Financial Examiner
Job Description:A Financial Examiner reviews and assesses financial records, practices, and regulations to ensure compliance, accuracy, and integrity within financial institutions.
Job Category:What you will do:
As a financial examiner, you will be:
- Ensuring financial institutions comply with laws, regulations, and industry standards
- Reviewing financial records and transactions to identify irregularities or discrepancies
- Evaluating financial institutions’ risk management practices to safeguard against potential financial instability
- Assessing applications for new financial institutions or changes in ownership
- Conducting investigations into suspected financial fraud, money laundering, or other illegal activities
- Examining financial reports, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy and transparency
- Analysing financial data and trends to identify potential issues or areas of concern
- Preparing detailed reports of findings and recommendations for management and regulatory agencies
- Providing guidance and training to financial institution personnel on regulatory compliance
- Working with legal experts, auditors, and law enforcement in cases of financial misconduct
- Recommending corrective actions or enforcement measures for non-compliant institutions
Skills:
You will need:
- knowledge of accounting principles, economic trends and banking operations
- knowledge of financial regulations and legal compliance
- familiarity with relevant software and tools
- ability to assess potential risks within financial institutions and propose mitigation strategies
- ability to analyse financial data, identify patterns, and assess compliance
As well as:
- analytical and critical thinking skills
- the ability to pay attention to detail
- problem-solving skills
- ethical integrity
- effective communication skills
- time management (organisational skills)
- adaptability skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- empathy
- negotiation skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a financial examiner, a strong educational foundation is important. While specific requirements can vary, the following GCSE subjects are generally beneficial:
- Mathematics: Develops analytical and quantitative skills essential for financial analysis.
- Business Studies or Economics: Provides understanding of financial systems, concepts, and principles.
- English: Enhances communication skills for writing reports and interacting with colleagues.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Familiarity with technology used in financial analysis and reporting.
- Accounting (Optional but Beneficial): Offers insight into financial statements and accounting practices.
These subjects provide a solid base, but keep in mind that becoming a financial examiner typically requires higher education, often in finance, accounting, economics, or related fields. Universities or colleges might consider your GCSE subjects alongside A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) when evaluating your application. It’s advisable to research specific requirements of institutions you’re interested in and seek guidance from academic advisors to tailor your educational path accordingly.
To become a financial examiner, you need the following qualifications and requirements:
Education
Start with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field.
Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)
Consider certifications like Certified Financial Examiner (CFE), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) for added credibility as well as becoming a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
Working Hours and Environment:
Financial examiners usually work standard office hours, conducting assessments in office and on-site at financial institutions, with occasional travel, flexibility during busy periods, and a focus on regulatory compliance and financial stability.
Career Path & Progression:
The financial examiner career path typically starts as an entry-level examiner, progresses to junior and senior examiner roles, then leads to supervisory positions, specialisation options, managerial roles, and potentially broader compliance or leadership positions within regulatory agencies or financial institutions.