• 544582

• PHOENIX

• DEPT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

• Full-time

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions licenses, monitors, investigates, examines, and ensures the safety and soundness of, regulated entities. The Department also helps resolve consumer complaints against financial-services and insurance entities; takes action in response to violations of law; encourages competition, innovation, and economic development; collects taxes and assessments that support State government operations; combats auto theft and insurance fraud through public awareness campaigns, and funding for law enforcement and dedicated prosecutors.

Our mission is to help Arizonans receive the benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled by enforcing insurance and financial institution laws and by providing information and assistance and to combat vehicle theft.

100 North 15th Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Annual Salary Range: $53,000 - $63,000

Grade: 20

This position will remain open until business needs are met

The Administrative Enforcement Section (“AES”) carries out the Department's investigative and enforcement functions. The Department's regulated community engages in a wide variety of services that relate to Arizona consumers' day-to-day lives.

The AES performs a vital public service by protecting Arizona's consumers from parties engaging in unlawful practices, while justly enforcing Arizona's laws against any regulated or unauthorized individual or entity that engages in prohibited conduct. This position focuses on investigation and fact gathering, case management, communication, and documentation.

Investigations may encompass consumer complaints involving: 1) unlicensed individuals or entities involved in activities under the Department's jurisdiction, or 2) licensed individuals or entities, such as a financial institution or enterprise, insurance producer, or insurance company engaging in misconduct.

The Compliance Officer will be able to take pride in their work by investigating the circumstances of each case and ultimately aiding in the prosecution of enforcement action against individuals and entities under the Department's jurisdiction. This position is fast-paced, engaging, and offers great potential for learning the inner workings of the insurance and financial services world.

• INVESTIGATION AND FACT GATHERING: A Compliance Officer performs complex investigations to gather all relevant information in order to determine whether a person, organization, or institution has engaged in a violation of applicable laws and regulations. The investigation process may vary based on the complexity of the case and includes but is not limited to assessing the initial jurisdictional questions for each specific case, setting up the complaint file, corresponding with all involved parties, including conducting under-oath examinations, analyzing all gathered evidence, drafting subpoenas to obtain additional information, researching relevant databases and complex matters, and drafting disposition reports upon completion of the investigation. To complete an investigation, the Compliance Officer must possess the ability to critically analyze insurance and financial documents, efficiently use Internet-based resources and databases, as well as proficiently document and keep track of the case's development

Additionally, the Compliance Officer may participate in future administrative proceedings related to the investigation. Responsibilities include preparing with the Department's attorney, conducting an in-depth review of relevant documents, and appearing as a witness on the Department's behalf in administrative or judicial proceedings. In this role, assigned cases are more complex in nature, requiring knowledge of the process and sound recommendations for potential solutions

• CASE MANAGEMENT: The Compliance Officer tracks ongoing investigations by maintaining electronic case files in the Department's case management database and keeping comprehensive records of all correspondence related to each case

The Compliance Officer provides case updates upon request and communicates with all parties involved in an investigation, including Arizona consumers. They maintain professional verbal and written interactions with external stakeholders to uphold the Department's commitment to protecting consumers and enforcing state laws

• DOCUMENTATION: Upon completing an investigation, the Compliance Officer drafts a comprehensive disposition report and compiles supporting exhibits. This report documents findings of fact, cites applicable statutory violations, and recommends appropriate sanctions under Arizona law. Each exhibit is referenced directly within the text and ordered chronologically to correspond with and support the officer's findings

Additionally, the Compliance Officer must document all steps during the investigation and save all case-related communication to the Department's database

• LEADERSHIP: The Compliance Officer takes ownership of complex tasks and delivers high-quality work product by proactively identifying problems and contributing to the team's success by upholding team values and fostering collaboration

• Other duties as assigned as related to the position
  

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and prior use of computer software such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft Word (word processing), Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets), and Microsoft Access (database)

• Knowledge and experience in insurance or financial institutions and financial enterprise related laws, rules and regulations is preferred but not required

• Knowledge of general investigation techniques, including the use of subpoenas, and conducting under-oath examinations

• Knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes Title 20, Title 6, Title 32 and Title 44 is preferred but not required

• Professional correspondence formats and grammar usage in written and verbal communications

• Knowledge and prior use of publicly accessible investigation and research websites and tools

• General knowledge of insurance terms, concepts and generally accepted industry practices

• Knowledge of the functions and duties of each division of the agency

Skills:

• Record-keeping skills relating to a large number of documents, communications, and other complex documents and files

• Critical thinking relating to complex factual scenarios and applicability to various laws and regulations

• General understanding of how to apply general facts to applicable law's requirements and directives

• Multi-tasking to concurrently manage multiple responsibilities and tasks

• Communication skills and composure able to handle investigated parties

• Planning and organizing skills adaptable to a varied workload

• Adaptability to an exciting and fast-paced environment

• Adaptability to changing conversational dynamics

Ability:

• Ability to read and analyze complex legal contracts, insurance policies, third-party administration agreements, and other technical terminology found in such documents

• Ability to independently communicate clearly, effectively and diplomatically in writing, in person and on the telephone in routine and complex situations with consumers, attorneys, insurers, producers, licensed entities, agency staff and other state and federal employees, through the use of proper English, spelling and vocabulary

• Ability to research and analyze agency and public records/data applicable to the effective investigation of complaints and to apply the results of said research and analysis to the effective prosecution of the Respondent(s) at administrative hearings

• Ability to interpret the practices and procedures of insurance companies, producers, adjusters, bail bonds agents, surplus lines brokers and other licensed entities as governed by Arizona laws, rules and policies

• Ability to work cooperatively by establishing and maintaining effective professional working relations with supervisor, agency staff, insurers, producers, other regulated entities, consumers and other parties seeking information or assistance from the agency

• Ability to develop a cogent investigative plan for all open cases while considering already exhibiting tasks

• Ability for self-motivation and the ability to conduct investigative tasks with little to no direct supervision

• Ability to testify at administrative hearings to facts and circumstances of personal knowledge

• Ability to write, type and proofread documents and email communications

• Ability to quickly adapt to new tasks

• Ability to conduct interviews

• Ability to manage a caseload

• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment
  

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kaitlin Green at kaitlin.green@difi.az.gov for assistance