Financial Legal Examiner 3-4

Attorney Opportunity Regulating Our State's Financial Service Providers and Protecting Consumers
 
*Are you an attorney interested in financial services, banking laws, and consumer protection?

*Are you interested in examining banks and trust companies for compliance with laws and regulations?

*Are you interested in learning about the complex and dynamic world of financial services innovation and emerging fintech industries?

*Are you passionate about public service or interested in obtaining public service loan forgiveness?

*Would you like to work independently and in collaboration with other examiners, attorneys, and federal banking regulators?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider applying for this position! We’re looking to hire an experienced attorney to join our collaborative team.

The Division of Banks is recruiting a Financial Legal Examiner (FLE) to lead our consumer compliance supervision efforts in our regulated entities.  This position may be filled at the 3 or 4 level, depending on applicant qualifications and experience.

Salary Ranges:

FLE 3 - $6,876 - $9,245 per month

FLE 4 - $7,589 - $10,208 per month

As a consumer compliance FLE, you will be a vital participant in ensuring the continuity of financial services offered state-wide and find engaging challenges in all facets of our regulated entities’ operations. This includes unencumbered access to the banks and trust companies to ensure current practices are safe, sound, and in compliance with consumer protection laws.  This position would serve as the Division’s lead for consumer compliance, including representing the Division on joint compliance examinations with federal banking agencies.  This position will also give formal and informal consultation on novel bank and trust company applications, enforcement actions, and coordination with federal counterparts.

Some of What You Will Do:

• Lead and manage the Division’s consumer compliance program, including providing both formal and informal guidance in the areas of state and federal laws and regulations as well as participating in the development of policy statements and guidance.
• Serve as the Division’s representative on joint compliance examinations and investigations with federal banking agencies including independently establishing the scope of work for examinations and directing investigations of potential consumer harm.
• Conduct investigations of sensitive examination-related issues that involve apparent violations of state or federal law and recommend appropriate action.
• Collaborate with Division management and other DFI employees to draft and review legislative proposals and rulemaking.
• Represent the Division in public forums, on committees, and at training sessions.  Give presentations as a part of the Division’s education and outreach and continuing legal education efforts.
• Evaluate bank risk management policies, practices, and procedures and make recommendations for enhancements, when appropriate.
• Interpret and determine regulated entities’ compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Prepare and organize detailed work papers to support the examination findings as conveyed to management.    
• Assist Division analysts with complex consumer compliance-related complaints against chartered entities, including investigation of allegations and writing/reviewing complaint closure letters to customers.

Required Qualifications:
 Graduation from an accredited law school.  Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Desired Qualifications:
 Two years of professional experience in one of, or a combination of, the following:

• Consumer finance law or consumer protection law
• Assistant attorney general or other governmental attorney or attorney in private practice 
• Corporate law, bankruptcy law, business formation law, etc.
• Accounting or auditing
• Analyzing or examining regulated entities
• Working in a regulated entity in the areas of lending, operations, analysis of loan or securities portfolios, auditing, reinsurance investments, information system reviews or any combination of these.

The most successful FLE candidates will also possess the following skills and abilities:

• Passion for consumer protection in the financial services industry.
• Knowledge of the RCW 30A, 30B, and 32 series.
• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics or related field.
• Strong leadership qualities, work ethic and professional behavior.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to include the ability to work closely with peers, division management, financial institution representatives, and federal examiners.
• Effective teamwork skills, including strong communication, cooperation, flexibility, respectfulness, active listening, and problem solving.
• Initiative, innovative research and analysis skills, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced level computer skills to include proficiency in Microsoft Office Products.

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 roughly 200 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.

The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences and our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. 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, and vision insurance, retirement and deferred compensation, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Healthy work-life balance, wellness benefits, and ability to often work remotely (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 DFI’s in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful. 
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per calendar year toward pursuit of advanced degrees or certifications.
• You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

The examiner’s 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, up to 30% of the time). There will also be some occasional travel to DFI Headquarters in Tumwater 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.

 
Application Process:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. If you are not able to attach a document, please notify the contact person prior to submitting your application. 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 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)