The profession of a Bank Inspector
This profession, known as the most demanding in auditing, is considered the "royal road" to starting a career in banking. In close collaboration with the General Management, the Bank Inspector audits each branch, subsidiary, and department within the group to identify potential risks and improve the network’s efficiency.
They (46% of bank inspectors are women) possess in-depth knowledge of the entire banking and financial sector. Only an excellent academic path, such as the Master’s in Control, Audit, and Financial Reporting from Université Paris Dauphine-PSL, can prepare future bank inspectors to pass the rigorous tests and entrance exams required for this demanding profession.
Role and responsibilities of a Bank inspector
The Bank Inspector is a crucial part of the banking and financial sector. Their straightforwardness and curiosity allow them to explore the various roles within the group throughout their assignments. Their dual objective is to identify risks and improve the processes of each department they inspect.
Daily tasks
Between advisory services and fraud inspection, this professional carries out various tasks, including:
- Ensuring risk management and compliance with regulations
- Defining accounting and financial control procedures
- Designing a dashboard and risk monitoring system
- Traveling domestically and internationally to meet with departments under review
- Verifying the proper functioning of security systems
- Auditing staff activities
- Verifying the accuracy of financial statements
- Planning an audit program and coordinating auditors
- Writing and presenting an inspection report with findings and recommendations to General Management
- Implementing training programs or new tools to improve process efficiency
- Advising on new business strategies
- Investigating fraud
- Ensuring the effective implementation of recommended actions
Salaries and career progression
The Bank Inspector is hired with an executive status after three years of experience in banking audit or by passing a particularly demanding entrance exam. Following the specialization in Consulting and Research in Audit and Control at the University, former students of the Master's program earn a starting median salary of €42,000 gross annually.
Becoming a Bank Inspector is an ideal career path for progressing to Mission Leader and eventually advancing to high-responsibility positions, particularly in banking audit, financial control, or market finance. It is also possible to leverage this expertise to join a prestigious consulting firm in France or abroad.
Required skills
- Outspokenness, even strictness
- Rigor and organization
- Analytical, planning, and coordination skills
- In-depth knowledge of regulations, accounting, tax law, and labor law
- Mobility
- Ability to handle pressure and manage an often intense workload
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and financial modeling software
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Good presentation skills
- Advanced logical and mathematical intelligence
What studies are required to become a bank inspector ?
Becoming a bank inspector requires solid theoretical knowledge in financial strategy, law, and accounting, as well as strong oral skills for future report presentations. To apply, a Master's degree (BAC +5) is essential. The quality of the training will also be evaluated by recruiters, so it is crucial to aim for one of the most recognized institutions, such as the Université Paris Dauphine-PSL, in order to qualify for entry exams in banking institutions.
The Master in Control, Audit, and Financial Reporting at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL is highly recommended for aspiring bank inspectors. Additionally, a gap year in a professional environment or a second year of the Master's in a work-study format will be undeniable assets to start your career in high-level banking and finance.
Training to become a bank inspector at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL: Master in Finance
Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers a Master's in Control, Audit, and Financial Reporting, which provides a wide range of opportunities in auditing careers. Whether in a work-study program or initial training, this Master's program uses an innovative and motivating project-based teaching approach. The skills acquired during the studies are immediately applied in practice. Furthermore, students are strongly encouraged to gain experience in banking or with start-ups, enabling them to be recruited for key positions right after graduation.
Another advantage of Université Paris Dauphine-PSL is the strong network of relationships with foreign universities, auditing firms, and banking institutions, creating excellent opportunities for internships and future employment both in France and internationally.