Duties

As a ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN, GS-0525-8, this position is located in the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) Comptroller Division, Accounting Services Branch. The purpose of this position is to provide analysis, validation, processing, and correction of financial transactions and issues/ discrepancies involving the full range of accounting services. Incumbent uses a complete understanding of inter-related work systems across multiple functional areas and their interoperability to ensure the validity and accuracy of all obligations, disbursements, collections/deposits, and adjustments related to financial records.

1. Performs broad in-depth analysis on multiple management systems and applies this information to complicated precedent type cases to resolve difficult and sensitive, out of balance conditions associated with processing actions within accounting systems. Analyzes and evaluates data to conduct a variety of fiscal reconciliations, reviews, and account adjustments. Reconciles accounting and budget data with Program Managers and the USPFO Deputy Financial Manager/Budget Officer. Balances all Program Managers' accounts with the federal database of record. Performs fact finding, research, and investigations to identify, analyze and recommend solutions regarding fiscal accounting activity. Analyzes particular facts of fiscal transaction problems/issues; verifies, evaluates, and interprets considerable amounts of data; obtains additional information to reconcile discrepancies or inconsistencies; and applies pertinent fiscal laws, regulations, precedent decisions, and procedures to determine appropriate action for resolution. Relies often on experience and judgment rather than guides to fill in gaps, identify sources of information, and make working assumptions about what transpired. Applies many different and unrelated processes and methods associated with fiscal transactions to analyze complex and unusual accounting transactions. Responds to customer requests for information/assistance. Examines accounts or resolves difficult reconciliations requiring an analysis of adjustments and corrections in accounts. Traces transactions identifying the source(s) of discrepancies, develops corrective actions required to bring accounts into agreement, ensures the accuracy of adjusted accounts, and recommends actions to prevent recurrence of similar discrepancies involving a multiplicity of interrelated systems. Compiles and verifies the accuracy of accounting data to prepare statements and reports, schedules, and comparative analyses of accounting transactions. (30%)

2. Reconstruct inaccurate accounts, gathers and organizes information for inquiries and resolves problems referred by managers, employees, congressional inquiries, etc. Suggests specific changes to state guidelines themselves, development of control mechanisms, additional training for customers, and specific guidance related to the procedural handling of documents and information. Coordinates with internal/external financial/program management personnel to resolve issues and/or prevent accounting errors. Uses initiative to guide and inform and persuade individuals who are skeptical or uncooperative, in order to provide information, take corrective action, and provide findings, and/or recommendations/solutions to comply with established laws and regulations. Researches, interprets, analyzes, and applies regulations, policies, procedures and legal decisions to work and/or resolve complex fiscal issues/problems regardless of the technical difficulties encountered. (30%)

3. Uses fiscal accounting and related interfaced systems to provide input/adjustments to the fiscal accounting database of record and the interoperable feeder systems of logistics, contracting, pay, travel, accounts payable, disbursement and interfund automated systems. Makes independent decisions regarding processes involving unusual circumstances or conditions. Develops variations in approaches to fit specific functions while often encountering incomplete, unreliable or conflicting data in the process of work performance. (20%)

4. Uses computer master file systems, document processing and the effects of transactions on existing records to modify normal automated processes in existing accounts while protecting historical data. Ensure adjustments relating to account balances, contract modifications, collections, disbursements, garnishments, or other actions involving complicated adjustments are performed accurately and timely. (20%)

5. Performs other duties as assigned.

• The above description only mentions a limited amount of the position's official duties. For a full comprehensive document that covers all the duties of the position, please contact one of the Recruitment Specialists at the bottom of the announcement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
• The duties of this job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.
• Must be able to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
• Incumbent may be required to be vaccinated against COVID and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before appointment.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain the necessary security clearance for the position.
• May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; shift work and/or overtime may be required.
• This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
• THIS IS A FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT LEVEL 1 Certified position designated as such iaw the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, section 1051, amending 10 United States Code, section 1599d.
• Incumbent of this position is required to comply with all Department of Defense and Department of the Army requirements of this certification program.
• This certification requirement is a condition of employment for this position. Failure to obtain this certification within 24 months may subject the incumbent to adverse action.
• Incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450. Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually, iaw DoD Directive 5500-7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation
• As a basis of continued employment, the employee must meet the DoD directed civilian financial management certifications for the Accounting Program position within two years of initial hire date or promotion appointment date.
• As a basis of continued employment, the employee must complete the requisite quantity of CETs every two years to sustain the achieved certification level.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• 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.

  In order to qualify for this position you must submit the following:

  • Detailed resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (format should include Month and Year) of employment and duties performed.

  • Transcripts, license, or certification that you meet the education requirements if necessary.

  The following items may be submitted as supporting documentation:
  
  Cover Letter, DD-214/ Statement of Service, Diploma/ GED, Disability Letter (Schedule A), Disability Letter (VA), License, OF-306, Form DD-369 Police Records Check Form, PCS Orders, Performance Appraisal, Professional Certification, Proof of Enrollment, Resume, Separation Notice (RIF), SF-15, SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action, Supplemental Application, and Transcript
  
  RESUME REMINDER: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions in the assessment by addressing your work experience in detail. Resumes can be as many pages as needed to accurately reflect your experience. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

  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 complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12397010~
  
  A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
  To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  
  Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  
  You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  
  To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

  Agency contact information

  Edward Chitwood

  Phone

  (971) 355-3303

  Fax

  (503)581-4164

  Email

  [email protected]

  Address

  OR USPFO
  1776 Militia Way SE
  Salem, OR 97301
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
  
  Mr. Edward D. Chitwood
  Human Resources Specialist (Rec/Plac/Comp) Office 971-355-3303 DSN 355-3303 [email protected]
  
  Mrs. Angela J. Lewis
  Human Resources Specialist (Rec/Plac/Comp) Office 971-355-3304 DSN 355-3304 [email protected]

• Fair and Transparent

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

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

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified applicants in all Areas of Consideration listed below.