ACCOUNTANT

Full Job Description

This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment. 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 may need to 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-9) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized Experience Defined As: One year at the GS-09 level: Demonstrating proficiency in professional accounting functions with the ability to interpret, adapt, and develop financial policies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Experience in analyzing accounting processes and reports to identify and resolve discrepancies, ensure data integrity, and enhance the accuracy of financial records.

Skilled in advising financial managers and training staff on accounting transactions to ensure regulatory compliance and improve operational services.

Time-in-Grade: Current or former federal employees who have held a GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time in grade requirement.

Applicant must have served 52 weeks as a GS-09 or higher grade in Federal Service.

** The effective date of your SF-50 must reflect that you will meet the 52-week time in grade requirement within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Awards SF-50 will not be accepted to determine eligibility.** 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:

• Provides professional accounting advice and assistance to supported organizations.
• Serves as a staff expert regarding the operational accounting functions and the application of generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures.
• Proposes new procedures and methods or modifies existing procedures and methods to resolve current problems and enhance the validity, accuracy, and integrity of accounting processes.
• Provides technical advice and training to technicians and program managers regarding the processing of accounting transactions or reconciliation of accounting/financial reports.
• Identifies discrepancies and their sources, prescribes correction action, and develops and presents training to preclude recurrence.
• 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.
• Participates in conferences and meetings with management and operating officials regarding accounting operations and to mutually assess the effectiveness of accounting services provided.
• Performs special audits, studies, or reviews to determine reliability and accuracy of accounting reports and financial statements produced.