ACCOUNTANT - Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Summary Who may apply: United States Citizens Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at the step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA). Responsibilities Provides professional accounting advice and assistance to supported organizations and lower graded accountants and/or accounting technicians in the resolution of diverse, complex, or controversial accounting problems. The accountant typically reviews and analyzes a wide variety of accounting documents, reports, policies, and procedures pertaining to multiple appropriation accounts within one or more accounting systems or subsystems. Serves as a staff expert regarding the operational accounting functions and the application of generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures. Reviews and analyzes operating programs, practices, and procedures related to controlling, validating,and reporting accounting transactions affecting the asset, liability, revenue, expense, and budgetary accounts of supported organizations. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates incoming accounting reports used by supported organizations to interpret results of operations, track financial trends and events, and resolve complex and diverse fiduciary and/or financial management problems. Examines internal controls systems and analyzes/evaluates effectiveness, adequacy, and interrelationships within/among segments of the system and other segments within the organization. Maintains contact with operating and program officials at all management levels. Responds to questions from customers and subordinates regarding accounting data discrepancies Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period. This position has a positive education requirement. To qualify for this position you must meet one of the basic requirements described below: (1) Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law.OR (2) Candidates may also qualify through a combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of accounting experience or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge AND 24 semester hours in accounting/auditing courses, which may include up to 6 hours of business law.OR A certificate as a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor. You must send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.In addition to meeting the basic requirement, qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe this in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient. One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade, GS-09, within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience as a GS-11 is defined as: Interpreting and applying accounting principles, policies, and procedures; designing, implementing and assessing internal control processes, and enhancing the validity, accuracy, and integrity of accounting processes. One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade, GS-11, within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience as a GS-12 is defined as: providing professional accounting services that ensure the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the accounting operations in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), independently applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to analyze and interpret accounting data, Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. Education SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE at the GS-11 grade requires a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level and above. Additional Information Moving expenses will be paid. This position is not eligible for local or remote telework. Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment. A one year probationary period may be required. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date. This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Travel requirement is occasional. This position is covered by a bargaining unit. Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA). This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period. Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here). PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 2 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program as a condition of employment. If you are selected, you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless you are already in a position that requires a Level 2 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required time-frame may be grounds for removal from the position and/or from Federal service. Information about the DoD FM Certification Program is available at FM Certification The Security Designation will vary dependent upon position and will require a top secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.