intern

client services associate

analyst

managing director

customer service representative

Hilltop Securities

If I can keep others from making a mistake like I did it will be worth the effort – equally gratifying to expose those who portray themselves far differently than they really are! In transparency, I do not have experience with all departments and divisions at Hilltop - primarily the independent network. One of the reasons to go independent is to BE independent. 

My experience began when my previous broker/dealer transitioned, or perhaps sold us out to Hilltop. That segment would have gone smoothly except for the ineptitude of the Transition Team. My last interaction with them was to ask for assistance, which was refused and ended when they told me “you are past the transition window.” I responded in my normal way with entities that prove to be worthless - taking them off speed dial and find another way!

The next issue confirmed that I was with a broker/dealer that did not share my values and dedication to the client. I received a call forcing me to take profits in a successful investment in a non-qualified account, triggering a 1099 on the gain, due to selecting an investment that did so well that it surpassed the concentration threshold! That’s what happens when you diversify and buy some growth, some moderate, and some conservative. (I was fortunate that the client seemed to understand my predicament and reluctantly accepted the impaired reasoning but saw through the manipulation as protection of the firm not the client!) The client then asked a rather revealing but embarrassing question: “Why are you even with a company like Hilltop in the first place?”

The culture seems indicative of many with:
1. More authority than ability!
2. Relentless efforts to protect the firm without regard for the client or rep. This goes beyond not caring about the well-being and comfort level of the client as they do not suspect that these factors even exist!
3. Accountability to no one.

The environment I have described would not exist without these deficiencies at the top: leadership, management, supervision. Apparently they have little time for activities that executives at other companies find useful, i.e., keeping up with industry trends. As more of the traditional brokerage account holders die out, the heirs either spend it, trade on line if no advice is needed or if they DO need advice, they get an advisory RIA account. In view of the trends you might expect the broker/dealers to attempt to hang on by being more accommodating. Which is more prevalent at Hilltop: not knowing or not even suspecting?

Along the way I received an electronic signature to agree to have my payout cut – no explanation, no call, no letter. I learned firsthand that Hilltop had redefined both “inconsiderate” and “unprofessional.” 

Next, came the decision to cease opening new advisory accounts at an external custodian that had come to be my favorite, which was the bulk of my business. This decision was likely made to force clients into their in-house proprietary platform and was the last straw in my decision to leave behind the repugnant and replace with at least some flexibility and accommodation.  This situation culminated with an existing individual account holder asking to open a new joint account with the same custodian. I tried to explain the attempt to manipulate and exploit. But a happy ending as all that family’s accounts left Hilltop and now have something with me they will never understand – the client’s wellbeing and comfort level. In fact, 100% of my Hilltop accounts moved, validating that the way you treat others affects the business you do.

Will they be able to stay in business by retaining enough clients and reps that will acquiesce to the way they are treated? (The only reps that will stay are those too passive to move to a better situation or too shallow to know the difference.) That sets the stage for a self-fulfilling prophecy based on lethargy and ignorance. Only fitting that they will reap what they sow.

Instead, I would recommend an environment that encourages treating folks the right way and getting something those at Hilltop have likely never heard of before and will have to search for: referrals!


I began my job not even knowing what a bond was (was sent by a Temp Agency). I quickly picked up on the administrative side and excelled quickly. Everyone was so patient in teaching me and making sure I had everything I needed to succeed. Depending on the area you work will determine the stress level. As an Underwriting Assistant, the stress level can get very high as sometimes you are on a regulated time constraint. Working in Operations was not nearly as stressful in my position. There is a lot of laughter in our department which usually determines a good and happy work environment. We love to celebrate others. There are people who have been here many, many years. If I was not moving closer to family, I would be here until I retired! I tried very hard to relocate with my job, but unfortunately I couldn't. I would recommend this job to anyone! Also, the benefits are great!

The SCO Test Transformation Program was established for continuous improvement of Test Strategy. Test Strategy project is established within the program to identify tests where fault detection rate vs modeled escape rate does not justify the capital investment. This will prevent the purchase of unnecessary test equipment and allow existing equipment to be repurposed, thereby reducing capital expenses for test equipment. The Project included setup of industry standard DPPM (Defect parts per million) metrics, transformation to Big Data from conventional Databases, building and enhancing BI dashboards and tools for analysis, and setting up metrics governance process and policies to decrease the cost and product lead time.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Competitive pay, nice office environment. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Training for the position was never completed.  Job duties and procedures were unclear if you never worked in this business before. It takes a while to acclimate to the position.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very nice and fast paced.  Friendly people.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Start the day checking if your money movements went through.  Follow up on the previous days work. Then begin the new work of the day writing down each step so you can follow through with it tomorrow.

I was a direct hire on by the manager to support the government reporting department. I performed daily report work tasks for the cost basis section, as well as special projects involving corporate actions and how they affected client accounts. I probably enjoyed working at Hilltop Securities more than anywhere else in my 11 year career in the financial services industry. The people I worked with, as well as most all those on the floor were very friendly, caring and thoughtful. I fit in great there and was well-liked & respected for my work ethic. Unfortunately, they like many other firms are looking for millennials to hire, not experienced baby boomers.

I worked in the downtown Dallas back-office. Our clients were affiliated brokers, etc. The work enviro is professional, but relaxed. Business casual is the usual dress code. There are many fun-loving people working there at all levels of management, but it is a quiet, production-oriented enviro. Many of the people there have not only been in the industry for decades, but been with Hilltop for decades. It's a great, hands-on learning opportunity and they have an active intern program. The potential to hire-on varies from department to department. Good luck!

In the heart of downtown, this company is walking distance to local eateries and parks for leisure stress relieving times.
The workday could become overwhelming if you are not good with time management.
Taking breaks away from your desk can be a struggle within departments and somewhat looked down upon
Management can appear to be intimidating. Get to know them and most will help you with most anything you need.

Enjoyed working at the company, worked in renaissance tower so there was always access to food and Starbucks and meeting new people. I liked that work was right on train line and the company reimbursed for monthly passes. Enjoyed working with my co-workers

However had a bad experience with management here because I felt underpaid and undervalued, and I noticed the same amongst other black people on my team, unfortunately.

No balance between work load and incentives. Has the potential to be a good company. I like the option to carry over vacation. Seem to be stuck in traditional methods of doing things that makes the work environment strict at times.

Change can sometimes be good but with Hilltop things changed for the worse.  Management did not care about employees. After employees were given a survay to take, management did not like the answers, so they told the employee's if they did not like what was happening with the company they should leave. Why ask us our thoughts?

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Intern 5 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Client services associate 4 salaries reported	$23.25 per hour
Analyst 3 salaries reported	$70,000 per year
Managing director 3 salaries reported	$308,333 per year
Customer service representative 3 salaries reported	$56,700 per year

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