How to Become a Financial Examiner

Read here to learn how become a financial examiner.

Companies and organizations need to ensure that their financial information is accurate and correct and that they comply with what the law requires with regards to finance, securities and real estate. This is a major requirement set by the federal government and failure to follow the law has its consequences.

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To ensure that companies follow government rules and regulations, there are financial examiners who keep track of their financial information.

Financial examiners cover various types of companies including securities and real estate firms. Although they work in different industries such as in health care, banks, securities and financial investments, many are employed in the federal, state and local government.

These professionals may also work long hours beyond the regular 40-hour work week schedule. This is due to their workload particularly when they need to research and analyze on vital financial information involving the major companies and organizations. The advantages here are the high income and health insurance benefits they get. Those with more experience can enjoy higher earnings averaging more than $134,000 each year.

If you have strong mathematical, computational, research and analysis skills, a career as a financial examiner may be a good choice. A bachelor’s degree is normally required by employers although some major companies prefer a master’s degree. Ideal degrees to prepare you for the job are finance, economics, accounting or business administration.

For those who wish to pursue a degree in accounting, make sure to take the certification exam for a certified public accountant (CPA) after graduation. This will enable you to hold a higher position and earn a higher income. Common coursework involved in an accounting degree program are auditing, taxation, cost accounting, economics, math, statistics and financial statement analysis among others.

Those who wish to pursue their master’s degree immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree can then sit for a certification exam. The exam is usually administered by the Society of Financial Examiners.

While in the process of completing your bachelor’s degree, one should maintain a B average. This is essential when you apply for a master’s degree program later on. But if you could make it an A, it will be to your advantage.

Taking part in an internship program in your senior year will also be helpful. Many employers consider this an essential part of an applicant’s initial work experience in the field. Internships provide aspiring financial examiners with a first-hand experience in the real work environment and an opportunity to establish contacts with the right people.

You may also apply for an accounting job during your last semester in college. This is possible if you do your research and seek the assistance of your school career guidance counselor. Do remember that you may not immediately find a job as a financial examiner right after completing your bachelor’s degree. But you can start your career by being an auditor, compliance office or analyst. Then once you have gained experience and additional skills such as in the use of a computer database and software or complete your master’s degree, there’s a good chance that you will find a job as a financial examiner.

Now that you know how to become a financial examiner it’s time to consider if this career is a good fit for you.

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