Chief Compliance Officer

San Francisco, CA, United States

The Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") will be responsible for developing and implementing compliance programs, including compliance reporting, training, and testing, reviewing company policies, and advising management on compliance matters. Additionally, the CCO will ensure that our operations, third-party providers, and business transactions adhere to all applicable rules, regulations, and internal policies to uphold high ethical and compliance standards across the business. The CCO will act as the primary expert and advisor on compliance, managing external regulatory engagements, legal contracts, and third-party vendor compliance. This role requires an individual well-versed in regulatory laws and operational compliance practices, particularly those specific to the fintech industry (banking, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage, insurance, payments, broker-dealer and investment advisory, privacy, and cybersecurity).

The Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") will act as the primary expert and advisor on all NerdWallet compliance matters, managing external regulatory engagements, legal contracts, and third-party vendor compliance. This role will also be responsible for creating, maintaining, and managing all compliance programming. The CCO will manage a small team of 1-2 reports supporting the regulatory function. Knowledge of the fintech industry and subject matter expertise in regulatory law and operational compliance practices are required in this role, as is being able to collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Where you can make an impact:

Develop, implement, and maintain a robust compliance program that aligns with industry standards and regulatory requirements

Monitor compliance with laws, regulations, company policies, and contracts

Perform compliance program testing to assess adherence to the compliance management system

Stay informed of emerging regulatory changes, trends, and best practices; assess potential impacts on the company to maintain a robust compliance program that aligns with industry standards and regulatory requirements

Conduct risk assessments to identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk; develop and implement corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues

Provide regular reports on compliance activities to senior management and regulatory bodies

Manage and oversee the compliance team, providing guidance and leadership

Develop compliance training programs and oversee the training of employees in compliance topics, policies, and procedures

Address employee concerns or questions on legal compliance

Collaborate with NerdWallet's internal audit function as needed

Keep abreast of internal standards and business goals

Possess executive presence and be able to present (both verbally and in writing) to Executive Leadership and the BOD

Maintain a level of emotional intelligence in all interactions

Your experience:

We recognize not everyone will meet all of the criteria. If you meet most of the criteria below and you're excited about the opportunity and willing to learn, we'd love to hear from you.

Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., JD, MBA, CCEP) preferred

Minimum of 12 years of experience in a compliance role within the financial services industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership position

Extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment in the fintech industry, particularly consumer lending, mortgage, banking, insurance, payments, broker-dealer and investment advisory, privacy, and cybersecurity

Proven experience in building compliance programs and managing compliance teams

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; able to develop and implement strategic plans

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Strong leadership qualities and a team-oriented mindset

Where:

This role will be based in San Francisco, CA or remote (based in the U.S.).

We believe great work can be done anywhere. No matter where you are based, NerdWallet offers benefits and perks to support the physical, financial, and emotional well being of you and your family.

What we offer:

Work Hard, Stay Balanced (Life's a series of balancing acts, eh?)

Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision health care plans for employees and their dependents

Rejuvenation Policy - Flexible Time Off + 13 holidays + 4 Mental Health Days Off

New Parent Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care

Mental health support through Headspace

Financial wellness, guidance, and unlimited access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Northstar

Paid sabbatical for Nerds to recharge, gain knowledge and pursue their interests

Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly NerdWallet contribution

Weekly Virtual Bootcamp, Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation sessions

Monthly Wellness Stipend, Cell Phone Stipend, and Wifi Stipend

Have Some Fun! (Nerds are fun, too)

Nerd-led group initiatives - Intramural Sports, Employee Resource Groups for Parents, Diversity and Inclusion, Women, LGBTQIA, and other communities

Hackathons, Happy Hours, and team events across all teams and departments

Company-wide events like Little Nerds Day (aka bring your kids to work day, even if you're remote!) and our annual Charity Auction

Lifestyle (Be your best self - we'll take care of the details)

Our Nerds love to make an impact by paying it forward - Donate to your favorite causes with a company match

Work from home equipment stipend and co-working space subsidy

Anniversary recognition program - choose from different items and experiences

Commuting stipend

Plan for your future (And when you retire on your island, remember the little people)

401K with company match

Annual Enrichment Stipend for learning and development

Be the first to test and benefit from our new financial products and tools

Access to Rocket Lawyer for online legal support and resources

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

NerdWallet is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, so all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

NerdWallet participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify program for all US locations. For more information, please see:

E-Verify Participation Poster (English+Spanish/Espaol)

Right to Work Poster (English) / (Spanish/Espaol)

#LI-DNI

Base pay offered may vary within the posted range based on several factors, including but not limited to education, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

The pay range for this role is

$264,000-$396,000 USD

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