Accountant

01BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A. Degree: accounting; 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. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.") OR B.

Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following: Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality.

This can include up to 6 hours of business law; A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Analyzing laws, regulations, contracts, or accounting standards (such as GAAP, FASB, or FERC) to ensure statutory and regulatory financial compliance; 2) Performing technical accounting evaluations in one or more complex areas (e.g., regulated entities, asset retirement obligations, complex capitalizations, fair value, derivatives, or contingencies); and 3) Formulating and recommending solutions, policies, procedures, or system improvements to resolve complex accounting and financial reporting issues. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience.

Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. CTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

About the Position - Portland This position is located in Portland, OR which boasts huge spans of amazing trees, foliage, landscape, and everywhere you look you can appreciate beautiful greenery! It is known as the most bike-friendly city in America, has a train system that greets you at the airport spanning across the city, and is home to the Portland International Rose Garden, the oldest in the country!

Portland is the one place where you will find lively festivals, energetic music, mouthwatering food, and for you basketball fans, the Portland Trail Blazers are a 7 minute walk from the HQs building! There is always something new to experience in this eco-friendly town!

As an Accountant, you will: Write financial reports (e.g., balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows) by using advanced knowledge of data systems and structures as well as accounting concepts and standards, particularly those promulgated by the FASB. Research, design, develop, publish and provide technical guidance on particularly difficult, unique or complex accounting issues or new accounting standards to support Federal financial statements.

Perform analysis, monitor, and review of general ledger accounts. Prepare and review journal entries for month-end and year-end closings. Provide expert accounting theory analysis, technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to the business units, organizations, Chief Financial Officer's office, executive management and other management groups, and external agencies. Coordinate accounting implementations and projects involving cross-agency work teams and interaction with other governmental and utility entities.

Maintain continuing relationships with management and technical staff within the agency, the Department of Energy, the Office of Management and Budget, the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Treasury, utility industry specialists, peer Power Marketing Administrations, Tennessee Valley Authority, the financial community, service provider representatives, and other stakeholders on relevant accounting matters.

Review and analyze internal control over financial reporting to identify management control weaknesses, and areas needing improvement.