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Financial Advisor - Decatur/Champaign/Bloomington (Empire)

CEFCU · Decatur, IL · $58,656 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you grew your book of business. Where did the new relationships come from?

What they are checking: Business development skill through referrals and branch partnerships, which the role expects to strengthen.

How do you explain risk and fees to a member who has never invested before?

What they are checking: Plain-language communication that builds trust and keeps members from being surprised later.

How is advising credit union members different from working at a brokerage or bank, in your view?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the member-first culture and avoid a pure sales mindset.

What would you do

This role covers Decatur, Champaign and Bloomington. How would you build relationships with members across several branches?

What they are checking: Whether they have a practical plan for working with branch staff and members spread across a region.

A member in their sixties wants to move most of their retirement savings into something aggressive. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Suitability judgment and whether they will have an honest conversation even when it costs a sale.

Markets drop sharply and a member calls wanting to sell everything. What do you say?

What they are checking: Ability to calm and educate members while respecting their decision and documenting the conversation.

About the work

You need a Life/Health Producer license plus Series 7 and 66, or 7, 63 and 65 or 66. Which do you hold today, and how do you keep up with continuing education?

What they are checking: Whether they are licensed and ready to advise now, and treat compliance requirements as routine.

Walk me through your first consultation with a new member. What do you need to learn before you recommend anything?

What they are checking: A needs-based process covering goals, time horizon, risk tolerance and full financial picture before any product.

How do you decide whether an investment product or an insurance product is the right fit for a member?

What they are checking: Understanding of how investment and insurance solutions fit different needs, and recommending without bias.

What compliance steps do you take on every account and trade so your work holds up in a review?

What they are checking: Discipline around documentation, suitability and brokerage operations rules.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at CEFCU from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by CEFCU.

Are you ready to make the most of your talents and abilities, while helping others make the most of their finances? Apply to join Team CEFCU! CEFCU member service team members are critical to the success of the credit union. They provide a professional, knowledgeable, and caring experience when members contact us. We are looking for individuals who are personable, articulate, and positive to add to our already awesome team! Provides financial planning, investment services, and member relationship management. Refines financial strategies, deepens member engagement, and enhances advisory skills. Assesses member needs, conducts consultations, and recommends tailored investment and insurance solutions. Strengthens knowledge of brokerage operations, compliance, and business development. Within two years transitions to a Financial Advisor III. Provides the highest quality member experience, for both internal and external members. Core Hours Monday - Friday 8:45 am - 5:15 pm Note: Core hours may change and availability for evening and Saturday hours may occur to meet business needs. Required: • High school diploma or equivalent • Maintains a Life/Health Producer license along with FINRA Series 7 and Series 66, or Series 7, 63, and 65, or Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses, while fulfilling all continuing education and testing requirements necessary to keep licenses current. • Must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and personal vehicle insurance. • Must be fingerprinted and pass FINRA’s background checks. • Must sign Broker-Dealer’s Registered Representative Agreement • 2-6 years of licensed experience in securities Preferred: • Completion of Associates, Bachelors, or Master degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related field • 4-6 years of licensed experience in securities may be considered in place of a degree. • Experience in member/client relationship management, financial planning, or sales within a financial institution is preferred. • Certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) • Bi-lingual, Spanish preferred • Strong knowledge of investment products, financial planning concepts, and regulatory requirements • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills • Sales and business development experience with a focus on financial solutions • Ability to analyze financial data and present recommendations to member/clients • Proficiency in financial planning software and CRM systems Annual Base Pay Range The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $58,656.00 - $58,656.00. This position is eligible for incentive pay opportunities based on sales performance. Benefits Health and Welfare Generous paid time off (Holiday, Personal or Sick Time, Vacation) Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (PPO, HDHP) Flexible Spending Plan (Medical Reimbursement Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account) Health Savings Account Voluntary Benefits (Accident Plan, Critical Illness Plan, Hospital Indemnity Plan, Identity Theft & Fraud Protection Plan, Legal Plan) Life Insurance Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Disability Benefits Defined Benefit Plan – Pension Defined Contribution Plan – 401K Additional Benefits Employee Assistance Program Tuition reimbursement Career growth through internal job postings Management Development Program: formal mentoring and training Opportunities to help improve and build the CEFCU of tomorrow through process teams Opportunities to personally contribute to corporate financial literacy and community initiatives Casual days to support local charities Employee discounts on entertainment, cell phone plans, theme park tickets, and more On-site fitness center, fitness classes, and wellness program It is CEFCU’s policy and intent to provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, sex/gender (including gender expression/identity, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, and/or any other basis protected by law. This policy covers all facets of employment including, but not limited to: recruitment, selection, placement, promotions, transfers, demotions, terminations, training, and compensation.

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