Summary Who may apply: United States Citizens All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance. Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. Responsibilities 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. Responds to questions from customers and subordinates regarding Departmental Reporting 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. 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 for a GS-07, GS-07 for a GS-09, and GS-09 for a GS-11) 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 (1) year of specialized experience validating, maintaining, or processing accounting data or transactions in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations OR One full year of graduate level education or Superior Academic Achievement which can be met by: Grade point average of a 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale OR Class standing in the upper third of the graduating class or major subdivision OR Membership in a national scholastic honor society may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. To be hired at the GS-09 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: One (1) year of specialized experience 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/or, preparing financial statements and/or reports in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations OR Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, Master's or equivalent graduate degree, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. To be hired at the GS-11 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: One (1) year of specialized experience interpreting and applying of accounting principles, policies, and procedures in day-to-day accounting operations; assisting in designing, implementing, and assessing of internal accounting control processes; and ensuring the validity, accuracy, and integrity of accounting processes OR Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. This position is developmental, and selections may be made at the GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-09 and GS-11 grade levels without further competition. 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 Education requirements are listed in the Qualifications section above. Additional Information Moving expenses will not be paid. Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. 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. Travel requirement is Seldom. 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). This position will be covered by a formal training under the DFAS Career Acclimation Program (DCAP). The purpose of this program is to develop well-qualified, well-trained, high potential employees for future positions within DFAS. Promotion is conditional based on performance, successful completion of training, and availability of higher graded work. Participants who do not successfully complete the program may be separated. For grades below the full performance level, only MSP/PPP eligible candidates who currently occupy a formal training program position will be entitled to exercise their priority preference. 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 and dependent upon position and may require a 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.