Serious Fraud Office careers: Roles and opportunities in high-level crime investigation

Serious Fraud Office careers: Roles and opportunities in high-level crime investigation

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is one of the UK government’s key tools in the fight against high-level economic crime. The body plays a vital role in protecting the integrity and reputation of the UK economy by investigating some of the country’s most challenging cases of fraud and corruption.

For individuals with an interest in law, justice or corporate accountability, the SFO offers a varied and intellectually engaging environment. Its investigator roles are particularly well suited to those with a strong sense of purpose, natural curiosity and the drive to uncover wrongdoing at the highest levels of business and finance.

What is the Serious Fraud Office?

The SFO is an independent UK government department operating within the civil service. It reports to the Attorney General and is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex cases of fraud, bribery and corruption across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Its focus is on high-value, high-impact cases, often involving multinational corporations, senior executives or cross-border financial activity. The director of the SFO will take into account the following considerations when determining whether to open a case:

• Actual or intended harm to the public
• Impact on the reputation and integrity of the UK as a whole, or its position as an international financial centre
• Harmful effects on the economy and prosperity of the UK

According to its most recent public report, in 2024–25, the SFO worked on 35 open criminal cases, charged 11 individuals and recovered £1.3 million in criminal assets.

The SFO works closely with other agencies, including the police, National Crime Agency, Crown Prosecution Service and Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring a coordinated response to economic crime.

Career paths and job roles at the SFO

The SFO offers a wide range of career opportunities for professionals with backgrounds in investigation, law, intelligence, finance or technology. Case teams are multidisciplinary, with success built on diverse skills and experience. Roles can vary depending on qualifications and experience, with options for both entry-level and specialist applicants. On the investigative side of the agency, key positions include:

• Case officers: Core members of investigation teams, responsible for gathering evidence, managing interviews and building prosecution cases.
• Digital forensics analysts: Experts in retrieving, analysing and preserving digital data from devices and networks.
• Financial investigators: Specialists in tracing financial transactions, uncovering fraud and supporting asset recovery.
• Intelligence analysts: Focused on assessing intelligence to guide investigations and develop leads.
  

Other career paths include solicitors and prosecutors, who provide legal advice, leading case strategy and working towards successful prosecutions. A range of policy, operations, IT and project management staff also support the wider mission of the SFO through internal leadership, governance and programme delivery.

How to apply and what to expect

The application process for SFO jobs typically begins with an online form, before going on to include several written assessments and interviews. The process will usually use the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, which evaluates candidates’ behaviour, strengths, experience and technical abilities.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong analytical knowledge, attention to detail and experience relevant to complex investigations, legal processes or financial analysis. A background in law enforcement, regulation or public sector work is often advantageous.

Essential personal qualities include integrity, discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information responsibly. 

Due to the confidential nature of SFO operations, most roles require Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. These clearances will involve detailed personal, financial and employment history checks.

Why consider a career at the SFO?

A career at the SFO offers the chance to make a real impact by tackling serious financial crime that threatens the integrity of the UK economy. Staff work on complex, high-profile investigations that require critical thinking and close collaboration across agencies.

As part of the civil service, the SFO also offers stable employment, access to high-quality training, clear progression routes and excellent pension benefits. These roles are ideal for individuals with a strong sense of justice, analytical thinking and a passion for uncovering wrongdoing in areas like law, finance, technology or public accountability.