What is a financial background check and how is it conducted? What financial records are typically included in a financial background check?
When applying for a job, you may be asked to undergo a financial background check. This is an evaluation of your past financial history, including any debt you may have or any financial problems you encountered. A financial background check can also be conducted on individuals who are taking out loans or applying for mortgages. This check will determine whether you are a good financial risk or not and whether you will be able to fulfill your financial obligations or not.
A financial background check is typically conducted by a third-party company that specializes in background checks. The company will perform a deep-dive into your financial records, including your credit history, bankruptcies, defaults, and foreclosures. They may also interview your previous employers or other individuals who can attest to your financial credibility.
Credit History
Your credit history is the most important factor in a financial background check. It is a record of how promptly you have paid your bills in the past, and how much debt you have or have had in the past. A credit report will show if you have been late on payments, if you have been involved in collections, and if you have had any bankruptcies or foreclosures. Your credit score can be a defining factor in the outcome of the financial background check. Higher scores generally mean you have been a reliable borrower, while lower scores indicate that you may have had financial difficulties.
Employment Verification & Income
Employment verification and income are also areas that a financial background check will evaluate. A credit report will show the type of employment you have held in the past, as well as the amount of income you have earned. It is also common for the third-party company to contact previous employers or the IRS to confirm this information. This evaluation helps confirm that you meet the income requirements for any loans, mortgages, or job openings you apply for.
Criminal Records
While not directly related to your finances, criminal records can also impact the outcome of a financial background check. A criminal record can hurt your chances of getting certain types of jobs, and it can also affect your ability to obtain loans or mortgages. If the financial background check shows that you have been convicted of a financial-related offense, it may mean you are not a good financial risk.
Public Records
Finally, a financial background check may look at public records that may be related to your finances. These records may show whether you have had any judgments, liens, or lawsuits against you in the past, and whether any of your assets have been seized. These records can provide an indication of your financial viability and stability.
Conclusion
Overall, a financial background check is a comprehensive evaluation of your past financial history, including your credit score, employment verification, income level, criminal records, and public records. The third-party company will collect this information from a variety of sources to determine if you are a good financial risk. It is important to be aware of your financial history and to be honest on the application. A good financial background check can increase your chances of landing a job, obtaining a loan, or getting approved for a mortgage. So, if you have any financial difficulties, it is best to be honest, upfront, and work to address them.
