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Posted: January 13, 2026 (2 days ago)

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ACCOUNTANT

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Department of Defense

Fresh

Salary

$50,460 - $97,087

per year

Closes

January 28, 2026

GS-7 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $41,966 - $54,557

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-6. Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.

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 handling financial data, ensuring accurate accounting records, and supporting audits for the Department of Defense.

It requires a strong foundation in accounting principles and some practical experience to manage routine financial tasks in a government setting.

A good fit would be someone with a relevant degree or certification who enjoys detail-oriented work and wants stable federal employment in Maine.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field 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 for GS-07: applying accounting principles, processing data, and providing technical guidance
  • For higher grades (GS-09/11): Experience in compiling/analyzing accounting data, maintaining financial accounts, and preparing reports
  • U.S. citizenship required; position is on-site in Limestone, Maine (not remote)
  • Proof of education or certification must be submitted with application
  • Detailed resume highlighting financial experience and accomplishments

Full Job Description

Who May Apply: Open to United States Citizens. These are NOT remote position(s). Pay for first time hires to the Federal Govt will typically be set at step 1 salary for their respective grade level.

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.

For the GS-07: 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 For The GS-07 Is Defined As: Applying accounting laws, principles, systems, policies, methods, and practices to provide routine technical guidance to managers, employees and/or customers.

Validating, maintaining, processing accounting data and transactions. Conducting analysis to prepare and maintain audit readiness.

For the GS-09: In addition To Meeting The Basic Requirement: Qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized Experience For The GS-09 Is 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 and preparing financial statements and/or reports.

For the GS-11: In addition To Meeting The Basic Requirement: Qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized Experience For The GS-11 Is Defined As: Interpreting and applying of accounting principles, policies, and procedures; assisting in day to day mapping processes by identifying and implementing supporting documentation requirements and SOPs for each major accounting event identified in the mapped process steps.

Participates in planning and decision-making sessions and identifies associated key processes, controls, and risks the regulatory requirements, financial policies, and data interpretation have on audit readiness compliance.

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.

This announcement will be used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-07, GS-09 or GS-11 with a target grade of GS-11.

The minimum salary for grade GS-07 is $50,736.00, the maximum salary is $65,559.00. The minimum salary for grade GS-09 is $61,722.00, the maximum salary is $80,243.00.

The minimum salary for grade GS-11 is $74,678.00, the maximum salary is $97,087.00. Major Duties:

  • Provides professional accounting advice and assistance in the application and compliance of generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures.
  • Assists in establishing and monitoring internal controls to identify problem areas, determine actions required to improve operating program effectiveness, and ensure and maintain the integrity of financial and accounting information.
  • Reviews, analyzes and modifies operating programs, practices, and procedures related to receiving, controlling, validating, recording, and reporting accounting transactions.
  • Applies knowledge and understanding of automated data processing systems as they apply to accounting systems and "feeder" systems and the ability to deal effectively and logically in solving program/system issues.
  • Performs special audits, studies, reports and/or, analysis to evaluate the status of the financial health and/or position of accounting operations based on balanced scorecard measurements or indicators.
  • For vacancies filled at less than the full performance level of the position, duties will be developmental in nature.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/13/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/14/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DFAS-DHA-12863165-26