Financial Examiners
Financial examiners enforce compliance with laws and regulations at banks, credit unions, securities firms, and real estate companies. They examine financial records, verify transactions, and authenticate documentation to ensure institutions follow federal and state regulations. Most work for government agencies or financial institutions themselves.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial examiners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Financial examiners review account records, loan files, and transaction documentation to check for regulatory compliance. They conduct on-site inspections at financial institutions, interview staff about procedures, and prepare detailed reports of findings. Work involves analyzing data, documenting violations, and sometimes recommending enforcement actions or penalties when regulations are broken.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely thrive in structured environments with clear rules and measurable standards. You're detail-oriented and methodical, comfortable with complex regulations and documentation. If you're drawn to both following established procedures and driving organizational accountability, this work suits you well.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $134,470 | $198,720 | $239,240 | 470 |
| New York | $91,940 | $128,920 | $174,130 | 13,480 |
| Connecticut | $90,130 | $120,530 | $139,920 | — |
| Washington | $91,040 | $113,700 | $136,250 | 420 |
| Massachusetts | $83,660 | $111,110 | $142,880 | 950 |
| New Jersey | $93,510 | $106,410 | $147,280 | 2,190 |
| California | $80,120 | $106,000 | $135,110 | 4,200 |
| Minnesota | $79,350 | $104,260 | $117,390 | 1,280 |
| Virginia | $79,310 | $104,060 | $135,820 | 1,280 |
| Maryland | $73,540 | $102,980 | $158,060 | 350 |
| North Carolina | $76,910 | $100,730 | $126,430 | 2,610 |
| Colorado | $77,060 | $99,610 | $128,010 | 1,910 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Accredited Financial Examiner - Financial Analyst (AFE-FA) — Society of Financial Examiners
- Certified Financial Examiner - Financial Analyst (CFE-FA) — Society of Financial Examiners
- Certified Financial Examiner (CFE) — Society of Financial Examiners
- Certified Mortgage Examiner (CME) — Conference of State Bank Supervisors
- Certified Money Service Business Examiner (CMBE) — Conference of State Bank Supervisors
- Accredited Insurance Examiner (AIE) — Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial examiners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.