Contributed

In an effort to serve the growing number of individual investors who are looking for someone to understand their financial needs and goals, financial services firm Edward Jones is looking to hire more financial advisers in Moore County.

As the firm continues to expand its business and grow its network of branch offices in Moore County, Edward Jones is hosting a recruiting event at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Edward Jones' office in the Stein Mart Shopping Center off U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines.

"As we expand, we're looking to hire local candidates who fit in with the Edward Jones entrepreneurial culture, one in which high achievers who have a desire to run a business with the support of a much larger organization can serve clients and the communities in which they live and work," said local financial adviser Craig Stokes.

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work, a news release said.

The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisers work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals - from college savings to retirement - and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy.

In January, for the 14th year, Edward Jones was named one of the best companies to work for by Fortune magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 8 overall.

These 14 Fortune rankings include 10 top-10 finishes, consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003, and consecutive No. 2 rankings in 2009 and 2010.

Edward Jones financial advisers come from diverse backgrounds.

The firm offers an extensive training program for new financial advisers. The firm is consistently recognized for delivering industry-leading training. Earlier this year, Edward Jones was ranked No. 15 on Training magazine's "2012 Training Top 125" list, its 12th consecutive year on this prestigious list.

As part of that training, Edward Jones financial advisers build their businesses by calling on people face to face in the communities where they have chosen to live.

Edward Jones financial advisers will be present at the March 19 event to answer any questions.

Anyone needing more information can contact Stokes at (910) 692-8628 or visit the firm's employment website, www.careers. edwardjones.com.