How Do I Become a Bank Inspector?

In order to become a bank inspector, you will need to have both a solid background in finance and accounting as well as national certification credentials in most places. If you plan to work at the government level, you may also need to provide proof of citizenship. The job of bank inspector is a wide-ranging one, but regardless the setting, all that is usually required is a bachelor’s degree, the ability to pass jurisdiction or region-specific bank examiners credentialing exams, and a persistent attitude.

Bank inspectors work in a variety of different settings. They can work for private consulting corporations or in-house at many of the world’s largest banks. Most governments also hire bank inspectors to keep national banks in compliance with banking laws and to evaluate bank failures. Although bank inspectors perform different tasks depending on their affiliation, their training is usually the same. You do not usually have to decide which kind of employer you want when you first decide to become a bank inspector, but understanding the differences may help you make choices down the line.

Education is perhaps the most important asset needed to become a bank inspector, no matter where it is you will work. Most of the time, all that you need is a bachelor’s degree. This degree usually needs to be in finance, accounting, or another quantitative field like statistics. Bank inspection centers on bank auditing — that is, conducting internal audits and scrutinizing financial books and records. You must demonstrate that you have the skills and training to take on these duties before you will be seriously considered as a candidate.

Depending on where you live, you may also need to pass a certification exam. Most of these exams are offered at a national level. They test basic math skills, but they also usually contain sections on ethics, banking practice, and industry standards. It is not usually necessary to procure this certification before you are hired, but employers often require it before you can become a bank inspector in any permanent capacity. You usually have about a year from the time you are hired to complete certification.

Experience working in the banking industry is not typically a strict requirement, but will almost always help your application to become a bank inspector. Specific bank inspector or bank auditor internships are rare, owing largely to the sensitivity of the job. Almost any work in the financial sector will be beneficial, however.

It is not usually difficult for finance and accounting students to find work in banking institutions. Although the work you do might not seem relevant to inspecting, it is exposing you to the inner workings of the industry, which employers will find valuable. A bank examiner who comes to the job with some banking know-how, no matter how it was gleaned, is usually more valuable than someone who has to learn everything on the job.

Bank inspectors who are already established are another good source of career information. Your school may have an alumni network that can help you find professionals in your area who would be willing to mentor you or at least to answer your questions. The school's career counseling office might also be able to help you research job openings, even if it has been a while since you graduated.