Investigative Accountant

Full Job Description

Are you a detail-oriented financial professional? Do you have a passion for justice and experience with accounting? Are you ready to perform a crucial role within the Division of Securities?

*This position typically follows a standard Monday–Friday business schedule with potential for telework options based on eligibility. A hybrid telework schedule may be available after training.

The Utah Division of Securities is seeking an Investigative Accountant to join our enforcement team. In this role, you will work independently to conduct complex investigative accounting duties involving securities fraud cases.

You will lead routine and for-cause investigations of broker-dealers and investment advisers, as well as investigate unlicensed individuals and entities.

Your work will determine compliance with the Utah Uniform Securities Act, the Utah Criminal Code, and federal regulations.

This position offers the unique opportunity to work alongside law enforcement and prosecutors to dismantle complex financial fraud schemes and protect Utah investors.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

As an Investigative Accountant (Senior Securities Examiner), you will:

• Perform investigative accounting procedures, including analysis of complex financial statements, ledgers, and transactions to uncover fraud or misappropriation.

• Conduct detailed financial forensic analysis on bank and brokerage records to trace funds and identify financial irregularities.

• Provide expert testimony in administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings, providing testimony that explains complex financial findings.

• Write comprehensive investigative reports that serve as the basis for regulatory actions or criminal prosecutions.

• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to staff on advanced accounting techniques.

• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies (including the FBI, SEC, and NASAA) on multi-jurisdictional investigations.

• Oversee the collection of fines and restitution and prepare enforcement expenditure reports for the Utah Securities Commission.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate for this position is a self-driven professional who excels at macro- and micro-financial analysis. We are looking for someone who can:

• Make clear summations and determinations based on quantitative analyses of business records.

• Communicate complex findings under oath to triers of fact and the general public.

• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment while maintaining the discipline to manage an independent project caseload.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in professional accounting, forensic auditing, or financial investigations.

• Experience in analyzing bank, brokerage, financial, and/or tax records to identify irregularities.

• Experience preparing detailed written reports or legal documentation based on financial analysis.

PREFERENCES

Education: An undergraduate degree in a related field of accounting, business, finance, criminology, statistics, mathematics, political science, public administration, and a Master’s degree in Accounting.

Equivalent Experience: Applicants without the preferred degree may substitute four (4) to six (6) years of direct professional experience in forensic accounting, securities regulation, or complex financial auditing.

Certifications: Current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license (or currently sitting for the exam). Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credentials.

Equivalent Experience: Candidates who have worked under the direct supervision of a CPA for at least two (2) years or have significant documented experience in criminal/civil financial investigations may be considered in lieu of certifications.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

The Division of Securities provides you with an opportunity to work with a great team responsible for regulating the securities (investment) industry in the state and enforcing Utah's securities laws.

This position will provide you with a variety of different cases and motives to investigate without repetition; no case is ever the same.

This is a true learning experience regardless of your level of expertise. For more information about our division, please visit our website.

This position is also eligible for a rich benefits package, generous paid time off, and a great work-life balance. You can learn more about the offered benefits here.

AGENCY

Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah's professional and business community.

We provide oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional and occupational licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate, and residential mortgage lending.

You can learn more about the agency by visiting the website.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):

  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage.

  • 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other dental insurance coverage.

  • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare

• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):

  • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.

  • Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.

    • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))

    • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.

  • Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.

• Paid Time Off:

  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).

  • Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.

  • We have 12 paid holidays.

• Test out the compensation calculator!

Additional Information

• Investigative Accountant is the working title. The job title is Senior Securities Examiner (job ID: 11092).

• Valid driver's license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA53-3-202(1)(a).

• Please note that a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

• Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.

• DHRM rules apply for promotions/transfers.

• As a condition of employment with the Department of Commerce, employees shall receive compensatory time off in lieu of payment in cash for all overtime worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) or similar activities.

• Risks that require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.