What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Examiner 2-4 position at State of Washington?
Description
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 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. 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
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.
Duties
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; review annual filings of investment advisers, broker dealers and their representatives and analyzing associated financial data 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
Required Qualifications:
12 semester or 20 quarter hours of any combination of finance, economics or accounting college coursework.
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:
Supplemental Information
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 10%.
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:
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 or tom.grant@dfi.wa.gov
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
In the space provided, share in your own words (not AI generated), the last time you intentionally learned about someone else’s culture? What did you learn from the experience?
02
In the space provided, share in your own words (not AI generated), a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or a group of people with backgrounds different than your own. What did you change and what was the outcome?
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 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. 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.
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.
Duties
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; review annual filings of investment advisers, broker dealers and their representatives and analyzing associated financial data 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 of any combination of finance, economics or accounting college coursework.
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.
Supplemental Information
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 10%.
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)
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 or tom.grant@dfi.wa.gov
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
In the space provided, share in your own words (not AI generated), the last time you intentionally learned about someone else’s culture? What did you learn from the experience?
02
In the space provided, share in your own words (not AI generated), a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or a group of people with backgrounds different than your own. What did you change and what was the outcome?
- Required Question