Become a Financial Economist at the Securities and Exchange Commission
In the complex landscape of global finance, the role of economic analysis is paramount to ensuring market integrity and protecting the investing public. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently seeking highly qualified Financial Economists to join the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA). This role offers a unique intersection of academic rigor, data science, and public policy, providing you the chance to influence the future of financial regulation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Financial Economist, you will be deeply involved in:
- Policy Evaluation: Assessing the economic impact of federal financial rules on individuals and businesses.
- Risk Modeling: Designing and maintaining quantitative models to identify systemic vulnerabilities in the financial markets.
- Market Research: Analyzing complex financial data to assess regulatory efficiency.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with legal teams and data scientists to provide decision-ready assessments.
Comparison Table: What We Look For
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Degree with 21+ hours in Economics and 3+ in Stats/Accounting |
| Experience | 1+ year at SK/GS-13 equivalent |
| Resume Limit | Maximum 2 Pages |
| Application Format | Rolling bi-weekly cutoff dates |
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent educational and professional standards. You must possess a degree in economics with specific semester hours in quantitative subjects. Furthermore, your experience must demonstrate high-level work such as producing research of peer-review quality or quantifying harm to investors in legal contexts.
Salary Overview
This position is highly competitive, with a salary range between $200,157 and $225,943 per year. Total pay is determined based on the duty location and specific agency pay-setting procedures.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
- Robust retirement planning, including the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development.
- A work environment that values work-life balance.
Application Tips
- Focus on the Narrative: Your Accomplishment Record is critical. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly define your successes.
- Adhere to Formatting: The two-page limit on your resume is mandatory. Do not include extraneous fluff; focus on your most relevant achievements.
- Stay Proactive: Because applications are reviewed bi-weekly, submitting earlier in the cycle increases your visibility.
Serving as a Financial Economist at the SEC is more than just a job; it is a chance to play a significant role in maintaining the health of the American economy. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for the challenge, follow the application steps closely to begin your journey with the SEC.
Why This Financial Economist Job Matters
Shape the future of capital markets as a Financial Economist with the SEC's Division of Economic and Risk Analysis—where your data-driven insights drive regulatory excellence and investor protection.
Financial Economist Job Overview
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is hiring expert Financial Economists to join the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) in Washington, D.C. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about securities markets, public policy, and rigorous empirical research. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to evaluate federal rules, analyze systemic market risks, and ensure that our nation's financial regulations remain robust and efficient.
Requirements for Financial Economist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SK/GS-13 grade level.
- Proven experience in conducting research of peer-reviewed journal quality, analyzing securities litigation, evaluating policy impacts on market performance, or conducting cost-benefit analyses of financial regulations.
- Ability to submit a complete application package by bi-weekly cutoff dates.
- Capability to provide an Accomplishment Record addressing specific competencies within a 3-business-day window upon request.
- Submission of a professional, two-page maximum resume.
Preferred Qualifications for Financial Economist
- Advanced understanding of market microstructure, industrial organization, or auction theory.
- Experience in risk-ranking market participants and identifying systemic financial vulnerabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex economic data to non-expert stakeholders.
- Experience in presenting research papers in professional academic or regulatory forums.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and comprehensive compensation program.
- ✓Access to top-tier experts and a collaborative, high-impact work environment.
- ✓Opportunities for professional career growth and policy specialization.
- ✓Work-life balance initiatives typical of federal employment.
- ✓Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits packages.
💡 How to Apply Financial Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Financial Economist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire as prompted.
- Upload a two-page maximum resume highlighting relevant dates and specialized experience.
- Attach unofficial transcripts verifying all required economic and statistics coursework.
- Submit your full application package before a bi-weekly cutoff date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
- Be prepared to provide an Accomplishment Record within 3 business days if contacted by the Office of Human Resources.
💡 General Tips
- Do not wait until the final deadline; review the bi-weekly cutoff dates to ensure your application enters the first available review cycle.
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or it will be automatically disqualified.
- Prepare your Accomplishment Record narratives in advance; you will only have 3 days to submit them once requested.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions dates of employment to qualify the 'one year of specialized experience' requirement.
- Double-check that all transcripts clearly list your completed economics and statistics coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this position is open to all U.S. citizens under the Office of Personnel Management's Delegated Direct-Hire Authority.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Resumes exceeding two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not receive further consideration.
How does the rolling application process work?
Applications are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis. You must submit your package by the specific cutoff dates (e.g., October 2, October 16, etc.) to be included in that cycle's certificate of candidates.
Job from Securities And Exchange Commission
The SEC’s mission is to protect investors, maintain fair and orderly markets, and facilitate capital formation. Within the SEC, DERA is the central hub for economic analysis. It is staffed by experts who use data-driven insights to guide the agency's rule-making, enforcement actions, and market risk assessments. Working here means joining a community of professionals dedicated to the public interest.