Pros
Benefits are great, 401k with up to a certain amt of matching, not full, but better than most. Profit sharing, Really good Medical High-deductible w/HSA, Dental, Vision, discounts on investing- NAV pricing, paid holidays & sick, 2 weeks vacation paid for new BOAs, after 3-4 years able to have more vacation. Tuition assistance I wished I had been able to use, but if you separate from the company, you will owe it back--most companies like that these days. Great team building events with other other BOAs & wonderful Regional Leader. Super awesome CRM, Customer Relationship Manager tool and great back office at EJ Headquarters in Saint Louis, the home office team within each department are dedicated, friendly and help greatly. You will not be alone in helping your FA/FAs and your clients, even if you are in the office often by yourself.
Cons
Although I liked the two-person office, when it comes to HR, and you must report both something illegal and concerning, They will PROTECT the FA Financial Advisor. EVEN when the FA is NOT performing! FA job is a sales job, sales metrics mean all to their future. HR did not come to meet face-to-face with me nor with the FA. All Phone Meetings. The FA used this to his advantage to make up false actions of what I was doing or not doing during the calls and when not in calls since HR could not visually see him nor myself. Keep in mind, no witnesses, it comes down to a what one person says against the other and HR just is not that vested into resolving a problem ethically. Several requests for transfer to several different offices nearby were blocked by HR, who had originally encouraged me to seek transfer--Contradictory. Given the nature of a highly government regulated industry, there is intensive illegal activities and harassment training all employees must do, yet in the end, if you say something, as you are encouraged to do!, -- you will most likely be sacked. I also found out that I will not be hireable again?! Based on hearsay of one bad FA? And perhaps an inapt HR agent as well? Wow. I have been in the workforce for many many years, it is disgraceful mishandling of very serious concerns and undue punishment. I did not steal, I did nothing illegal. Your FA is a high risk liability to be protecting.