Account Specialist I

Company Name: tastytrade Role: Account Specialist I Location: Chicago, IL – In-Person (3/days week) Reports to: Accounts Team Lead Licensure Required: FINRA SIE , Series 7, and Series 63 As an Account Specialist I with tastytrade, you will provide seamless account opening experiences, superior customer support, and attentive account maintenance for our customers. This is the foundational role within the Accounts career path, designed to build your expertise in account processing, regulatory compliance, and customer service before advancing to Account Specialist II. You will process new account applications, perform account maintenance, and support customer due diligence efforts while developing the judgment and technical knowledge required for approver-level responsibilities. This role is ideal for detail-oriented individuals early in their brokerage operations career who want to build a foundation in account services with a clear path toward Account Specialist II, and beyond. What you'll do Account Opening & Application Processing Process new account applications for individual, joint, IRA, and basic entity accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness Review customer-submitted documentation for identity verification, ensuring compliance with Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements Verify application information against submitted documents, flagging discrepancies for further review Guide and help troubleshoot customers through the account opening process, explaining required documentation and application steps Process straightforward account maintenance requests including address changes, phone updates, and beneficiary designations Assist with preparing applications so they are ready for an accounts approver Customer Due Diligence & Compliance Support Perform ongoing customer due diligence in accordance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations Assist with routine monitoring, documentation, and reporting requirements Identify and escalate potentially suspicious account activity or documentation irregularities to senior team members Maintain accurate records of customer due diligence efforts for audit and regulatory purposes Support basic suitability reviews, verifying customer-provided financial and suitability information Customer Service & Support Provide friendly, accurate, and efficient support via chat, email, and phone (as needed) regarding account opening and maintenance questions Respond to customer inquiries about application status, required documentation, and processing timelines Guide customers through resolving application holds or documentation issues with clear, step-by-step instructions Collaborate with teammates to address time-sensitive account issues and escalate complex matters appropriately Document all customer interactions thoroughly and accurately in Salesforce Process Improvement & Development Provide input and recommendations for improvement regarding current policies, procedures, and technologies Participate in team training sessions to build knowledge of account types, regulatory requirements, and processing procedures Shadow Account Specialist IIs to learn approver-level judgment and complex account handling Develop foundational knowledge of entity account structures, trust documentation, and margin agreements in preparation for advancement Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment Career Development Toward Account Specialist II Build proficiency in straightforward account processing as a foundation for approver-level responsibilities Develop understanding of  KYC /AML requirements, suitability standards, and regulatory compliance Demonstrate consistent accuracy and sound judgment in processing decisions as a pathway to approver authority Pursue internal domain role qualifications (Accounts Approval) with support from Team Lead and Account Specialist IIs Pass Series 24 and 4 exams Who you are Experience & Credentials FINRA SIE , Series 7, and Series 63 Bachelor's degree or related work experience Experience or avid interest in the financial industry Prior customer service experience preferred, particularly in a financial services or brokerage environment No prior account processing experience required—this role is designed to build foundational expertise Knowledge & Skills Detail-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and uphold applicable regulatory requirements Basic understanding of account types (individual, joint, IRA, entities) or willingness to learn quickly Genuine interest in developing expertise in AML/ KYC compliance and brokerage account operations Aspiration to advance to Account Specialist II and pursue approver-level responsibilities Communication & Interpersonal Skills Strong interpersonal skills, effective in customer interactions, and ability to identify appropriate solutions Willingness to collaborate with teammates to address time-sensitive issues Clear, professional written and verbal communication for customer support and internal collaboration Patience and empathy when guiding customers through documentation requirements Operational Skills Extremely proficient with use of technology Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple applications and processing tasks simultaneously Self-motivated with ability to work independently while knowing when to escalate to senior team members Company Perks + Benefits:  Performance Bonuses  Stock Purchase Options  Medical/Vision/Dental Benefits  401k Plan  20 Paid Vacation Days (plus an additional paid vacation day the month of your birthday!)  10 Paid Sick Days  Gym Membership Reimbursement  Commuter Benefits  Pet Insurance  Wellness & Mental Health Programs  Charitable Donation Matching  Two Paid Volunteer Days Off  Daily catered lunch when in the of