Accountant

Basic Requirement for Staff Accountant GS-0510-13: Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level. 1. 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.")or2. 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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: For the GS 13: You must have at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing ALL of the following: Analyzing financial transactions and accounting records to support accurate financial reporting; Evaluating accounting systems and internal controls to identify deficiencies in financial processes; Applying accounting principles and financial regulations to evaluate financial operations for compliance with applicable requirements; Analyzing financial management information to develop recommendations for improvements to accounting procedures, financial reporting, or funds control; AND Preparing and reviewing financial statements and supporting schedules to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. One year at the GS-12 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS13 level. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

• Analyze financial operations, accounting records, and reports to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and effective management of financial resources.
• Maintain accounting records for agency assets, liabilities, and net position, and prepare financial statements and supporting documentation.
• Evaluate accounting systems, internal controls, and financial procedures; identify deficiencies and recommend improvements.

Interpret and apply financial statutes, regulations, policies, and accounting standards to financial management activities. Perform account reconciliations, financial closing activities, and audit support, including preparing documentation and resolving discrepancies. Support budget formulation and execution, funds control, and financial reporting through analysis and coordination with program offices.

Develop recommendations for financial policies, procedures, and accounting system improvements, and communicate findings to management and stakeholders.