Associate Advisor - First American Bank

First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60 locations and assets of $5+ billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.

This position will manage, service, and grow relationships within an existing portfolio of wealth management clients.  Additionally, this position will partner with Advisors within the Wealth Management Group with complex transactions, servicing, and support responsibilities related to business development activities and the management of client accounts.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as primary advisor and key consultant to a portfolio of clients using an advisory approach.
• Partner with Senior Advisors to analyze investment opportunities and client needs and recommend appropriate strategies.
• Independently researches and analyzes third party reports and data to assess, determine, and identify various market conditions, tax-reduction strategies, estate planning, asset allocation, etc.
• Prepares detailed presentations and meeting materials for existing and prospective clients.
• Independently assesses the client’s financial situation and provides individualized recommendations, including financial projections, asset allocations, and regulatory/tax risks.
• Provides guidance to Bank’s Wealth Management Advisors and Support teams to identify issues and recommend alternatives for ongoing processes.
• Work with Bank partners to assure timely resolution of service or account related issues.
• Responsible for the client experience including negotiating, problem resolution, and setting expectations to meet both client needs and bank objectives as it relates to deposits, transfers, distributions, reporting, and address changes on Wealth Management and Bank systems.
• Responsible for reviewing and approving documentation provided to First American Bank as authorization to act on client transaction requests.
• Must exercise judgement with respect to required documentation for specific transactions and evaluate First American Bank’s ability to act upon a request, including opening/closing client accounts and the asset transfer process to and from other organizations.
• Exhibit and apply strong risk management and compliance with all policies and procedures including pro-active notification to Advisors and senior management.
• Maintain documentation of all client interaction in CRM and all electronic imaged files in the bank’s document management system.
• Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Pursuing advanced degree or professional designation (CFP, CFA) a plus.
• Minimum of three years of experience within wealth management, financial planning, financial services, or related field required.
• Preferably within a fiduciary environment.
• Must have strong organizational and time management skills and a commitment to accuracy.
• Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products, CRM, and wealth management and bank accounting systems, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• Occasional travel to various locations throughout the Chicago metro area required.
• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank’s customer service standards.