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Posted: January 22, 2026 (0 days ago)

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ACCOUNTANT

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$50,930 - $66,210

per year

Closes

January 28, 2026

GS-5 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $33,878 - $44,042

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience. Bachelor's degree.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level accountant role at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service involves processing and maintaining financial data for the Department of Defense to ensure accurate pay and budgeting.

It supports military and government financial operations in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A good fit would be someone with a background in accounting or finance, strong attention to detail, and an interest in public sector work.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field (e.g., finance, business administration) with at least 24 semester hours in accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification (alternative qualification path)
  • One year of specialized experience at GS-05 level or equivalent, involving validating, maintaining, or processing accounting data/transactions per policies and regulations
  • Proof of education (transcripts) or certification required with application
  • Related financial experience or degree in fields like finance, accounting, management, or actuarial science
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to meet federal employment qualifications, including time-in-grade if applicable

Full Job Description

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the Department of Defense (DoD) in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information.

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..

Applicants MUST have related financial experience AND/OR a related financial degree (examples include: Finance, Accounting, Management, Actuarial Science, or related), in addition to meeting Office of Personnel Management (OPM) minimum qualification requirements.

Substitution of combination of education and experience must still, in conjunction, minimally satisfy the DHA qualification requirement.

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. 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-05) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is defined as: Validating, maintaining, or processing accounting data or transactions in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

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.

Major Duties:

  • The major duties described below reflect the full performance level of this position:
  • Interprets, develops, adapts, modifies, or integrates accounting and financial policies and procedures.
  • Identifies problem areas and determines actions required to ensure the propriety of accounting transactions and the integrity of accounting records.
  • Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates a variety of incoming accounting reports and/or accounting source documents.
  • Assists in establishing and monitoring internal controls to identify problem areas and determine actions required to improve operating program effectiveness.
  • Performs special audits, studies, or reviews to determine reliability and accuracy of accounting reports and financial statements produced.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/22/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/22/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DFAS-DHA-12865633-26