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Special Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Summary The Special Investigations auditor is dedicated to conduct, with minimal to no oversight from the VWGoA Chief Audit Executive (CAE), the investigation of cases of potential fraud ...

Role Summary The Special Investigations auditor is dedicated to conduct, with minimal to no oversight from the VWGoA Chief Audit Executive (CAE), the investigation of cases of potential fraud ...

Role Summary The Special Investigations auditor is dedicated to conduct, with minimal to no oversight from the VWGoA Chief Audit Executive (CAE), the investigation of cases of potential fraud ...

Role Summary The Special Investigations auditor is dedicated to conduct, with minimal to no oversight from the VWGoA Chief Audit Executive (CAE), the investigation of cases of potential fraud ...

Special Investigator

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$62K - $107K/yr

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Investigator III conducts complex investigations into suspected fraud, waste, and abuse involving members, providers, and employees. The role leads in-depth case ...

Special Investigator

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$62K - $107K/yr

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Investigator III conducts complex investigations into suspected fraud, waste, and abuse involving members, providers, and employees. The role leads in-depth case ...

Special Investigator

Columbia, SC · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

Conducts thorough investigations, collects and evaluates evidence concerning alleged violations of the insurance laws. Contacts and interviews consumers, industry representatives and members of the ...

Special Investigator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Conducts thorough investigations, collects and evaluates evidence concerning alleged violations of the insurance laws. Contacts and interviews consumers, industry representatives and members of the ...

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Special Investigator information

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$46K

$78.4K

$117K

How much do special investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for special investigator in the United States is $78,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special investigator?

Special Investigators are professionals who conduct thorough investigations into specific issues such as fraud, misconduct, or violations of laws and regulations. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or insurance firms, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed reports. Their work often supports legal actions or organizational decisions, and they must maintain confidentiality and adhere to strict ethical standards. Special Investigators typically have backgrounds in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related fields.

What does a special investigator do?

Special Investigators work in areas like crime and fraud prevention. They specialize in taking a complaint or suspicious activity about a person or organization and digging deeper. It’s their responsibility to help find, uncover, and report on background information related to the core case. Special Investigators gather, organize, and analyze data which may include legal, financial, criminal, and personal activities, and then determine if the information gives any insight into the case at hand. In many instances, this position requires licensure to ensure that they can legitimately have access to certain confidential information. A Special Investigator might conduct investigative duties via personal computers and databases, online, during witness interviews, or while conducting open or covert surveillance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often with previous investigative experience. Familiarity with case management systems, surveillance technology, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or relevant law enforcement training are common. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and ethical judgment are standout soft skills for building trust and navigating complex cases. These skills ensure thorough, unbiased investigations and support the integrity and accuracy of findings in legal or regulatory environments.

What are some common challenges special investigators face when conducting investigations, and how can they be addressed?

Special Investigators often encounter challenges such as gathering reliable evidence, working with uncooperative witnesses, and navigating complex legal or regulatory requirements. To address these challenges, it's important to maintain strong attention to detail, develop effective communication and interview techniques, and stay up-to-date on relevant laws and policies. Collaboration with other investigative professionals and regular training can also help Special Investigators overcome obstacles and ensure thorough, accurate investigations.

What is the difference between Special Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectSpecial InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
CredentialsMay require law enforcement or military background, specialized trainingTypically requires licensing, background checks, and sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, law enforcement, military, or corporate securityPrivate firms, individuals, or corporations
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcement, military, corporate securityPrivate investigation agencies, individuals, legal firms

Special Investigators often have law enforcement or military backgrounds and work within government or corporate settings, focusing on criminal, security, or intelligence cases. Private Investigators typically operate independently or for private firms, handling personal, legal, or corporate investigations. Both roles require licensing and share some investigative skills, but their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What are the duties of a special investigator?

A special investigator conducts detailed investigations into specific cases such as fraud, misconduct, or criminal activity. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, analyze data, and prepare reports to support legal or organizational actions. These roles often require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of investigative techniques and tools.

What cities are hiring for Special Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Special Investigator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Investigator jobs?

The most popular types of Special Investigator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Special Investigator jobs?

The top employers for Special Investigator jobs are:

What states have the most Special Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Special Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,360 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Special Investigator

Volkswagen AG

Reston, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, SKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

This position is Career Level 19P, located in Chattanooga, TN or Reston, VA, with a Role Classification of Hybrid.

Role Summary

The Special Investigations auditor is dedicated to conduct, with minimal to no oversight from the VWGoA Chief Audit Executive (CAE), the investigation of cases of potential fraud originating from the whistleblower channel, regular internal audit assessments, hints received, or special requests from the local and/or VW AG Board of Management. The Special Investigations auditor will be responsible to conduct all needed IT Forensic analysis in VWGoA devices independently of IT organization and it a minimal supervision / review from the data acquisition, processing / indexing and preparation for the investigator analysis to the back up and devices chain of custody. Investigate root cause, individuals, third parties, and suppliers involved in fraud allegations, and if possible, calculate/estimate damage caused to VW Group in all proved fraud cases. Additionally, the Sr. Investigator will prepare and submit written investigation reports to VW AG and the corresponding entity within the company where the investigation was carried out.  Special Investigations auditor will serve as the primary source of investigation guidance, coordination, planning, and execution to Investigators and Auditors during the course of active investigations.

The Special Investigations auditor role will directly report to VWGoA Internal Audit.

Special Investigations auditor may at times be requested to conduct consulting engagements with different departments throughout the company in order to help establish or improve strong business controls and/or processes.

Role Responsibilities
  • Prepare and execute full cycle investigations-oriented audits in all areas of the company conducting data forensic analysis and interviews with those involved, apply accounting, legal, audit, and investigation knowledge 50%
  • Identify and develop solutions (audit actions) in cooperation with the audited department and stakeholders aligning due dates and responsibilities for the implementation 20%
  • Present the audit findings and results to auditees and management team in preparation / planning of audit report 5%
  • Prepare audit report to document all audit findings and countermeasures, ensuring that all findings are supported by valid evidence and in accordance with the international audit standards 10%
  • Track and monitor the implementation of audit actions with standard follow up process 10%
  • Provide internal controls assessment in consultancy projects / engagements demanded by the VWGoA management team 5%
Qualifications

Years of Experience:

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Fraud investigation

Required Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, Engineering, Economics, or other relevant areas.

Desired Education:

  • Skilled in body language interpretation and interview techniques are desirable.

Skills:

  • Ability to work effectively under pressure (time constraints, decision making, investigative analysis, etc)
  • Recognizes red flag and typical fraud schemes in all high exposure company areas (Procurement, Sales, After Sales, IT, Accounting, Payroll etc.), defining fraud prevention actions and applying other technics to improve internal controls and processes to self-detect suspicious transactions
  • Excellent analytical skills (data and process related)
  • High awareness or sense of confidentiality and discretion
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral (presentation and argumentation of investigation results)
  • Ability to plan and organize projects efficiently, with a cost-conscious approach, strong analytical skills, accountability, and sound decision-making
  • Experience in different multicultural environments
  • Compatible for teamwork, creativity and structured working manner
  • Capability to empathize and analyze new investigation matters with little to no background on the topic to be investigated
  • Self-confident, mature and assertive personality
  • Entrepreneurial & project management mindset
  • Comfortable in project leadership roles
  • Effective time management spanning numerous investigation matters
  • Ability to advise, coach, and support Special Investigators on investigation fundamentals
  • Applies business ethics concepts while advocating business ethics concepts to various business areas
Required Skills:
  • Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Ethical Hacker or similar certification
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of work experience in an internal audit/special investigations role
  • Knowledge and work experience in any of the main company areas: Finance, Controlling, HR, Sales,    Marketing, Purchasing, etc.
  • Proficiency with MS Office
  • Established understanding of IT-principles
  • Ability to guide and conduct end-to-end investigation engagements (planning, fieldwork, reporting) with little oversight
  • Develop and manage clear project risk-based planning and milestones
  • Measures the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes
  • Conduct IT Forensic analysis in VWGoA devices independently of IT organization from the data acquisition, processing / indexing and preparation for the investigator analysis to the back up and devices chain of custody
  • Write clear, concise, and unbiased investigation reports and statements
  • Active engagement with investigation follow ups and ensure all are closed in a timely manner
  • Support managers to identify ways to mitigate risks
  • Uses data analytics tools and can design queries and data mining
  • Uses data analytics tools for drawing samples (e.g. Monetary Unit-, Random-, Systematic- and Stratified Sample), making extractions (e.g. extracts duplicate records) and performing numeric analysis (e.g. regression analysis)             

Desired Skills:

  • Knowledge (at least user level) of ACL and SAP; as well as specific applications for investigations with forensic tools like Encase, Knime.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management
  • International professional experience and in different multicultural situations
  • Fluency in second language
  • Special investigations procedures, methods and tools

Work Flexibility:

Available to travel up to 30%, (NAR locations)

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.