day-to-day administrative, wealth management, and operational compliance activities. The CCO participates in various committees, assists with audits and examinations, and conducts staff training on legal and regulatory compliance. The CCO advises the Board of Directors, Senior Management, and company personnel on emerging compliance issues. Additionally, the CCO consults and guides the company in establishing controls to mitigate risks.

Salary Range: The salary range budgeted for this position is $151,200/yr to $195,000/yr and represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a candidate may vary depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. 

The Company also offers various benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(K) match. Other rewards may include annual performance-based bonuses and wellness days.

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we cannot sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for adherence to all compliance programs and completion of required and assigned training by established due dates.
• Understand and fulfill duties and responsibilities related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering Act (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations (OFAC), including participation in required training and prompt compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Including but not limited to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and Investment Company Act of 1940.
• Structure the company’s compliance program based on management’s philosophy, past compliance performance, and the tenure and knowledge of employees.
• Assess and utilize resources necessary to achieve and maintain targeted compliance performance levels.
• Proactively manage the compliance program to meet the needs of the company and adapt to the changing regulatory environment, identifying areas for improvement to deter violations before they occur.
• Design and implement follow-up procedures to ensure timely correction of issues noted in audits and reviews.
• Periodically review written procedures to ensure consistency with regulatory changes, operating systems, and management philosophy.
• Monitor staff regulatory training programs and track staff completion.
• Serve as the central contact for all regulatory issues, ensuring proper dissemination of materials related to regulatory changes.
• Act as the primary liaison with SEC examiners during examinations.
• Manage relationships with third-party SEC counsel.
• Collaborate with affiliated company staff to address interrelated compliance and regulatory matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Bank’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving issues. 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; higher degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of related experience required. 

Skills

• Demonstrated competency in leading a collaborative environment and creating priorities and focus for key support partners.
• Strong problem-resolution skills and sound judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to interact and work well with external prospects.
• Commitment to supporting and promoting diversity in the workplace.
• Technological proficiency relevant to the compliance area.
• Professional image in dealing with customers, interdepartmental, and external representatives.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; use hands to operate controls on a computer; reach with hands and arms for phone and computer work; and communicate on the phone wearing a headset for extended periods. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Equal Opportunity Employer: First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $151,200 - $195,000