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ACCOUNTANT

ACCOUNTANT

Defense Finance and Accounting ServiceIndianapolis, IN, US
1 day ago
Job type
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Permanent
Job description

Summary

Who may apply : Current, permanent DFAS employees in the competitive service, eligible DoD PPP Military Spouse preference applicants and current DFAS VRA employees.

This job is open to

  • Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

Who may apply : Current, permanent DFAS employees in the competitive service, eligible DoD PPP Military Spouse preference applicants and current DFAS VRA employees.

Duties

  • This position is being recruited to work on the DDRS Consolidation Project and at the conclusion of the project the duties will be adjusted to meet departmental needs.
  • Designs, adapts, revises, and evaluates accounting reports, procedures, and operations encompassing multiple financial management / accounting systems and all DoD component activities.
  • Analyzes operating procedures to identify areas of potential non-compliance; explains discrepancies; and provides authoritative policy interpretation to ensure modification of existing operations to comply with regulations.
  • Identifies problem areas and determines actions required to improve operating program effectiveness and / or maintain the integrity of accounting records and financial information.
  • Plans, designs, revises, implements, and maintains all or major portions of a complex financial accounting system.
  • Ensures that systems designs provide for the integrity of financial records and provide data and reporting capacities for preparation and submission of documentation required by the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act for all assigned systems.
  • Provides guidance and expert technical advice to directorates and communicates within the site and with external customers.
  • Requirements

    Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959).
  • Suitable for Federal employment.
  • Time after Competitive Appointment : Candidates must have served 3 months after latest competitive appointment in the Federal service.
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • Time in Grade Requirement - see the Qualifications field below for more details.
  • Obtain / Maintain Financial Management Certification.
  • New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
  • Qualifications

    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-12) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

    Specialized experience is defined as : providing professional accounting services, advice, assistance, and information to an assigned area by applying accounting concepts, principles, and methods to the day-to-day accounting operations. Independently reviewing and analyzing most complex situations and / or conditions, reports, policies, and procedures involving numerous appropriations and accounts within one or more accounting systems or subsystems.

    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-12 or higher grade in Federal Service.

    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 is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.

    Additional information

  • Moving expenses MAY be paid.
  • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements / payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
  • For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement), you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements.
  • Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
  • We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.
  • This position is EXEMPT from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Travel requirement is seldom (1-24%).
  • This position iscovered by a bargaining unit.
  • 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 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 https : / / www.dfas.mil / Portals / 98 / Documents / Careers / CareerPaths / Finance / DoDFMCertificationProgram.pdf?ver=2020-04-13-164314-517.
  • 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.
  • Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
  • Benefits
  • A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

    Review our benefits

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    All information included in the resume and Occupational Questionnaire is subject to review and verification. HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be further evaluated based upon information you provided in the Occupational Questionnaire. If a determination is made that the work experience described in your submitted resume does not support your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, your score may be reduced, and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are already a DFAS employee, you may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service, if you are found to have exaggerated, embellished, inflated, mischaracterized, or falsified your resume or qualifications.

    The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies :

  • Accounting Analysis
  • Communication
  • Concepts, Policies, and Principles of Accounting
  • Decision Support
  • Financial Reporting
  • You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here : https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12689278

    DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process, DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria : Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications.

  • Benefits
  • A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

    Review our benefits

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

  • Required Documents
  • As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

    You must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

    1. Resume : You are encouraged to choose only ONE method of submitting your resume. (HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the latest one received and this may not be the resume, which best reflects your qualifications for the job and may result in an ineligible rating.) You may submit your resume by : attaching in your USAJOBS account; uploading in your Application Manager account; OR faxing. For assistance in preparing your resume, take a look at the DFAS Resume Tools.

    2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire : Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating.

    3. Other Supporting Documents .

    The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement

    1. Transcripts and / or Certifications : You must submit documentation if you are substituting education for experience. For additional information on acceptable documents or to see if you must submit documentation click here Transcripts and Certifications. You must also document your education and / or certifications in your resume.

    2. SF-50 : With the exception of current permanent DFAS employees, current or former federal employees must submit a Notification of Personnel Action reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis, tenure and appointment type.

    3. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.

    4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible : Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

    WARNING : Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11 : 59 PM (EST) , 03 / 04 / 2025 or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

    schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

  • How to Apply
  • To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

    Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

    1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.

    2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.

    3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

    The following link will help you determine if you meet the eligibility to apply for this position :

    http : / / www.dfas.mil / careers / howtoapply / vacancyannouncement / appointment-eligibility.html

    PLEASE NOTE : You will be considered only for those appointment eligibilities for which you select, attach supporting documentation and are found eligible.

    Agency contact information

    HR Customer Care Center

    Phone

    317) 212-0454

    Email

    [email protected]

    Address

    DFAS - ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS - INDIANAPOLIS

    8899 E. 56th Street

    Indianapolis, IN 46249

    Next steps

    The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability / security background investigation.

  • Fair and Transparent
  • The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    Criminal history inquiries

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request
  • Required Documents

    You must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

    1. Resume : You are encouraged to choose only ONE method of submitting your resume. (HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the latest one received and this may not be the resume, which best reflects your qualifications for the job and may result in an ineligible rating.) You may submit your resume by : attaching in your USAJOBS account; uploading in your Application Manager account; OR faxing. For assistance in preparing your resume, take a look at the DFAS Resume Tools.

    2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire : Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating.

    3. Other Supporting Documents .

    The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement

    1. Transcripts and / or Certifications : You must submit documentation if you are substituting education for experience. For additional information on acceptable documents or to see if you must submit documentation click here Transcripts and Certifications. You must also document your education and / or certifications in your resume.

    2. SF-50 : With the exception of current permanent DFAS employees, current or former federal employees must submit a Notification of Personnel Action reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis, tenure and appointment type.

    3. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.

    4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible : Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

    WARNING : Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11 : 59 PM (EST) , 03 / 04 / 2025 or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

    schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

    How to Apply

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

    Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

    1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.

    2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.

    3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

    The following link will help you determine if you meet the eligibility to apply for this position :

    http : / / www.dfas.mil / careers / howtoapply / vacancyannouncement / appointment-eligibility.html

    PLEASE NOTE : You will be considered only for those appointment eligibilities for which you select, attach supporting documentation and are found eligible.

    Agency contact information

    HR Customer Care Center

    Phone

    317) 212-0454

    Email

    [email protected]

    Address

    DFAS - ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS - INDIANAPOLIS

    8899 E. 56th Street

    Indianapolis, IN 46249

    Next steps

    The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability / security background investigation.

    Fair & Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request