Financial Examiner 2-4

Providing Regulatory Oversight for Our State's Financial Service Providers

About Our Agency:

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department's nearly 200 employees within its 5 divisions

• Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities - work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

We employ and serve diverse people of all backgrounds including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.

Benefits of working for DFI include:

• Medical, dental, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Healthy work-life balance.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued.

• Telecommuting up to three days per week and flexible work hours.

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI's in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful.

• You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

About the Division:

The Division of Securities, is a dynamic, professional organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance

• 40 hour weeks with flexible schedules and a dedicated staff.  If you are interested in a career with an agency whose primary mission is consumer protection, then the Securities Division is for you.  The securities we regulate include cutting edge new products such as cryptocurrency and digital assets, as well as traditional investments such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds.  The Securities Division values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans, health, dental and vision coverage, and deferred compensation plans.  Additionally, we license and conduct examinations of the people that provide advice and sell these products and take action against those who violate the Securities Act. This includes bringing administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement cases against respondents.

The Licensing and Examination Unit in the Division of Securities is recruiting for a Financial Examiner, which may be filled at the 2, 3 or 4 level, depending on qualifications.

State of Washington classified positions will see a general wage increase of 3% effective July 1, 2024.

About the Position:

This Financial Examiner position supports the mission of the agency by reviewing initial licensing applications of investment advisers and broker-dealers and their representatives; and reviewing annual filings of investment advisers, broker dealers and their representatives and analyzing associated financial that may lead to administrative, civil or criminal actions. These actions advance DFI's goals of implementing and enforcing laws regulating financial institutions and consumer protection laws.

Some of What You Will Do:

• Perform professional level review of complex investment adviser and investment adviser representative applications.

• Analyze financial statements, applying capital requirements and other financial ratios to determine compliance with minimum financial requirements.

• Review application and related disclosure materials, correspondence, and disciplinary history or current complaints and proceedings against the applicant.

• Interpret, apply and negotiate compliance with applicable statutes, rules and policies.

• Write comment letters describing substantive and disclosure issues, and discusses alternatives for compliance with the applicant, which may include meetings or conferences with the applicant or representatives.

• Coordinate and communicate review status and issues with supervisor, other staff, and other state and federal regulatory agencies, if applicable.

• Make decisions and/or recommendations regarding grant of licenses.

• Consider and makes recommendations on waiver requests.

• Negotiate special license conditions or terms, as required, with the licensee or counsel in response to legal or regulatory issues.

Required Qualifications:

12 semester or 20 quarter hours in finance, economics or accounting.

Desired Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree with major study in finance, business administration, economics, or accounting.

AND

Three years of professional experience in one of the following:

• auditing; 

• analyzing or examining regulated entities; 

• working for a regulated entity in advanced positions in the areas of lending, operations, analysis of loan or securities portfolios, auditing, reinsurance, investments, information system reviews, or any combination of these.

A Master's degree in a qualifying field of graduation from a specialized banking school gained through an accredited college or university (i.e., Pacific Coast Banking School or equivalent), Certified Examiner from a national regulatory association, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, or certification as a Certified Financial Examiner from the Society of Financial Examiners, or Washington State qualification as a Certified Public Accountant may substitute for one year of the required experience in financial institutions, financial service companies or issuers.

Official Work Station:

The Tumwater Headquarters is your place of duty with a hybrid work arrangement of two (2) days in office, three (3) days from your home. Travel requirements should be less than 20%.

Application Process: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide all required application materials may result in disqualification.

Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:

• Unofficial college transcripts

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Three professional references* (provide contact name, phone number, email address, company name, and job title)

• A professional reference is someone who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have sufficient professional references, please include non-professional references, such as educators or other professional associates.

Note: Application review may begin immediately. DFI reserves the right and may exercise the option to close this recruitment and make a hiring decision at any time. It may be to the applicants advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible.

Background Investigation:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including credit history and criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. 

Contact Information:

Tom Grant

360-725-7817

Recruiting@dfi.wa.gov