Consumer Protection Examiner I (Non-Depository - Consumer Finance-Money Services)

The Division of Banks is currently accepting applications for the Consumer Protection Examiner I position in the Non Depository Institution Supervision – Consumer Finance-Money Services Businesses (CFMSB) unit.  This role will be conducting examinations of Massachusetts-licensed consumer finance companies, money services businesses, student loan servicers, and debt collectors to ensure they operate in a sound financial condition and adhere to applicable consumer protection laws and regulations.

The selected candidate will participate in examinations of several CFMSB license types issued by the Division, reviewing licensee records, meeting with licensee staff, and preparing written comments for examination reports. This position offers meaningful public service experience and contributes to ensuring a sound financial services landscape for Massachusetts consumers.

About the Division:

As an employee of the Division of Banks, you will contribute to the mission of the Division of Banks by ensuring a sound, competitive, and accessible financial services environment throughout the Commonwealth. The Division maintains public confidence in Massachusetts financial institutions through the oversight of state-chartered banks and credit unions as well as non-depository licensees doing business in Massachusetts. We are a consumer protection agency and we support financial literacy education and programs benefiting residents across the Commonwealth. The majority of the Division's employees are Examiners who conduct a variety of on-site and off-site examinations of financial institutions and licensed entities under the Division's jurisdiction.

At the Division of Banks every employee’s ideas and experiences are welcomed. We value and respect that each individual brings different skills and perspectives that uniquely contribute to our agency and the work that we do. It is important that each employee feels empowered to contribute as this allows for more effective collaboration and better results. Within our workplace community, we offer a variety of training and mentoring to create and maintain learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

To learn more about the Division of Banks, click here.

As an examiner, you can expect to:

• Assess compliance with accounting practices and/or applicable laws and regulations

• Analyze financial statements, policies and procedures, and interview staff

• Participate in examinations to gain knowledge of the examination areas

• Attend state and federal regulatory training programs

Consider joining our examiner team if you:

• Are interested in a public position and enthusiastic about serving the public good.

• Are interested in the supervision and regulation of the consumer finance, debt collection, loan servicing, or money services industries.

• Have experience and/or coursework in accounting, business, banking, finance, economics, or related fields (public policy, IT/cybersecurity, criminal justice, data analytics).

• Are eager to embrace new challenges and learning opportunities while working in a team environment.

• Have knowledge of the state and federal rules and regulations governing consumer finance, debt collection, loan servicing, or money services businesses, including consumer protection, Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements.

• Have familiarity with the proper oversight, training, monitoring and auditing of a financial company's compliance management system. 

• Have strong analytical, multi-tasking, writing, and communication skills.

Work/Life Balance & Benefits:

• Hybrid Position: This is a hybrid position offering remote work flexibility. Staff are expected to be on-site at a Division office, regulated entity, or at trainings at least once per pay period (every two weeks). Additional in-person attendance may be required based on examination activities or operational needs.

• Flexible Schedule: Examiners may choose from flexible start and end times and are eligible for a compressed work schedule that includes every other Friday off.

• Paid Leave: Commonwealth employees receive generous paid leave in addition to a competitive state holiday schedule.

• Retirement: Participation in the Commonwealth’s State Employee Retirement System.

• Training and Development: The Division offers training opportunities through the agency, regulatory partners, and the Commonwealth. Employees are also eligible for tuition remission at Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

The Examiner position is a union role in the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) Unit 6 and is covered by the union contract and benefits. The Division offers a competitive starting salary of $73K (Grade 10) and salary (step) placement can range up to $84K based on relevant years of experience.

Candidates with previous examiner experience in a financial regulatory agency who have received certifications are encouraged to apply. Certain examination experience and certification may qualify candidates for a higher examiner level.

Primary Duties:

• Assist in the analysis of non-depository licensees including consumer finance, debt collection, loan servicing (including student loan servicers), and money services businesses; review transaction records and reports, including account contracts and disclosures, as well as transaction histories, and perform analyses on data collected to determine compliance with state and federal consumer protection regulations. 

• Analyze balance sheets, income statements, and other financial documents to determine financial condition, conformance with generally accepted accounting principles, and compliance with applicable financial responsibility regulations.

• Evaluate each licensee’s compliance management system to ensure sufficient oversight by the directors and senior management with adequate policies and procedures, operational controls, internal monitoring, training, complaint processes, information security policies, and periodic independent testing to ensure compliance.

• Assist in the preparation of the Examination Report and detailed work papers in an accurate and timely manner. Confer with other state and federal agencies and audit/consulting firms as part of the examination process. 

• Communicate examination findings with internal and external leadership/stakeholders, both orally and written. Participate in formal and on-the-job training.

Preferred Qualifications:

We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the job requirements.

• Experience in consumer finance, debt collection, loan servicing, or money services businesses.

• Familiarity with the Massachusetts General Laws, Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering laws and regulations, Truth in Lending, information security, repossession rules, loan servicing, consumer disclosures, or debt collection regulations.

• Willing and able to travel throughout Massachusetts and travel out-of-state with some overnight stay (a dependable way to travel to multiple sites around Massachusetts is required; driver’s license and access to a vehicle are recommended).

The filling of this position is subject to appropriation and obtainment of all necessary approvals from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. The Division reserves the right not to fill this position without notice. This position will report directly to a Regional Field Manager within the examination unit.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting, auditing, or bank examining work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Incumbents are required to travel throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and travel out-of-state with some overnight stay.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelors or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration, business management, banking, finance, economics, or related field may be substituted for the required experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.