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Sec Examiner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Assists engagement leaders with investigations, examinations, inquiries and comment letters with respect to SEC reporting and compliance matters as requested by the SEC PPO Leader. * Works closely ...

Assistsengagement leaders withinvestigations,examinations,inquiriesand comment letterswith respect to SECreporting and compliance mattersas requested by the SEC PPO Leader. * Works closely with ORM ...

... SEC, CFTC, BEA, NFA, Treasury. The specialist serves as a key escalation point for regulatory reporting matters and supports audits, examinations, and ongoing operational improvements. Here are the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sec Examiner information

See Washington salary details

$37.9K

$69.5K

$112.1K

How much do sec examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for sec examiner in Washington is $69,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,400.00 and $78,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an SEC examiner?

SEC Examiners are professionals who work for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and are responsible for conducting inspections and examinations of financial firms, such as broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds. Their main goal is to ensure these firms comply with federal securities laws and protect investors from fraud and misconduct. SEC Examiners review records, interview personnel, and assess internal controls and procedures to identify potential risks and violations. Their work helps maintain the integrity of the financial markets and fosters investor confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an SEC examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an SEC Examiner, you need a strong background in accounting, finance, or law, typically supported by a relevant degree and sometimes professional certification such as CPA or JD. Familiarity with regulatory compliance tools, legal research databases, and financial analysis systems is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate enforcement of securities laws, protect investors, and maintain integrity in financial markets.

What are some common challenges SEC examiners face when conducting regulatory examinations?

SEC Examiners often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex financial documents, staying updated on evolving regulations, and managing tight deadlines during examinations. Additionally, they must communicate findings clearly to regulated entities, which can involve addressing resistance or clarifying misunderstandings. Effective collaboration with legal, compliance, and enforcement teams is key to ensuring thorough and accurate reviews, making adaptability and strong interpersonal skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Sec Examiner vs Security Analyst?

AspectSec ExaminerSecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred)
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal or state cybersecurity teamsPrivate companies, consulting firms, or corporate security teams
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government and defense sectorsAcross various industries including finance, healthcare, and tech
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in cybersecurity compliance and auditsAssessing security posture and incident response

Both Sec Examiners and Security Analysts work in cybersecurity, often holding similar certifications. Sec Examiners typically focus on compliance, audits, and government security standards, while Security Analysts monitor security systems and respond to threats in various industries. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in their focus areas and work environments.

How much do SEC examiners make?

SEC examiners typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and seniority. Entry-level examiners usually start around $70,000, with salaries increasing for more experienced staff and those with specialized skills or certifications.
Infographic showing various Sec Examiner job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,499 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

SEC Regulations Leader

RSM Global

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You'll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There's no one like you and that's why there's nowhere like RSM.
The SEC Regulations Leader is primarily responsible for advising and providing technical expertise to engagement teams and members of the National Professional Standards Group (NPSG) on complex SEC reporting and compliance matters and for the development and maintenance of related reporting manuals, tools, templates, training and thought leadership for the Assurance line of business.
Quality
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of the firm's interpretive guidance related to SEC reporting and compliance matters, including association with registered and exempt security offerings.
  • Responsible for the curriculum design and oversight of nationally delivered training related to SEC reporting and compliance matters inclusive of exempt offerings.
  • Responsible for relevant sections of the firm's manuals, ensuring they are current, accurate and complete with respect to SEC reporting and compliance matters, inclusive of exempt offerings.
  • Consults with engagement teams, members of the Professional Practice Office (PPO), and Technical Industry Leaders, as requested (or required by firm policy), on complex SEC reporting and compliance matters, exempt offerings and certain accounting matters.
  • Assists with the development and maintenance of the firm's interpretive accounting guidance and educational training courses, which may require collaborating with other members of the NPSG, audit, tax and consulting practices, to enable others to address existing and new accounting standards, emerging practice issues and firm initiatives.
  • Monitors and reports on the standard-setting activities of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and International Accounting Standards Board within the individual's areas of expertise including drafting of the firm's comment letters in response to proposed accounting standards updates.
  • Collaborates among the NPSG, Office of Risk Management (ORM), and the National SEC Practice Leader to continuously improve National Office service to engagement teams and clients.

Leadership
  • Leads development of thought leadership on matters related to SEC reporting and compliance matters, including the firm's responses to SEC proposals.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with counterparts at other public accounting firms to engage on complex and emerging financial and SEC reporting matters.
  • Leads educational training courses on subject matters within the individual's areas of expertise, including drafting the firm's responses to proposed accounting standards updates, and participates in the firm's quarterly accounting update webinars, as needed.
  • Serves as the firm's representative on the Center for Audit Quality's SEC Regulations Committee and possibly other related task forces (e.g., the AICPA's International Practices Task Force, Smaller Firm Task Force).
  • Serves as the firm's primary relationship manager with the SEC's Division of Corporate Finance Chief Accountant.

Client Service
  • Consults with RSMI member firms in connection with questions related to exempt offerings, including related comfort letter requests.

Risk Management
  • Provides support to the ORM as it relates to the client acceptance tools for SEC reporting and compliance matters inclusive of exempt offerings for non-issuers.
  • Assists engagement leaders with investigations, examinations, inquiries and comment letters with respect to SEC reporting and compliance matters as requested by the SEC PPO Leader.
  • Works closely with ORM on internal, PCAOB and other regulatory inspections, including assisting with written responses, as applicable, on matters concerning SEC Reporting and compliance matters.
  • Serves as a resource to the Office of General Counsel and Audit Incident Response as a firm expert on matters concerning SEC reporting and compliance matters.

Talent Experience
  • Fosters a positive and proactive work environment, emphasizing respect for individuals, high standards of quality, innovation and teamwork.
  • Facilitates the ongoing learning, well-being, professional satisfaction and development of staff through training, work assignments, increased responsibility/autonomy and mentoring.

Management
  • Ability to effectively and substantively interact with regulators
  • Sets the "tone at the top," including leading and embracing change
  • Must exhibit an exceptional client service attitude, possess outstanding people skills and take a proactive approach in working with employees
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to communicate motivationally and deliver tough messages
  • Demonstrated excellent coordination, organizational planning and analytical skills
  • Takes ownership of results
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/assignments simultaneously
  • Viewed as expert in the firm and sought out by others regionally and nationally with respect to SEC rules and regulations
  • Displays executive presence in interactions with others (e.g., calming influence, confidence)
  • Demonstrates critical thinking and applies appropriate professional integrity, objectivity and skepticism

Requirements
  • Minimum bachelor's degree in accounting required
  • Minimum 15 years' experience in a National CPA Firm or with the SEC
  • Certified Public Accountant (required)
  • Extensive knowledge of SEC Regulations S-X and S-K, including securities registrations, exempt offerings, initial public offerings, confidential submissions, cyber requirements and disclosures, executive compensation disclosures and claw back requirements, comfort letter matters, Article 11 pro forma rules, and Financial Reporting Manual updates
  • Broad working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and US GAAS and PCAOB auditing standards
  • Experienced in developing and editing SEC reporting and accounting publications and educational training courses
  • Significant experience in two or more of the following areas of accounting: income taxes, leases, consolidation, derivatives and hedging, distinguishing liabilities from equity, financial assets (including transfers and servicing), fair value measurements, cryptocurrencies, business combinations, revenue recognition, segment reporting, earnings per share, foreign currency matters and statement of cash flows

Preferred Requirements
  • Knowledgeable of IFRS (at a minimum the significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP within the individual's areas of expertise)

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life's demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.
RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.

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About RSM International

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RSM International is a leading global network of audit, tax, and consulting firms. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, US, the firm focuses on providing an exceptional range of professional services to empower clients to move forward with confidence. RSM International was established in 1964 and has since grown to encompass firms in more than 120 countries. The firm's mission is guided by a deep understanding of what clients need to help drive their businesses forward, combined with the international reach of RSM firms worldwide.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

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