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Financial Examiner 2-4

State of Washington, Tumwater, WA, United States


Providing Regulatory Oversight for Our State's Financial Service Providers
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. The department has nearly 250 employees across five divisions—Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities—who work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses. DFI is self‑supporting; none of its operating revenues come from state general funds; they are paid by the organizations it regulates.

DFI welcomes diverse people of all backgrounds including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. The culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where everyone can maximize potential.

Benefits of working for DFI

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

Healthy work‑life balance.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI’s in‑house CLE program.

Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

About the Division
The Division of Securities is a dynamic, professional organization that offers a remarkable work‑life balance with 40‑hour weeks, flexible schedules, and a dedicated staff. The division regulates a wide range of securities, including cutting‑edge products such as cryptocurrency and digital assets, as well as traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The division values diverse perspectives and lives experiences and provides a generous benefits package with defined benefit retirement plans, health, dental and vision coverage, and deferred compensation plans.

Licensing and Examination Unit – Financial Examiner (Level 2–4)
This role, under direct supervision, supports the agency’s mission by reviewing initial licensing applications of investment advisers and broker‑dealers and their representatives; conducting examinations of those entities; and analyzing associated financial records that may lead to administrative, civil, or criminal actions.

Some of What You Will Do

Conduct examinations of investment advisers, including portfolio managers.

Coordinate requests for records and communication between the exam team and investment advisory management.

Evaluate investment and financial integrity to ensure adequacy of capital, revenue, and income.

Interpret state and federal laws; review books and records to determine compliance with statutes and regulations.

Assess investment strategies for suitability to clients.

Review legal contracts and verify compliance with regulations governing unethical practices.

Maintain knowledge of federal and state securities laws, self‑regulatory organization requirements, and agency policies.

Utilize industry software to evaluate financial statements, records, strategies, risk assessments, and disciplines claimed by registrants.

Examine FINRA brokerage firm branches, multi‑state and regional brokerage firms.

Assist in examinations of securities and investment firms involving day trading, market‑making activities, and high‑risk securities.

Evaluate adequacy of registrant supervision, compliance, and administration.

Prepare reports and deficiency letters detailing findings; evaluate registrant responses to determine corrective actions.

Refer serious deficiencies, including law violations, to the enforcement section and recommend action.

Collaborate with enforcement attorneys to bring appropriate resolution.

Develop strategies for assessing and controlling risk in setting examination schedules and cycles for all entities examined by the Securities Division.

Required Qualifications
20 quarter hours or 12 semester hours of accounting, economics, or finance college coursework.

Desired Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in accounting, economics, or finance.

Official Work Station
This is a field examiner position that also requires some office work in Tumwater. The official duty station is home, with examinations conducted in offices and private residences. The position requires up to 75% in‑state travel and may include evening and weekend work.

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