Securities Fraud Investigator III (Criminal Investigator III) - DORA: Division of Securities Hybrid

Hybrid Workplace Arrangement: 

Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business needs. 

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.

Consumer protection is our mission.

DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workplace that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission. 

• Employer-sponsored RTD EcoPass, with offices located at Civic Center Plaza, above the RTD Civic Center station and just a few blocks from RTD light rail. 

• Extensive work-life programs such as flexible schedules, training and professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects, and more! 

• Employee wellness programs, including the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.

• Bike-to-work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks.

• Flexible retirement benefits, including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.

• Medical and Dental Health Insurance for employees and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Life Insurance for employees, and optional coverage for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off, including 11 paid holidays.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Tuition assistance program.

This work unit exists to protect the investing public and stop illegal conduct through the identification and investigation of complex securities fraud schemes. The work unit reviews complaints and referrals, opens and investigates cases, and makes referrals for enforcement actions when appropriate. The investigations involve obtaining evidence of potential violations, identifying grounds for statutory disqualification or appropriate administrative, civil or criminal sanctions, and assisting in litigation and post-conviction appeal processes. The range of enforcement actions includes issuing a warning letter, obtaining a cease-and-desist order from the Securities Commissioner, obtaining injunctive relief, restitution and sanctions from the Denver District Court, and referring the case to criminal prosecutors for criminal sanctions and assisting with the prosecution of the case.    

Position: SLA 8533/8512

This position exists to conduct complex criminal and civil investigations of violations of the Colorado Securities Act and/or the Colorado Commodities Code. This position provides litigation support to civil attorneys and criminal prosecutors. These investigations are unique and different from the investigations conducted by any other agency in Colorado state government in that the subject area is securities laws, which requires in-depth analysis of the financial industry and the ability to interpret financial records and contracts. The investigations involve collecting and analyzing records, interviewing witnesses and targets, and drafting reports and memoranda in support of investigative findings and conclusions.   

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting investigations of violations of the Securities Act and Commodities Code  by developing a strategy for the investigations, taking testimony from and interviewing witnesses, drafting and serving subpoenas, writing affidavits in support of search and seizure and arrest warrants, planning and conducting covert operations, and organizing and analyzing evidence in order to determine whether the law has been violated;
• Participating in administrative, civil, and criminal litigation by preparing evidence, reviewing complaints and criminal charging documents, and testifying in all phases of the case;
• Summarizing findings through the process of writing interview memoranda, investigation reports, and referral memoranda;
• Preparing demonstrative evidence and exhibits, giving oral testimony in various administrative, civil and criminal proceedings, participating in hearing/trial strategy sessions, settlement conferences, and plea agreement conferences, performing the duties of an advisory witness during hearings/trials, and assisting with jury selection;
• Acting as a resource specialist regarding securities violations that specifically address the issues of securities fraud as well as licensee violations, including whether the subject should have their license suspended or revoked; 
• Updating and maintaining internal management databases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience

Option 1: Experience

• Six (6) years of professional* investigative experience in the areas of white-collar crime or financial fraud. Investigative experience must include the following:
  • Gathering, interpreting, and/or analyzing evidence, data, and relevant facts in complex cases, and applying applicable laws;
  • Distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant evidence, and preparing analysis and recommendations;
  • Fostering cooperation under potentially stressful situations with a variety of audiences; and
  • Presenting clear and concise oral and written summaries of evidence.

Option 2: A Combination of Education AND Experience 

• Associate’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in business, accounting, criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, law, finance, or in a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
• Four (4) years of professional* investigative experience in the areas of white-collar crime or financial fraud. Investigative experience must include the following:
  • Gathering, interpreting, and/or analyzing evidence, data, and relevant facts in complex cases, and applying applicable laws;
  • Distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant evidence, and preparing analysis and recommendations;
  • Fostering cooperation under potentially stressful situations with a variety of audiences; and
  • Presenting clear and concise oral and written summaries of evidence.

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in business, accounting, criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, law, finance, or in a field of study related to the work assignment; AND
• Two (2) years of professional* investigative experience in the areas of white-collar crime or financial fraud. Investigative experience must include the following:
  • Gathering, interpreting, and/or analyzing evidence, data, and relevant facts in complex cases, and applying applicable laws;
  • Distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant evidence, and preparing analysis and recommendations;
  • Fostering cooperation under potentially stressful situations with a variety of audiences; and
  • Presenting clear and concise oral and written summaries of evidence.

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed.  Part time experience will be prorated.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Partial credit toward the degree requirement will be given for completed college/university coursework that did not result in a degree.A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the work assignment will substitute for the bachelor's degree requirement.

*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated litigation or criminal prosecution experience, including working with civil, administrative, and criminal law procedures and testifying in litigated proceedings.
• Demonstrated experience with the securities industry and relevant laws and regulations, including securities registrations and the requirements for investment advisers, broker-dealers, and the associated representatives. 
• Demonstrated experience conducting financial investigations and/or examinations in a regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated experience interviewing witnesses or taking sworn testimony.
• A master’s degree in law, finance, economics, statistics, mathematics, or business; a juris doctor or a Certified Fraud Examiner credential.
• Experience analyzing large data sets or identifying trends that lead to the discovery of problematic activity.
• Experience vetting complaints or violations concerning securities laws or regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to write reports that are organized and convey all relevant facts in a format that is easy for a diverse audience to understand.
• Experience with handling complaints related to crypto tracking and crypto wallets or exchanges.

 Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):

• Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to convey information to various stakeholders in a clear, accurate, and concise written manner;
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey information to audiences in a concise manner;
• Demonstrated attention to detail;
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
• Demonstrated prioritization skills, including planning, organizing tasks, and managing work assignments;
• Customer service skills, including the ability to diplomatically interact with difficult customers and de-escalate situations when necessary; 
• Demonstrated time management skills, including the ability to multi-task to effectively manage competing and constantly changing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division and department;
• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures;
• Sound judgment and the confidence to make decisions on a routine basis;
• Investigative skills to include recognizing discrepancies and gaps in interviews and clarifying and discerning relevant information; 
• Knowledge of Colorado Securities Act, the Colorado Commodities Code, and federal securities laws/rules; 
• Knowledge and understanding of a government or regulatory environment; 
• Ability to analyze complex business and financial records (e.g. profit & loss statements, trial balance sheets, accounts receivable/payable, etc.); 
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a variety of different stakeholders, both internal and external;
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor;
• Integrity and high ethical standards;
• Accountability, reliability, including attendance;
• Ability to maintain confidential, controversial, or sensitive information;
• Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, learn new processes, utilize own knowledge and that of supervisor, and complete work with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated professional demeanor;
• Knowledge and understanding in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.), and Google Suite (Doc’s, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, etc).

Conditions of Employment: Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
  • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, a review of job-related public information, etc.
  • The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado driver's license. This position requires the ability to travel up to 5% of the time, including staying over weekends when required; and the ability to transport equipment, including, but not limited to, laptop computers, printers, manuals, and supplies.

PLEASE READ - Required Application Materials

Interested individuals must submit the following online:

1. A completed State of Colorado Application (log-in to your current NeoGov account or create a NeoGov account to complete the online application). Note: Incomplete applications, including incomplete work history sections or "see résumé," "see attachment," or "see addendum" statements, will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form.

2. A current email address on your application, as all communication pertaining to this position will be conducted via email. Please set up your email to accept messages from [email protected] and ‘@state.co.us’ addresses, and check your email often. Note: The department cannot guarantee the successful delivery of email, including incorrect filtering into junk mail folders.

3. A detailed cover letter, explaining how you meet the required competencies and how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc. make you a good fit for this position; you may also attach additional documents that demonstrate this.

Comparative Analysis Process: Structured Application Review

Part of, if not the entire, comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials; Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application and cover letter, you describe the extent to which you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the required and/or preferred qualifications/competencies. You are also encouraged to attach additional documents to that effect. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may affect your score and prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Part of the comparative analysis process and/or the interview process may be conducted through remote video conferencing (i.e. Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)

Veterans’ Preference: Candidates who wish to assert Veterans’ Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 to their application. Failure to do so will result in being denied Veterans Preference.

PLEASE NOTE: Former State Personnel System employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application.  Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through competitive examination of merit and fitness.  Failure to include the required information, failure to follow instructions, and/or failure to submit materials by the application deadline may result in your application not being considered for the position and may affect your score or inclusion in the final pool of qualified candidates. 

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

ADAAA Accommodations: DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at [email protected].

Check out our excellent benefits package!

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.

Appeal Rights: 

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

HOW TO APPLY: Thank you for your interest. Submit an on-line application by clicking the link below or submit a State of Colorado Application for Announced Vacancy and all supplemental questions according to the instructions provided below. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed above.

IF NOT APPLYING ON-LINE, SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Only online applications will be accepted for this position.

 DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:

Thanh Pham: [email protected] 

METHODS OF APPOINTMENT: Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.