ACCOUNTANT

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.

Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically.

If you are unable to apply online, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.

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

To be hired at the GS-07 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level defined as: validating, maintaining, or processing accounting data or transactions in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

To be hired at the GS-09 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level defined as: utilizing established accounting standards to compile, analyze, and summarize accounting data resulting from day-to-day accounting operations, maintaining the integrity of financial accounts, or preparing financial statements and/or reports in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

To be hired at the GS-11 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level defined as: interpreting and applying accounting principles, policies, and procedures, assisting in designing, implementing and assessing of internal accounting control processes, or ensuring the validity, accuracy, and integrity of accounting processes 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:

• Serves as a staff expert regarding the operational accounting functions and the application of generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures.
• Proposes new procedures or methods or modifies existing procedures and methods to resolve current problems and enhance the validity, accuracy, and integrity of accounting processes.
• Identifies problem areas and determines actions required to improve operating program effectiveness, ensure the propriety of accounting transaction processing, and maintain the integrity of accounting records and financial information.
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates a variety of incoming accounting reports and/or accounting source documents.
• Maintains contact with operating and program officials at all management levels and responds to questions from customers and subordinates regarding data discrepancies.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when position is filled below full performance level of GS-11.