ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Job at Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Cleveland

Summary Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the DoD in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply online, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance. Responsibilities Researches Accounts Payable data and performs balancing and reconciling of accounts. Responds to routine and non-routine questions from customers or contractors regarding accounting data, discrepancies, and procedures. Verifies the accuracy, completeness, and validity of Accounts Payable functions and transactions including obligations, accrued expenditures, disbursements, appropriation refunds, reimbursable orders, and earnings and collections. Assists in implementing and maintaining Internal Control Program requirements to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. Trains and assists lower-level accounting technicians with customer service training and techniques to correct and process accounting inputs. Provides suggestions for action based on a working knowledge of cost accounting and accounting systems. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-05) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: applying knowledge of accounting systems, policies and procedures for the examination, verification and maintenance of accounts and accounting data; validating, monitoring, and maintaining accounting transactions and accounting records; researching discrepancies and making adjustments. 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) is qualifying. 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. Education GS-06: Six months of graduate education may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement when it is directly related to the position being filled. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to substitute for the specialized experience requirement. Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education Additional Information Moving expenses will not be paid. This position is covered by a bargaining unit. This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. 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. A one-year probationary period may be required. Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date. Travel requirement is Seldom. 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, Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov). Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a displaced Federal Civil Service employee and attain a rating of at least 90, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the ICTAP. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 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 1 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required timeframe 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. Drug Testing Not Required. Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. 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.