Lieutenant-Financial Investigator

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is seeking a Lieutenant, Financial Investigator to supervise high-level investigations into tax and financial crimes and coordinate with federal, state, and local partners for prosecutorial readiness.

The role requires leadership, strategic guidance, and training oversight, with 20% travel. A bachelor’s degree and four years of investigative experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four years of full-time experience performing financial investigations or financial audit or tax enforcement work, or a related field, with progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience.
• Satisfactory service in the career progression position immediately preceding the position of Lieutenant.
• This position requires 20% travel.

Responsibilities

• Supervises Investigators and Sergeant Investigator, ensuring investigative case work is prioritized, assigned, and operationally planned.
• Conducts and oversees public corruption, fraud, and financial-related criminal investigations.
• Reviews investigative reports, case files, and supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and prosecutorial readiness.
• Receives and evaluates incidents, complaints, and infractions; recommends actions based on findings.

Skills

Problem-solving

Researching and interpreting rules

Investigative techniques

Excel and databases

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Law enforcement databases

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 a Lieutenant, Financial Investigator. This position performs investigative tax enforcement supervisory work. Work involves overseeing, planning, organizing, and conducting investigations of violations of Texas tax codes and the Texas Penal Code. Performs high-level investigative work specializing in financial and fraud-related criminal investigations involving government fraud, misuse of public funds, tax fraud, and financial assets derived from criminal activity. The role includes coordinating with federal, state, and local partners, working closely with prosecutors, and ensuring all investigations are thorough, well-documented, and compliant with legal and procedural standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four (4) years of full-time experience performing financial investigations or financial audit or tax enforcement work, or a related field, with progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience. Formal leadership or management training is preferred.
• Satisfactory service in the career progression position immediately preceding the position of Lieutenant.

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

• Must hold an advanced peace officer certification (or higher) from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
• Certified Fraud Examiner certification or other relevant financial crimes, fraud, accounting, auditing, or anti-money laundering certifications are preferred but not required.
• 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

Investigative Oversight & Case Management

• Supervises Investigators and Sergeant Investigator, ensuring investigative case work is prioritized, assigned, and operationally planned.
• Conducts and oversees public corruption, fraud, and financial-related criminal investigations.
• Reviews investigative reports, case files, and supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and prosecutorial readiness.
• Receives and evaluates incidents, complaints, and infractions; recommends actions based on findings.
• Ensures investigative techniques align with standards; identifies improvements in operational methods, procedures, and investigative practices.

Administrative Management & Policy Direction

• Provides strategic guidance and recommendations on investigative, administrative, training, and law-enforcement matters.
• Develops, refines, and implements best practices, policies, and procedures, including accreditation compliance.
• Monitors and controls budgets, expenditures, and reporting processes.
• Conducts research and prepares briefs, summaries, or special reports for leadership.
• Oversees training programs; conducts or participates in training initiatives.

Legal Proceedings & External Representation

• Prepares and presents testimony in administrative and criminal court proceedings.
• Represents unit-level interests in multi-agency or community interactions as needed.

Knowledge Of

• State and Federal laws
• Tax laws and regulations.
• Admissibility of evidence.
• Court systems and procedures.
• Management and administrative principles, techniques, and methodologies.
• Asset Forfeiture
• Fraud and money laundering analysis
• Interview and interrogation techniques
• FinCEN

Skill In

• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Researching and interpreting complex rules and regulations
• Apply investigative techniques and procedures
• Using a computer and applicable software to include Microsoft Excel and law enforcement databases.

Ability To

• Conduct investigations.
• Collect and preserve physical evidence.
• Prepare concise reports.
• Prepare criminal cases for prosecution.
• Communicate effectively.

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. Applicants must ensure that all required supplemental questions are fully answered, complete job histories, and description of duties performed. Military Preference: To receive military preference, you are required to provide proof by attaching the necessary documentation to this job application. 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