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Examiner (Office of Credit Risk)

Federal Housing Finance Agency
Division of Bank Regulation (DBR), Office of Credit Risk (OCR)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The employee will serve as an Examiner (Office of Credit Risk) with the Division of Bank Regulation, Office of Credit Risk. Working with senior team members or a Supervisory Examiner, the employee is responsible for assisting with examinations and ongoing monitoring of FHLBanks' credit activities, with a primary focus on FHLBank secured credit programs, acquired member asset programs, investment activities and unsecured credit exposures, to identify and assess emerging and embedded risks.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/23/2024 to 01/16/2025
Salary
$92,948 to - $158,006 per year

This range reflects the EL-11 in Washington, DC. Candidate's pay range is based on FHFA's geographical salary structure for current duty station.

Pay scale & grade
EL 11
Location
Location Negotiable After Selection
Few vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
50% or less - You are expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes - You must complete a Financial Disclosure report.
Bargaining unit status
Yes - The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
Announcement number
DBR-25-03
Control number
825489000

Duties

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Office of Credit Risk (OCR)

OCR principally surveils, monitors, supervises, and examines the FHLBanks' credit risks, providing specialized credit expertise to the supervision framework, including expertise in the areas of credit risk management, credit underwriting, financial analysis, collateral management, credit modeling, mortgage acquisition programs, and research. OCR leads or participates in the examination of credit risk, including targeted assessments and horizontal reviews.

Position Overview

The incumbent will serve as a member of a project team led by higher grade examiners or subject matter experts. Areas of examination include complex and/or controversial issues on FHLBank secured and unsecured credit activities and other supervision matters that may have broad implications. Assists in analyzing the implications and impact of current and proposed supervision policies, programs, and practices. Incumbent may examine other component areas as assigned.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Under the direction and subject to review of a higher-grade examiner, the incumbent primarily assists in regulatory safety and soundness examinations (including targeted assessments and horizontal reviews) and on-going monitoring and supervision of FHLBank secured and unsecured credit risks. Provides support to subject matter experts and examination teams.

Gathers, analyzes, evaluates, and examines less complex financial information, market data, FHLBank records, policies, procedures, practices, and financial products and services, factoring relevant information to:

  • Assist in the preparation of ongoing monitoring reports that identify and convey to internal stakeholders' relevant activity, volumes, trends, emerging issues, and the level of risk arising from the FHLBanks' credit activities.
  • Assist in the development of risk-based examination scopes and work plans on the assigned subject area(s).
  • Review and determine the accuracy of FHLBank regulatory reporting.
  • Review the effectiveness of internal routines and controls.
  • Ascertain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Identify irregularities, weaknesses or deficiencies in operations or risk management.
  • Formulate recommendations.
  • Draw conclusions, including on member/counterparty credit worthiness, the adequacy of collateral risk management practices and other lending credit terms and conditions, acquired member asset programs, on- and off- balance sheet credit risks, the level of risk and quality of risk management, based on the factual and accurate understanding of inherent risks, processes, controls, and residual risks.

Under the guidance of a Component Lead or higher-grade subject matter expert, prepares written routine and ad hoc monitoring reports and examination deliverables, providing evaluative, factually accurate, and relevant commentaries that convey and support conclusions drawn and are appropriate to the complexity of operations being examined or assessed.

Prepares lines of inquiry and meeting agendas and conducts or participates in interviews/discussions with FHFA staff and FHLBank management to gather information and views; complete examination work steps; ensure an accurate understanding of the key risks, processes and controls, and the factual basis for conclusions

Under the direction of a higher-grade examiner, follows supervisory and examiner guidance such as the examination manual, operating procedure bulletins, advisory bulletins, examination guidelines, and policy statements to ensure that the examination scope and technical analyses are developed and completed according to prescribed FHFA regulatory and supervisory policy and program guidelines and standards, adapting standard procedures and techniques to identified issues/risks.

Completes work papers in accordance with FHFA's workpaper standards, as provided in examiner guidance. May participate FHFA work paper quality control peer reviews.

Develops knowledge of issues, trends, and advances in credit risk management, industry guidance, regulatory expectations, and risk-based examinations of large, complex financial institutions

Performs ongoing monitoring to identify current and emerging credit risks.

Assists more senior staff in maintaining effective communications internal and external to the agency to ensure that appropriate coordination and follow-up activities take place.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) and those eligible for other hiring authorities.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
  • This position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.
  • FHFA participates in e-Verify. All new hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
  • This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit. The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
  • SF-50s are required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one showing your tenure and competitive status. You must provide an SF-50 that indicates your competitive eligibility. You will not be considered without this.
  • Selectee is eligible for establishing their home residence as their duty station based on the job requirement to spend a minimum of 25 days annually to conduct on-site examinations of the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Office of Finance.
  • Selectees generally must reside within 50 miles of a major airport that have routes to the locations of the eleven Federal Home Loan Banks and the Office of Finance that are efficient based on flight times and costs.
  • Selectees may also reside within 50 miles of an airport in a metropolitan area within which an FHLBank operates.
  • Please refer to the additional information section for a list of major metropolitan airports.
  • Travel is required to the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Office of Finance in Reston, VA, and the Agency headquarters in Washington, DC.
  • Salary will be based on location.

Qualifications

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, banking, business administration, commercial or banking law, economics, finance, marketing, or other fields related to the position. For Bank Examiner positions with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), this education must have included at least 24 semester hours in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, economics, mathematics, or statistics with at least 6 semester hours in accounting.

-OR-

Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

  • Work requiring a thorough knowledge and the application of commercial accounting or auditing principles and practices (but less than full professional accounting knowledge) with a financial institution.
  • Examining or auditing such financial institutions as savings and loan associations, savings or commercial banking institutions or trust companies, farm credit associations, or Federal or State credit unions.
  • Professional accounting or auditing work that provided a broad knowledge of the application of accounting or auditing principles and practices.
  • Work that provided a thorough knowledge of Federal and State laws applicable to the type of financial institution involved (e.g., savings and loan associations, Bank for Cooperatives, savings or commercial banks, investment institutions, etc.), and of the operations and practices of such institutions.
-OR-

Certificate: A certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) obtained through written examination in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia meets the GS-5 level requirements. Applicants with such certificates may also qualify for higher grade levels based on their education and/or experience.

In addition to meeting the above basic education or education and experience requirements, applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications for their desired grade level:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualification EL-11: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and/or directly related education as described below. From the description below, if you choose options "B" or "C" you must provide transcripts with your application.

A. Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-11 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-09 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with all the following:
  • Participating in safety & soundness examinations, audits, or risk consulting engagements of financial institutions. This work should include communicating conclusions to the institution's personnel.
  • Assisting in the determination of the scope and method of safety & soundness examinations, audits, or consulting engagements, planning and executing the scope of work, and reporting requirements throughout the examination, audit, engagement cycle.
  • Applying standard procedures and techniques to institution specific issues/risks.
  • Developing work products according to prescribed regulatory and supervisory policy and program guidelines and standards.
  • Providing conclusions, formulated recommendations, and preparing supporting documents within established timeframes.
  • Communicating findings and their basis to senior staff or leadership, seeking management's views and discussed management's perspective, and ensuring examination conclusions are fully supported.
  • Assessing credit risk management practices at financial institutions, specifically those with public reporting requirements.
  • Remaining aware of emerging industry risks and how these risks could potentially impact the condition and credit risk profile of financial institutions
-OR-

B. Education:
Completion of three (3) full academic years of progressively higher graduate-level education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited college of university directly related to the work of the position.

-OR-

C. Combination of education and experience as described above in options "A" and "B". Note: Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education more than the amount required for the next lower grade level. Two academic years of graduate education is the number of credits hours determined to represent two academic years of full-time study (i.e., 36 semester hours (or 54 quarter hours).

**Failure to provide your transcripts, when required, for any of the options above will remove you from the hiring process.**

Time-In-Grade: Current or former Federal government employees who have held an EL/GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time-in-grade requirement.
  • To be eligible for the EL-11 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-09 or higher in the Federal Service.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

Selectees generally must reside within 50 miles of a major airport. Major airports include those that the FAA designates as a Large Hub (L) airport (see https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2024-06/cy23-commercial-service-enplanements-preliminary.pdf) and have routes to the locations of the eleven Federal Home Loan Banks and the Office of Finance that are efficient based on flight times and costs.

An Overview of FHFA's Benefits for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.

FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill vacancies.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

**This announcement is opened until January 16, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 6, 2025. The Hiring Official will receive a list of qualified candidates who applied by January 6, 2025. If all vacancies have not been filled, the Hiring Official will receive a list of qualified candidates who applied after January 6, 2025 through the announcement closing date of January 16, 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to maximize their employment opportunities. Eligible applications received after 01/06/2025 will be referred after the close of the announcement. Final application disposition will be completed once the position has been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period.

You will be rated based on your responses to the job specific competencies documented within the questionnaire and assigned a score ranging from 70 to100 points. The top ten candidates, and those tied for the tenth spot, will be referred for selection. All qualified non-competitive applicants will be referred.

Competencies:

  • Credit Risk
  • Examination Techniques & Procedures
  • Oral Communication
  • Program Management
  • Writing


We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the assessment questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12650717

All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.

In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to fairchanceactcomplaints@fhfa.gov or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.

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