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Careers

Financial Institution Specialist

Join the FDIC as a Financial Institution Specialist (FIS)

What do FISs do?

FISs at the FDIC work as part of a team to evaluate bank data, records, and practices to determine if financial institutions follow safe-and-sound banking practices. As they evaluate and audit bank information, FISs summarize supporting evidence to develop written findings that are integrated into a report that is presented to the bank. This process is called a bank examination – and it is critical to maintaining stability and public confidence in the financial system.

The FDIC’s FIS training program provides access to the front lines of America’s banking and financial services industry. FISs complete a rigorous program of classroom and on-the-job training, and learn to apply practical bank supervision tools while traveling within a region to interact with bankers. These experiences allow FISs to cultivate the skills needed to regulate the evolving financial services industry. 

To learn more about the role of a Financial Examiner, visit the Department of Labor’s Career Onestop.

Career Path

Under the direction of an experienced examiner, Compliance FISs:

  • Evaluate compliance with applicable consumer protection, fair lending and civil rights laws and regulations, Community Reinvestment Act, and related enforcement responsibilities, through targeted compliance examination reviews.
  • Research, compile, manipulate, and/or evaluate data to prepare a variety of documents, management reports and presentations.
  • Identify and report unusual transactions, irregularities, weaknesses or deficiencies to a higher-graded specialist/examiner and/or supervisor.
  • Utilize computer software programs to perform analysis and generate applicable reports and documents.
  • Attend meetings with FDIC officials, attorneys, representatives of financial institutions or other private sector representatives, and/or other federal and state regulatory agency officials to discuss issues of mutual concern when applicable, and under the guidance of higher-graded specialists/examiners and/or supervisors.
  • Meet with and conduct interviews of institution personnel of various levels to determine their awareness of current laws and regulations, obtain information and documents, and provide feedback regarding examination activities.
  • Prepare examination reports and related documents (examination scope memoranda, work papers, compliance examination reports, CRA performance evaluations, visitation reports, and consultation memoranda when applicable).
  • Participate as members of the compliance examination team by ensuring that their portion of an examination is completed timely; communication with co-workers regarding work performed on an examination; and, sharing information with co-workers.

Risk Management FISs work as part of a team that examines a bank’s financial condition, risk management program, and internal control structure. FISs summarize the results of their evaluations to document areas of deficiency and financial risk. Based on examination findings, the exam team recommends strategies for improvement or corrective action. The team also assesses compliance with safety and soundness rules and regulations, including anti-money laundering and bank secrecy laws and regulations, as well as bank information technology controls.

Under the direction and supervision of a more experienced examiner, risk management FISs:

  • Write comments and analyses for inclusion in examination reports and meet with insured depository institution officials to discuss the findings of an examination and, if necessary, any corrective programs.
  • Participate as a member of a risk examination team. Review pre-examination data and assists with analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating earnings, liquidity, and capital.
  • Research, compile, manipulate and/or evaluate data to prepare a variety of documents, management reports and presentations.
  • Prepare examination reports and related documents (e.g. examination scope memoranda, work papers, Reports of Examinations, and Reports of Visitations).
  • Attend meetings with FDIC officials, attorneys, accountants, representatives of financial institutions or other private sector representatives, and/or other federal and state regulatory agency officials to discuss issues of mutual concern when applicable, and under the guidance of higher-graded specialists/examiners and/or supervisors.
  • Meet with and conducts interviews of institution personnel of various levels to determine their awareness of current laws and regulations, obtain information and documents; and provide feedback regarding examination activities.
  • Identify and report unusual transactions, irregularities, weaknesses or deficiencies of the file documentation to higher-graded specialists/examiners and/or supervisors.

What is it like to work as a FIS at the FDIC?

A Day in the Life of an Examiner: Michelle's Interview
A Day in the Life of an Examiner: Omolola's Interview

FIS Program and Work Culture Highlights

Newly hired FISs report to field managers to begin training in either the Compliance or Risk Management career path. 

Professional Development

FISs will begin learning and applying bank supervision practices immediately. Carefully structured trainings and development experiences are provided for FISs to build the skills needed to progress into the job of Commissioned Examiner. The Commissioned Examiner designation is a professional credential signifying knowledge and mastery of concepts related to bank examinations.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The FDIC achieves its mission by creating an inclusive work environment that recognizes and appreciates all employees’ perspectives and talents, allows employees opportunities to reach their highest potential, and attracts and retains the most talented employees. FISs are assigned an individual coach or mentor to ensure a smooth transition into the FDIC.

Rapid Pay Progression

FDIC FISs can anticipate non-competitive pay progression through a combination of both scheduled annual pay increases and regular promotions as they complete specific training benchmarks. Upon becoming a commissioned examiner, employees also receive a $10,000 bonus and participate in the FDIC’s merit-based pay program.

Work/Life Balance

FDIC offers reasonable work hours, flexible work schedules, and telework opportunities to help employees lead a fulfilling life outside of work.

Please see the FDIC benefits page for additional information.

Qualifications/Requirements

To be considered for the FIS role, the following criteria must be met:

  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Have obtained or will obtain a bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university within the last two years or by the date listed in the vacancy announcement;
  • Have a major in Accounting, Banking, Business Administration, Commercial or Banking Law, Economics, Finance, Marketing, or other related fields; 24 hours of business related courses is required for other majors;
  • Have completed at least 6 semester hours in accounting; and
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.95; or 
  • Work Experience; or
  • Combination of both education and work experience; and
  • Pass a writing assessment.

For a full list of qualifications & eligibility requirements, see vacancy announcement.

FIS Hiring Process

Step 1 - Application:

Interested applicants must submit an application and certify their job-related experiences through USAJOBS. The top candidates will receive an email invitation with instructions for completing a virtual assessment of written communication.

Download the FIS preparation guide for detailed information about the hiring process and how to prepare.

Candidate Preparation Guide

STEP 2 - Writing Assessment:

Applicants who receive assessment invitations must complete the FIS writing assessment within the time frame specified. 

  • During the assessment, applicants will use a personal computer to write an essay in response to a prompt. 
  • Applicants who pass the writing assessment are eligible to move forward to the next step in the selection process. 
  • Candidates who do not pass will be notified that they are no longer under consideration.

PASS/FAIL outcomes on the current assessment expire in the event that the FDIC implements a change to the selection process/writing assessment. If you apply to a FIS position in the coming months, read the language in the vacancy announcement carefully for details about the assessment process.

STEP 3 - Panel Interview:

Applicants who pass the writing assessment may be invited for a panel interview. The interview process is structured - a standard set of questions is used to assess job-related competencies. Those who are tentatively selected must undergo a background investigation prior to placement in the entry-level FIS job.

Estimated FIS Salary Progression

  • Projections are estimates and will not exactly match your actual salary progression.
  • Merit increase eligibility in 2025 is based on hire date.
  • Annual changes to locality rates vary by location.
 

Base Salary

Locality

Total Salary

Projected Total Salary

Location

2024 CG-7

2025 * CG-7

2026 ** CG-9

2027 * CG-9

2028 ** CG-11

Albuquerque, NM$58,00018.05%$68,469$71,600$82,300$86,000$98,900
Atlanta, GA$58,00023.45%$71,601$74,800$86,000$89,900$103,400
Austin, TX$58,00019.99%$69,594$72,700$83,600$87,400$100,500
Baltimore, MD$58,00033.41%$77,378$80,900$93,000$97,200$111,800
Boston, MA$58,00033.01%$77,146$80,600$92,700$96,900$111,400
Charlotte, NC$58,00019.26%$69,171$72,300$83,100$86,900$99,900
Chicago, IL$58,00030.41%$75,638$79,100$90,900$95,000$109,200
Cincinnati, OH$58,00021.69%$70,580$73,800$84,800$88,600$101,900
Columbus, OH$58,00021.80%$70,644$73,800$84,800$88,600$101,900
Dallas, TX$58,00026.91%$73,608$76,900$88,400$92,400$106,200
Denver, CO$58,00029.88%$75,330$78,700$90,500$94,600$108,800
Des Moines, IA$58,00017.68%$68,254$71,300$82,000$85,700$98,500
Detroit, MI$58,00028.82%$74,716$78,100$89,800$93,900$108,000
Ft. Lauderdale, FL$58,00024.42%$72,164$75,400$86,700$90,600$104,200
Fresno, CA$58,00017.15%$67,947$71,000$81,600$85,300$98,100
Harrisburg, PA$58,00019.10%$69,078$72,200$83,000$86,800$99,800
Hartford, CT$58,00031.62%$76,340$79,800$91,700$95,800$110,100
Houston, TX$58,00034.72%$78,138$81,700$93,900$98,100$112,800
Indianapolis, IN$58,00017.89%$68,376$71,500$82,200$85,900$98,800
Kansas City, MO$58,00018.65%$68,817$71,900$82,700$86,400$99,300
Los Angeles, CA$58,00035.84%$78,787$82,300$94,600$98,900$113,700
Milwaukee, WI$58,00022.15%$70,847$74,000$85,100$88,900$102,200
Minneapolis, MN$58,00027.15%$73,747$77,100$88,600$92,600$106,500
New York City, NY$58,00040.07%$81,241$84,900$97,600$102,000$117,300
Philadelphia, PA$58,00028.55%$74,559$77,900$89,600$93,600$107,600
Phoenix, AZ$58,00022.02%$70,772$74,000$85,100$88,900$102,200
Pittsburgh, PA$58,00020.78%$70,052$73,200$84,200$88,000$101,200
Portland, OR$58,00025.66%$72,883$76,200$87,600$91,600$105,300
Raleigh, NC$58,00021.90%$70,702$73,900$85,000$88,800$102,100
Reno, NV$58,00017.11%$67,924$71,000$81,600$85,300$98,100
Richmond, VA$58,00021.91%$70,708$73,900$85,000$88,800$102,100
Rochester, NY$58,00017.35%$68,063$71,100$81,700$85,400$98,200
Sacramento, CA$58,00029.16%$74,913$78,300$90,000$94,100$108,200
San Francisco, CA$58,00051.75%$88,015$92,000$105,800$110,600$127,200
San Juan, PR$58,00016.82%$67,756$70,800$81,400$85,100$97,800
Seattle, WA$58,00030.81%$75,870$79,300$91,200$95,300$109,600
Spokane, WA$58,00017.18%$67,964$71,000$81,600$85,300$98,100
St. Louis, MO$58,00019.63%$69,385$72,500$83,400$87,200$100,300
All Other Locations$58,00016.82%$67,756$70,800$81,400$85,100$97,800

* Assumes 0.5% locality and 4.0% merit increases using rates that may vary year-to-year.
** Assumes 0.5% locality, 4.0% merit, and 10% promotional increases to the indicated CG grade.

  • Promotion from CG-7 to CG-9 typically occurs within 1 - 1.5 years of entering the position.
  • Promotion from CG-9 to CG-11 typically occurs 2 - 2.5 years after promotion to CG-9.
  • Promotion from CG-11 to CG-12 typically occurs 1 year after promotion to CG-11.

Travel requirements

Travel varies by location and career path.


How to Apply?

The FDIC is now accepting applications for entry-level FIS positions within both Compliance and Risk Management fields. Please see Candidate Preparation Guide about the hiring process and how to prepare.

Compliance FIS

Apply

Or apply via a link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/810606600

Risk Management FIS

Apply

Or apply via a link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/810607500


Join our Talent Network

Want to stay connected? Leave your information with us, and we will contact you about new internship and career opportunities that match your interests. Any information you provide is confidential and will only be viewed by our recruiters to the extent required to provide information about open positions.

The Fair Chance Act prohibits inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal history information unless the hiring agency has made a conditional (tentative) offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non-compliance by contacting the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Human Resources Staffing Policy and Accountability team at HRPolicyTeam@fdic.gov. For more information go to: What are Criminal History Inquiries?

The FDIC is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, and develop a high-performing workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applicants are considered without regard to their race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, retaliation, parental status, or other non-merit factors.

Last Updated: September 24, 2024