Financial Examiner 2

Description

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to regulate financial services to protect and educate the public and promote economic vitality. Collectively and independently, the Department's nearly 250 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. 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, and ability to often work remote (see Travel Requirements and Official Work Station section Below)
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including potential financial support toward pursuit of advanced degrees or certifications. 
• You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

About the Division:
The Division of Banks regulates Washington's state-chartered banks and trust companies for safety and soundness.  The Division is comprised of approximately 25 staff members who work together with a team approach to examine and analyze our banks and trust companies for safety and soundness. At this time, the Division is recruiting for up to two Financial Examiners 2.

Duties

Some of What You Will Do:

Financial Examiners typically work with an exam team, in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.  Financial Examiners perform analysis of Washington state-chartered banks and trust companies that are located throughout the state, for safety and soundness and compliance with law.  Examiners typically plan, conduct, lead, and assist with examinations of regulated entities.
 
As a Financial Examiner, you would be a vital participant in ensuring the continuity of financial services offered state-wide, find engaging challenges in all facets of bank and trust company operations, and evaluate risk within the financial institutions. This includes unencumbered access to the banks and trust companies to ensure current practices are safe and sound. Financial Examiners are provided on-the-job training and formal training through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council, to name a few.
  
 Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Work collaboratively and directly with bank staff and executives to complete examination work.
• Financial analysis, assessment, and rating of bank capital, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk.
• Review and assessment of internal routines and controls, merchant banking, mortgage banking, the Bank Secrecy Act, and bank holding companies.
• Assessment of asset liability management processes, interest rate risk position, and potential impact on earnings and capital.
• Review, analysis and interpretation of various technical reports.
• Recommendation for enhancements to bank risk management policies, practices and procedures.
• Determination of compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Completion of thorough and concise written comments and summaries associated with the areas reviewed and preparation of supporting documentation.
• Discussion of examination findings with mentor, Operations Manager, Examiner in Charge, and/or bank management. 
• Review and assessment of information security programs in banks and trust companies.

Other duties of this position include eventually leading an examination team, under supervision, as the Operations Manager, which includes the planning, coordination and directing of examinations of financial institutions, and the mentoring and training of less experienced examiners on exam responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

20 quarter or 12 semester credit hours in Finance, Accounting, and/or Economics coursework.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field.

AND/OR

Two years of professional experience in analyzing or examining regulated entities.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Effective communication and cooperation in working as part of a team.
• Active listening, problem solving and independent research.
• A strong work ethic, professionalism, respectfulness and dependability to the team.
• Collaboration with teammates and regulated institution management and employees.
• Passion for learning. 
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• A high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Strong conflict management and conflict resolution skills.

Financial Examiners work in a close team environment and may work with difficult people. The work environment is fast paced with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions.
  
Additional items that are highly relevant to this job posting include:
 
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business administration
OR
Graduation from a specialized banking school gained through an accredited college or university (i.e., Pacific Coast Banking School or equivalent), or relevant professional certifications such as the Washington State qualification as a Certified Public Accountant.

Supplemental Information

The examiners’ official work station is their home, and much of the examination work can be performed remotely.  Examiners can also expect to work in the field at various financial institutions throughout the state, as needed. This position requires some overnight travel (primarily in state and some out of state). There will also be some occasional travel to DFI Headquarters in Tumwater or the shared working space in Pioneer Square for training and/or meetings. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in Pierce, King, Thurston, or Snohomish County. 
  
Work Schedule:
The work schedule for this position will be Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm with alternating Fridays off. On the working Friday, work hours will be 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. You will have an hour for lunch each day.
  
Note: This position includes an in-training plan and will be filled at the Financial Examiner (FE) 2 level.  Upon successful completion of the 12-18 month in-training plan, the employee will advance to a higher step on the salary table.  FE's in the Division of Banks also see great career advancement opportunities as you grow and develop as an examiner. 
 
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 the required application materials and complete the supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification.
 
 Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references* (provide contact name, phone number, email address, company name, and job title)
• Unofficial College Transcript(s) - note - applications without attached transcripts will not be considered.

*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.
 
Interview Process
Once the recruitment closes, candidates selected to continue in the process will participate in potentially two rounds of interviews at the DFI headquarters in Tumwater, WA.  Additionally, upon completing the interview process, applicants will be asked to respond to a short proctored electronic writing test.  
  
Background Investigation:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal and credit 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
recruiting@dfi.wa.gov or tom.grant@dfi.wa.gov