Job Title: Accredited Financial Investigator Starting Salary: £46,731 opportunity to progress to £51,802 pa Hours: 37.0 Location: Stevenage/Hybrid Contract Type: Fixed Term End Date - 2 years Directorate: Resources About the team We are recruiting to an Accredited Financial Investigator role within our highly respected and award-winning anti-fraud service in Hertfordshire. At the Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS), we protect the public purse from the constant threat of fraud. Working with Councils and other organisations across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire we provide a full criminal investigation service, advice and guidance regarding fraud and corruption, undertake proactive counter-fraud exercises, data-analytics and deliver training and awareness. The Financial Investigation team sits within the Complex Investigation team. In response to the increasing complexity of fraud investigations and additional requests to support our partners investigating Trading Standards offences. This additional role is to support the recovery of the proceeds of crime, disrupt OCGs and help protect the wider community from rogue traders. About the role This role is for a NCA registered and Accredited Financial Investigator, full professional qualifications and accreditation is essential. In your role you will complete financial investigations in support of both Confiscation proceedings and Money Laundering allegations. You will be asked to identify and pursue opportunities for the recovery of criminal assets by means of confiscation, forfeiture, and seizure of cash in order to assist in recovery of losses in both civil and criminal proceedings. Experience of conducting criminal and/or civil investigations is essential including; Production Orders, Account Freezing Orders, Restraint, Account Monitoring Orders, Disclosure Orders and Confiscation Orders. You will also have a complete understanding of all relevant legislative requirements. Support investigation teams with a Financial Investigation strategy to maximise evidence gathering opportunities and ability to identify and secure the proceeds of offending in quick time. You will be required to support and help develop FIO's working within the team. SAFS also provides the AMLR function for its partners and you may be required to support the AMLRO in their role. The role requires a high degree of interpersonal skills including written and orally with an ability to explain complex issues to all levels including senior management. About you Essential: Must hold Accredited Financial Investigator status with the NCA and maintain that status through a process of Continued Professional Development. Current or very recent demonstrable experience working in a Financial Investigation role as a NCA registered Accredited Financial Investigator with Part 2 & 8 powers mandatory. Including experience working with legal teams and attendance at court for applications and also presenting evidence. Detailed working knowledge of the requirements of PACE 1984 and legislation governing and supporting criminal investigations; Human Rights Act, CPIA, RIPA, and DPA. Also, The Fraud Act 2006, Theft Act 1968, Bribery Act 2010, and Money Laundering Regulations. Desirable: Part 5 Powers (Cash Seizure); Knowledge of Local Government or other public sector bodies. Experience of liaising closely with outside agencies within legislative and regulatory frameworks to combat fraud, corruption, and money laundering offences. Ability to mentor applicants qualifying to the AFI role. This role provides an opportunity to bring your skills and experience to work within an area of financial investigation unlike most law enforcement teams. The type of allegations are varied and some unique from those you will have experienced. They can be challenging and require new or varying your previous ways of working. We also face the challenges of OCG's both domestic and International. The reward is high, knowing that the interventions you make can prevent and recover money lost to the public purse. Bringing those funds back directly to the areas where they are most needed and removing them from criminal hands. This job role is within the Regulatory Services, level REG12 job profile. Please locate this via: Job profiles - Regulatory services We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. To hear more about this opportunity please contact Darren Bowler, Counter Fraud Manager E: darren.bowlerhertfordshire.gov.uk T: 01438 844363 for an informal discussion about the role. Interview Date: 15th April 2025 Benefits of working for us How to apply As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences. Secondment This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only. Disability Confident We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. Safeguarding This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. English Fluency The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.