Fraud Investigator - Middle Tennessee

About the role

The Fraud Investigator supports the Comptroller’s Office by conducting financial investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in government and publicly funded entities. Investigators analyze financial records, conduct interviews, develop and document evidence, identify internal control and compliance deficiencies, and prepare investigative findings that may result in corrective action, recovery of public funds, or criminal prosecution. This role directly contributes to accountability and transparency in Tennessee government operations.

What You'll Do

• Apply accounting principles and analytical techniques to review large volumes of financial records for evidence of manipulation or concealment
• Use spreadsheets, databases, data analysis tools, and other investigative techniques to identify unusual transactions, relationships, patterns, and anomalies
• Conduct, document, and analyze investigative interviews of complainants, witnesses, subjects, government officials, employees, vendors, and other relevant parties related to fraud investigations
• Obtain, organize, and analyze accounting records, bank records, contracts, invoices, payroll records, and other evidence to identify schemes and quantify losses
• Research laws, rules, and regulations relevant to investigative findings
• Evaluate internal controls and identify weaknesses that contribute to or allow fraud, waste, or abuse to occur
• Prepare clear and concise investigative reports for public release and assist with presenting investigative findings and testimony throughout the judicial process
• Collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, government staff, contractors, vendors, and citizens on fraud investigations involving potential criminal activity
• Promote compliance with laws, regulations, standards, policies, and best practices

What We're Looking For

Required:

• A 4‑year degree in Accounting, Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis, or Criminal Justice (including at least 18 semester hours in accounting)
• Minimum of 2 years of financial investigative experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Sound judgment, professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and high integrity
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within an investigative team
• A strong working knowledge of accounting principles and the ability to analyze financial records

Preferred:

• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI), and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Additional experience in accounting, auditing, or financial investigative work

Logistics

Travel: Investigators regularly travel throughout their assigned region and may travel elsewhere in Tennessee based on investigative needs. Work-related travel is reimbursed