Investment Operations Associate Jobs in La Crosse, WI

Merchants Bank, Winona, is seeking an Associate Investment Advisor.  This position will contribute to the growth and profitability of the Bank through management of sales, marketing, and continued customer relationships.  This role is designed for intentional career growth to become an Investment Advisor/Executive. 

The successful candidate will be enrolled in a program designed to provide comprehensive training curriculum with a foundation of operations, sales, and service skills.  This position will work with a team of current investment professionals establishing and retaining relationships with existing and prospective customers.   

A college degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration and sales experience is a strong plus.  Must be able to work under deadlines and have excellent communication and customer service skills.

Merchants Bank offers competitive wages and benefits for our full-time employees including health, dental, life, disability and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts, 401(k) and ESOP retirement plans; bonus plan; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; and a variety of voluntary supplemental insurance options.

Please click on Apply Now or apply in person at Merchants Bank, Winona (102 E 3rd Street). Questions can be emailed to hr@merchantsbank.com. Merchants Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Summary: 

The Associate Investment Advisor’s role is to contribute to the growth and profitability of the Bank through management of sales, marketing, and continued customer relationships.  The role is a precursor to becoming an Investment Advisor/Executive.  This role is designed for intentional career growth.  The Associate Investment Advisor will be enrolled in a professional coaching program, administered by our broker dealer vendor partner.  The program is designed to provide a comprehensive training curriculum, with a foundation of both operations, sales, and service skills.  The program will culminate with the Associate Investment Advisor being fully licensed and trained to start attracting, onboarding, servicing and retaining investment services clients. 

The Associate Investment Advisor will work with a team of current Investment Services professionals. The Associate Investment Advisor will focus on enhancing the image of the Bank in the community and increasing ancillary business. The Associate Investment Advisor is responsible for establishing and retaining excellent relationships with existing and prospective customers.  The Associate Investment Advisor will also be responsible for providing referral training to Bank personnel and creating sales and cross selling awareness that prevails Bank-wide.  Developing long-term relationships with existing clients and developing new customer relationships is essential.  The Associate Investment Advisor must be an unbiased, trusted advisor with strong ethics.  Developing and maintaining good internal relationships is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ability to work independently and be responsible for own production and for maintaining strong client contact and service.
• Complete Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) immediately, then pass the Series 7 License within first 6 months, then pass the Series 66 License within the next three months.  Next the Associate Advisor Training will commence and strive to complete within the next four to five months.  Lastly, pass the insurance license exam within the next three months.  Associate accountable to earn all licenses within 12 to 15 months of employment. 
• Accustomed to working under deadlines, meeting time-based, production-oriented goals.
• Knowledge of financial planning, financial products and markets.
• Ability to help Bank customers identify their savings and retirement needs and offer products appropriately.
• Knowledge of other Bank products and the ability to cross-sell these products to customers.
• Ability to work well with people including customers and employees.
• Ability to generate new accounts and relationships from non-bank customers.
• Excellent public speaking skills, including teaching and training ability.
• Assist with Coordinating Investment Sales promotional campaigns with the Bank’s Marketing Department.
• Maintain contact with existing customers periodically reviewing client’s goals and needs.
• Ability to develop a team approach with other Bank employees and departments to build a referral network, including conducting referral training for Bank Personnel.
• Regular and dependable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Adherence to compliance with laws concerning financial institutions, and completion of compliance disks as required for job description.
• Employee will be expected to contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions.
• Employee will be expected to take responsibility to ensure that internal and external customers receive outstanding service.

 Position Requirements:

• College Degree – Accounting, Finance or Business Administration preferred
• FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 & 65 or 66 Insurance License by the end of the 15 month time horizon (or sooner) 
• Past sales experience a strong plus
• This position works out of the Winona Downtown location

Physical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an inside working environment, low noise levels, comfortable working surroundings and conditions.  No chemical environmental hazards.  Will be required to plan seminars for potential customers, and position will require limited travel, as needed, for seminars, etc.

Relationships:

Reports to the Investment Advisor and Operations Lead for duties, responsibilities, and for proper interpretation of role.