I've applied for a PT job with a local town, and one of the background checks they do is a financial check, which I've never had done before.

14 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

   We can't tell you whether or not it's optional. If the employer is requiring a credit check you can either choose to comply with that request or decline the position. Alternatively, you can ask why a credit check is required for this position (my assumption is everyone they hire is bound by the same requirements).

2. AnonymousSeptember 4,2024 at 12:21PM UTC

   It is completely within reason to ask the company what the credit check is for/what criteria they have.

3. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 1:13PM UTC

   I have seen where people who are working for government, Even local small government, I have to get a credit report run as part of the hiring process. I know this feels intimidating but if you want the job you're going to have to give them the information.

4. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 1:18PM UTC

   There are some jobs that require this due to handling of money or being in a position to have access to money. It’s a check to see if you can be responsible for managing the company money or are a risk for mismanagement or even theft. The key things they tend to look for if this is a requirement are collections (especially unpaid ones) and delinquency.

5. CMTSeptember 3,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

   The financial check is basically a credit check and yes they will see your creditors but many companies require this as part of the employment process. This is confidential information used just to see if you are a good fit for the position and many times like the other comments it’s due to the type of job you are applying for. If financial information is involved in your job description then this is why they do this background check.

6. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 1:54PM UTC

   This is quite common and usually made part of the background check the company pays to have done. It is not optional.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 4,2024 at 3:40AM UTC

   It's fairly common for positions in finance or positions that handle cash. Would you be handling cash?

8. Tiana MumfordSeptember 4,2024 at 12:17PM UTC

   Good day I have heard of that but did not know they still do them . So my question would be if a person is not good with their finances doe that make them disqualified .

9. Meghan WilsonSeptember 4,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

   Many states have restrictions on financial and driving record searches and which results can be used for employment purposes. You may want to research on your own or ask them directly. I agree it seems excessive for this role but they may be giving you everyone the same background screening regardless of role.

10. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdSeptember 4,2024 at 12:53PM UTC

    Hello!

    I've heard of this and credit checks - both of which I find extremely invasive. Unless the job itself has something to do with money or keeping financial records.

    I know many good people who aren't the best with finances. I myself was in this position for some of my life. I've been at my job for over 20 years - and how I manage my personal finances has nothing to do with any aspect of my job.

11. Paula Manczuk-HannaySeptember 4,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    Are your going to be handling money? A lot of front desk Rec staff have to assist people with signing up for classes and camps. It’s likely not optional.

12. AnonymousSeptember 4,2024 at 3:58PM UTC

    No cash involved ... just scanning people in with their QR codes. Weird.

13. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 2:23PM UTC

    I joined a local center that supported kids and their families, I had to do a background check due to the youth aspect. It was simple and fast through an outside company. I never handled money or worked with the kids directly, its a requirement of our government.

14. AnonymousSeptember 6,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    If that is what they stipulate in their required background check practice then yes, if it's not something you want to do then pass on the role. This is how every background check is set up per the needs of and the acceptable benchmarks that companies will hire for, sometimes it includes financial, education, drug tests, and even DMV records. Position dependent.