Pros
Good salaries and benefits for a 40 hour a week job. Interesting work given exposure to Securities Act of 1933, Securties Exchange Act of 1934, Investment Company and Investment Advisers Act of 1940 plus FINRA and MSRB rules and regulations. Extensive training opportunities. Exposure to latest developments in financial products. Great flexibility with taking on additional responsibilities. Liberal vacation policies, alternative work schedules like alternating or every Friday off and work from home program.
Cons
No significant merit based compensation programs. Limited career opportunities in regional offices as SK-15 and above positions open up infrequently. Management promotions sometimes appear to be based on favoritism rather than technical expertise or inspiring leadership. Too top heavy with attorneys (and I am one myself). Understaffing especially in the Examination Program relative to the sheer amount of registered entities. Somewhat reactive rather than proactive.