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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | $58,000 | 18.05% | $68,469 | $71,600 | $82,300 | $86,000 | $98,900 |
| Atlanta, GA | $58,000 | 23.45% | $71,601 | $74,800 | $86,000 | $89,900 | $103,400 |
| Austin, TX | $58,000 | 19.99% | $69,594 | $72,700 | $83,600 | $87,400 | $100,500 |
| Baltimore, MD | $58,000 | 33.41% | $77,378 | $80,900 | $93,000 | $97,200 | $111,800 |
| Boston, MA | $58,000 | 33.01% | $77,146 | $80,600 | $92,700 | $96,900 | $111,400 |
| Charlotte, NC | $58,000 | 19.26% | $69,171 | $72,300 | $83,100 | $86,900 | $99,900 |
| Chicago, IL | $58,000 | 30.41% | $75,638 | $79,100 | $90,900 | $95,000 | $109,200 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $58,000 | 21.69% | $70,580 | $73,800 | $84,800 | $88,600 | $101,900 |
| Columbus, OH | $58,000 | 21.80% | $70,644 | $73,800 | $84,800 | $88,600 | $101,900 |
| Dallas, TX | $58,000 | 26.91% | $73,608 | $76,900 | $88,400 | $92,400 | $106,200 |
| Denver, CO | $58,000 | 29.88% | $75,330 | $78,700 | $90,500 | $94,600 | $108,800 |
| Des Moines, IA | $58,000 | 17.68% | $68,254 | $71,300 | $82,000 | $85,700 | $98,500 |
| Detroit, MI | $58,000 | 28.82% | $74,716 | $78,100 | $89,800 | $93,900 | $108,000 |
| Ft. Lauderdale, FL | $58,000 | 24.42% | $72,164 | $75,400 | $86,700 | $90,600 | $104,200 |
| Fresno, CA | $58,000 | 17.15% | $67,947 | $71,000 | $81,600 | $85,300 | $98,100 |
| Harrisburg, PA | $58,000 | 19.10% | $69,078 | $72,200 | $83,000 | $86,800 | $99,800 |
| Hartford, CT | $58,000 | 31.62% | $76,340 | $79,800 | $91,700 | $95,800 | $110,100 |
| Houston, TX | $58,000 | 34.72% | $78,138 | $81,700 | $93,900 | $98,100 | $112,800 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $58,000 | 17.89% | $68,376 | $71,500 | $82,200 | $85,900 | $98,800 |
| Kansas City, MO | $58,000 | 18.65% | $68,817 | $71,900 | $82,700 | $86,400 | $99,300 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $58,000 | 35.84% | $78,787 | $82,300 | $94,600 | $98,900 | $113,700 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $58,000 | 22.15% | $70,847 | $74,000 | $85,100 | $88,900 | $102,200 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $58,000 | 27.15% | $73,747 | $77,100 | $88,600 | $92,600 | $106,500 |
| New York City, NY | $58,000 | 40.07% | $81,241 | $84,900 | $97,600 | $102,000 | $117,300 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $58,000 | 28.55% | $74,559 | $77,900 | $89,600 | $93,600 | $107,600 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $58,000 | 22.02% | $70,772 | $74,000 | $85,100 | $88,900 | $102,200 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $58,000 | 20.78% | $70,052 | $73,200 | $84,200 | $88,000 | $101,200 |
| Portland, OR | $58,000 | 25.66% | $72,883 | $76,200 | $87,600 | $91,600 | $105,300 |
| Raleigh, NC | $58,000 | 21.90% | $70,702 | $73,900 | $85,000 | $88,800 | $102,100 |
| Reno, NV | $58,000 | 17.11% | $67,924 | $71,000 | $81,600 | $85,300 | $98,100 |
| Richmond, VA | $58,000 | 21.91% | $70,708 | $73,900 | $85,000 | $88,800 | $102,100 |
| Rochester, NY | $58,000 | 17.35% | $68,063 | $71,100 | $81,700 | $85,400 | $98,200 |
| Sacramento, CA | $58,000 | 29.16% | $74,913 | $78,300 | $90,000 | $94,100 | $108,200 |
| San Francisco, CA | $58,000 | 51.75% | $88,015 | $92,000 | $105,800 | $110,600 | $127,200 |
| San Juan, PR | $58,000 | 16.82% | $67,756 | $70,800 | $81,400 | $85,100 | $97,800 |
| Seattle, WA | $58,000 | 30.81% | $75,870 | $79,300 | $91,200 | $95,300 | $109,600 |
| Spokane, WA | $58,000 | 17.18% | $67,964 | $71,000 | $81,600 | $85,300 | $98,100 |
| St. Louis, MO | $58,000 | 19.63% | $69,385 | $72,500 | $83,400 | $87,200 | $100,300 |
| All Other Locations | $58,000 | 16.82% | $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.
Compliance FIS
Risk Management FIS
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.
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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.