Investigator

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts seeks an Investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division to perform highly advanced financial investigative work supporting tax and public corruption cases. Under minimal supervision, you will analyze complaints and records, examine assets, and identify financial patterns relevant to investigations.

You will prepare clear analytical reports, collaborate closely with CID personnel, and assist with interviews and statements while ensuring evidentiary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Investigator VI: Five years of full-time experience performing investigations, financial audits or tax enforcement work.
• Investigator VII: Ten years of full-time experience performing investigations, financial audits or tax enforcement work.
• Experience presenting evidence and providing testimony in court.
• Requires 20% travel; must maintain a valid Texas driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conducts all levels of investigations and examinations of alleged violations of tax laws, rules and regulations.
• Collect, analyze and document information about the business activities of entities.
• Interviews potential witnesses and complainants.
• Documents investigative findings and prepares records, correspondence and reports.
• Conducts investigative case work and prioritizes assignments.
• Prepares testimony and evidence for court and formal hearings.

Skills

Problem solving

Forensic analysis

Financial auditing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheets

Database software

Job description

Agency Information
Serve Texas with private-sector urgency and public-sector purpose.
Every dollar the State of Texas collects, holds, or spends runs through the Comptroller's Office. We are the state's chief tax collector, accountant, revenue estimator, treasurer, and purchasing manager. We write the checks and keep the books for the multi-billion-dollar business of state government, and we serve virtually every Texan while doing it.
Texans trust us with their money. We earn that trust every day by safeguarding taxpayer dollars, cutting waste, and finding better, faster, more efficient ways to get the job done.
This is not a place to coast. The work is demanding, the pace is fast, and the standards are high. We want people who take ownership, question the status quo, and think creatively seeing beyond the obvious to solve the problems facing Texans. We measure ourselves by results. If you're driven by the idea that government can work better, and willing to work hard to prove it, you'll fit in here.
What you'll get in return: real responsibility, meaningful work, and the chance to build your career alongside sharp, mission-focused professionals. We invest in people who invest in the job, with on-the-job training, professional development, and room to grow as fast as your performance allows.
Public service is a calling. If you're ready to make every taxpayer dollar count, we want to hear from you.
Work Hours
Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week with occasional evening, weekend hours and holidays. Hours may change based on business need.
General Description
Join Criminal Investigation as an Investigator. This position under minimal supervision, performs highly advanced financial investigative work in support of the Comptroller's Criminal Investigations Division (CID). This role analyzes complaints, tips, and complex financial or business records to assist investigations involving tax fraud, government fraud, public corruption, and other financial offenses. The investigator conducts detailed examinations of financial information developed during criminal investigations, including records obtained from alternative and open source data. This work includes evaluating personal and business assets associated with targeted individuals and organizations, identifying patterns or anomalies that may indicate criminal activity, and determining the financial relationships relevant to the case. Prepares clear, comprehensive analytical reports and documentation to support law enforcement personnel throughout the investigative process. This position collaborates closely with CID personnel to help structure investigative strategies and provide subject matter insights on evidence. Additional duties include participating in interviews, assisting with obtaining statements when appropriate, ensuring compliance with legal and evidentiary standards, maintaining organized case files and documentation, and coordinating with internal and external partners to acquire necessary records or intelligence.
Investigator VI - $6,083.33 - $6,666.67
Investigator VII - $7,166.67 - $8,333.33
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Investigator VI- Five (5) years of full-time experience performing investigations, financial audits or tax enforcement work.
• Investigator VII-Ten (10) years of full-time experience performing investigations, financial audits or tax enforcement work.
• Experience presenting evidence and providing testimony in court.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's, preferably with major coursework in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a directly related field.
• Performing criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, police communications-telecommunications network operations or working in an agency performing tasks that require a high level of confidentiality.
• Prior law enforcement experience.
• Experience in audits or tax enforcement work.
• Experience with investigations involving multiple tax types.
• Experience preparing financial reports.
• Experience preparing and reviewing complex reconciliations.
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Substitutions

• One additional year of experience may substitute for thirty semester hours of educational requirement with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours (four years).

Licenses and Certifications

• Preferred: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or other relevant Certification.
• This position requires 20% work-related travel. Employees must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely and maintain eligibility to drive throughout employment.

A valid Texas (or state of residency) driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are a condition of employment.
Applicants who are offered an interview must present the following documents at or before the interview: A state issued driving record for the last 36 months; valid Texas driver's license (or state of residency driver's license); and current proof of automobile insurance
Essential Job Duties

• Conducts all levels of investigations and examinations of alleged violations of tax laws, rules and regulations.
• Collect, analyze and document information about the business activities of entities.
• Identifies, contacts and interviews potential witnesses and complainants.
• Documents investigative findings and prepares records, correspondence and reports.
• Conducts investigative case work, including priority of assignments and operational planning.
• Receives reports of incidents, complaints, or infractions; prepares reports; and recommends appropriate actions.
• Conducts investigations involving public corruption, fraud, and financial-related crimes.
• Engaged in the enforcement of state and federal laws and regulations.
• Reviews reports and paperwork for accuracy and completeness and approves cases for prosecution.
• Prepares and presents testimony and evidence in court. Testifies in formal hearings and court proceeding.
• Reviews investigative techniques, provides input and/or drafts policies and regulations and implements improvements, changes or modifications in procedures.
• Answers inquiries pertaining to legal, policy, or procedural information; maintains and promotes public relations with the general public and various entities.
• Conducts educational presentations.

Knowledge Of

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Relevant criminal and financial databases, software applications, and analytical programs used in investigative and forensic financial work.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standardized financial practices.

Skill In

• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Forensic analyzing, auditing and investigating of financial data and records.
• Reviewing and developing financial spreadsheets.
• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

Ability To

• Interpret financial data and identify fraudulent activities.
• Organize information into presentations.
• Prepare exhibits, graphs and/or flowcharts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Maximize Your Earnings!
At the Comptroller's office, we know potential employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. The agency offers a strong benefits package for you and your family. Insurance, retirement plans, and a flexible work schedule are just the start. See our benefits offering
Please Note
An applicant must be eligible to work in the United States to be hired at the Comptroller's office and must remain eligible, without sponsorship or any assurance of financial or other assistance from this agency, during the term of their employment.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
The Comptroller's Office is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.