Should I Consider Becoming a Financial Examiner?

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You are looking at the possibility of becoming a financial examiner, and are concerned with the “right” college training. All courses are not equal or standard. There are a few questions you can ask yourself in the beginning to avoid trouble later on.

First, is this the career for you? Do you like to work with economics? Are you capable of examining documents and making informed decisions? If you can answer yes to these questions you may be the right material for a financial examiner’s path. After considering your future endeavors, the next item on your agenda should be to check into which path of schooling is available to you.

The Financial Examiners Market

Before choosing a school, find out how the experts recommend breaking into the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the salary can be from $43,000 at the lower end, while the median is around $75,000, and the highest 10% can make as much as $140,000.

A financial examiner is responsible for ensuring company compliance with laws and governing financial institutions and transactions. A financial examiner typically monitors financial conditions, prepares reports regarding the safety and soundness of the company, balances operating expenses, examines minutes from meetings, reviews and analyzes new regulations and policies, establishes guidelines and helps with training others.

Financial Examiners and Opportunity

You will likely need a bachelor’s degree, specializing in courses related to accounting. At the entry-level, there will be on the job training by a senior employee. Looking into community colleges in your area may help you get started, or perhaps even looking to out of state colleges might be the right path for you.

Once you obtain your degree, you will have the opportunity to work with large companies, finance and insurance industries, the federal government or state government. You can also work for financial institutions like banks and the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). You will be given the options to become a Certified Public Accountant if you choose, or become certified at a higher financial level. You will learn communications skills, writing skills, analytical skills, and math skills. Learning how to be detail-oriented is critical.

Options Financial Examiners Have

With all this information, you can now put some questions together to ask when talking with enrollment representatives at the colleges you are looking at. Ask about accreditation and financial assistance to see if you qualify. This will help you with the costs of attending colleges, which can be high. Check all your options. Ask about flexibility in class hours.

Doing research on schools in advance will give you knowledge and power to make the right decisions that will fit your lifestyle. Ensure that you get the best education out there by investing in a school that addresses all of your concerns. The school should fit you and your personality, since this is a crucial part of determining whether you can finish the curriculum with a high GPA. With perseverance and planning, there is no limit to what you can accomplish in life!