Accountant III

Accountant III

Position Summary

The Accountant III will support the CBP Payroll Branch by assisting with complex settlement cases, data mining, auditing, and other technical accounting duties. This position is responsible for the selection and application of CBP established procedures and techniques and for the protection of sensitive financial information. 

Essential Functions

• Perform various audits to confirm accurate balances are maintained and in accordance with policies
• Utilize spreadsheets and financial programs to accurately and efficiently enter payments and other adjustments while ensuring policies and regulations are adhered to
• Perform biweekly timecard audits to prevent pay and regulatory violation issues
• Prepare and manage waiver payments impacted by applicable pay caps while maintaining additional pay guidelines and regulations are met
• Maintain knowledge of regulations and policies that impact pay, leave, and settlements

• Analysis and review of settlement cases ranging in complexity
• Data mining
• Report preparation
• Auditing
• Other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field of study
• A minimum of six months experience in auditing or a similar function

• Common uses in Excel: Sumifs, Vlookups, Pivot tables, SAP analysis add in, MID function, Concatenate, Conditional formatting, and IFERROR
• Maintaining policy knowledge and frequent research in handbooks, directives, and agency policy site (OPM.gov)
• Applying policy knowledge to timecards, audits, and employee inquiries 
• Data retrieval from Insight
• Attention to detail
• Multitasking and time management 
• Efficient and comfortable with large amounts of data
• Efficient navigation and use of multiple USDA applications
• Advanced knowledge of and/or experience with accounting principles and practices
• Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations
• Ability to perform complex financial calculations
• Ability to learn quickly and perform under pressure

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Customer Service: Ability to address all customer inquiries with a pleasant and patient demeanor.

Math Ability: Ability to perform basic and advanced mathematical and financial calculations. Ability to compute rates, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret information.   Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to collect data, define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.   Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions dealing with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills: Advanced proficiency with computers and ability to navigate/enter information into established databases and Microsoft Office products.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office cubicle environment with low noise level. Telework approval required.

Physical Demands:  Employee will have consistent and direct visual contact with a computer monitor. 

Other Demands: Must comply with company policies including but not limited to those involving safety, protection of privacy, cyber security, and general conduct. 

Security Clearance: Must be able to secure and maintain a U.S. Customs and Border Protection background investigation. Due to this required Security Clearance, the applicant MUST be a U.S.  citizen.