Senior Finance Bureau Examiner

Job Details

The Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB) is seeking candidates for the Senior Finance Bureau Examiner (SFBE) position. The IDOB strives to be an employer of choice by supporting work-life balance, providing the training and development necessary to maintain high standards, and supporting diversity. We employ a collaborative management style and seek open communication with staff and between the IDOB and the entities we regulate. In addition, the Division is committed to utilizing technology to promote examination efficiencies and facilitate teleworking. Applicants need to be team oriented with strong analytical and communication skills.

The IDOB is a state agency charged with the supervision and regulation of state-chartered commercial banks and non-depository financial service providers conducting business in Iowa.  Regulation of the non-depository financial service providers is through IDOB’s Finance Bureau (FB).  Entities regulated include debt management companies, delayed deposit businesses (payday lenders), loan companies, money services businesses, and mortgage bankers/brokers/loan originators/servicers/closing agents.

The Senior Finance Bureau Examiner (SFBE) oversees the regulation of assigned non-depository license types regulated by the Finance Bureau (FB) of the Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB). Those license types include debt management companies, delayed deposit businesses (payday lenders), loan companies, money services businesses, and mortgage bankers/brokers/loan originators/servicers/closing agents. Regulation includes licensing, examination, complaint investigation, and communication with consumers, licensees, and prospective licensees. The SFBE will represent the IDOB and participate in regulatory associations and multi-state groups including a multi-state examination team. The SFBE may serve as the examiner-in-charge (EIC) of multi-state examinations of large, complex licensees. The SFBE will be the primary trainer of examiners for selected license types. The SFBE will resolve daily operating and administrative problems with limited supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform the following functions as it relates to assigned license types:
  • Licensing: Respond to licensing queries, investigate applications, make licensing recommendations, and issue/deny/cancel licenses through the Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System (NMLS). Generate and process renewal applications for present licensees.  Maintain license information to facilitate responses or actions due to license verification requests, change of address, name change, change of control, and bond cancellation notices.
  • Examination: Oversee and participate in the examination process of entities licensed with the FB. The examination process is more fully detailed below.
  • Investigation: Investigate and respond to consumer complaints. Maintain complaint information and provide monthly reports to the Finance Bureau Chief (FBC).
  • Communication: Respond to queries from consumers, licensees, and prospective licensees.
• Establish a schedule for examinations and may conduct examinations of entities licensed by the FB following written procedures and utilizing digital equipment provided by the IDOB. The examination includes:
  • Analyzing data, past exams, and exams conducted by other regulatory bodies to determine the scope of an examination.
  • Managing staff involved in the examination when the EIC (EIC).
  • Interviewing licensee staff and other examiners in the process of the examination.
  • Assessing the licensee’s compliance with federal rules and regulations, including but not limited to TILA, RESPA, AML/BSA, the applicable Iowa licensing statute, and the Iowa Consumer Credit Code.
  • Analyzing information provided by the licensee and other examiners, including information received verbally, to determine the licensee’s financial condition, the abilities of management, and the soundness of the licensee’s policies and procedures.
  • Identifying and addressing risk factors and causes, unsafe and unsound practices, and violations of laws and regulations that have affected or may affect the licensee’s overall condition.
  • Evaluating the adequacy of the licensee’s information technology systems.
  • Conducting an exit meeting with licensee officials at the conclusion of the exam to discuss the initial findings of the examination and corrective actions needed.
  • Preparing and submitting confidential reports of examination (ROE[s]) that render a complete, concise, and factual presentation of the licensee’s affairs and conditions. The report is submitted to the FBC, or his designee, and ultimately is provided to the licensee.
  • Review ROEs and exam workpapers submitted by other examiners to ensure that the EIC’s conclusions, ratings, and comments accurately reflect the licensee’s condition and are supported by the exam workpapers. If not, review with the EIC and FBC to determine a plan to improve the examiner’s skills.
  • Discuss discipline recommendations when applicable with the EIC and the FBC.
  • Prepare and forward with the ROE a cover letter to the licensee examination contact or licensee senior management that addresses deficiencies identified in the exam, proposes solutions, and seeks commitments for correction of the deficiencies.
  • Meet with licensee’s senior management (when necessary) to discuss exam findings including deficiencies identified in the exam, discuss corrective programs, and obtain commitments for correction of deficiencies.
• Participate with a multi-state examination team and may serve as the EIC of a multi-state examination of large, complex entity licensed by the IDOB and other states.
• Conduct special investigations or limited scope examinations that focus on specific areas of a licensee’s operations.
• Provide guidance to examiners on Division policies and procedures, laws and regulations, examination techniques, and other matters requiring technical and administrative aspects of their work. Assist in on-the-job training of examiners with lesser experience and provide feedback to the trainee, the EIC, and FBC as appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge by keeping abreast of developments in the regulated industries and laws and regulations affecting those industries.
• Represent IDOB and participate in regulatory associations and multi-state groups that are applicable to the license types assigned.
• Serve as a primary contact with CSBS as it relates to SES and NMLS.
• Participate in the periodic review of examination procedures.
• In the absence of the FBC, the SFBE in cooperation with the other SFBE may assume responsibility for the activities and affairs of the FB.
• Perform other duties assigned by the FBC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the vision, mission, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the Division of Banking.
• Knowledge of examination and reporting procedures and standards.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and IDOB examination procedures and policies related to non-depository supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
• Ability to deal effectively with personnel, officials of financial institutions examined, regulatory authorities, and the general public.
• Ability to organize work to produce numerous high quality diverse work products in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of software and web-based computer applications including SES and NMLS.
• Ability to respect and maintain the confidentiality required by the position.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships.

Education and Experience

• 6 years’ experience as a Finance Bureau Examiner with IDOB, or similar experience with a state or federal regulatory body.
• Experience using CSBS’s State Examination System (SES) and the Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System (NMLS).

Salary is commensurate with experience within State of Iowa pay grade 44(-3) ($112,985.60 - $184,724.80). The State of Iowa offers a competitive benefits package. Information regarding State of Iowa benefits may be found at:   Benefits for State of Iowa Employees | Department of Administrative Services.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please send a cover letter, résumé, completed application form, and transcript to IDOBJobs@iowa.gov by 4:30 p.m., December 29, 2025. Please include the phrase “Senior Finance Bureau Examiner” in the email subject line.

The IDOB’s employment application may be obtained here: Employment | Iowa Division of Banking (click on “Application for Employment”).

The Division reserves the right to accept applications after December 29, 2025, if the position has not been filled but candidates should submit their application materials before the deadline to ensure their applications are considered.