Accounting Technician

Summary

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the Department of Defense (DoD) in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information.

Duties

• Examine incoming paperwork to ensure information required for data entry is present. Review output files, computerized listings or other records to ensure accuracy.
• Adjust records based on a standardized set of rules, regulations, laws or procedures. Perform arithmetic to verify calculations using basic mathematical formulas.
• Use various office automation software products such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email to disseminate information.
• Use rules and regulations to answer inquiries in person, in writing, or by telephone to internal and external customers concerning all pay-related issues and matters.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen.
• Background or Security Investigation - Position Sensitivity and Security Levels may vary and is dependent upon position being filled - see the Additional Information field below for more details.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959.)
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certification.

Qualifications

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Shortage Category and/or Critical Hiring of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.
This announcement will be used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-04, GS-05 with a target grade of GS-05.

• Minimum Salary: Grade GS-04 is $37,193.00, Maximum is $47,334.00
• Minimum Salary: Grade GS-05 is $40,736.00, Maximum is $52,957.00

• One year of generalized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-03) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position.
• Experience includes general office support, cash transactions, inventory tracking, or any employment that required the routine use of computers or automated systems to input and retrieve information.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-04) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• Performing clerical or administrative duties that support the processing of business transactions using standardized procedures.

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

Education

GS-04 (1-grade interval) Substitution of Education for Experience:

• Two years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation, or the equivalent, is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the general experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.

• Four years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation, or the equivalent, is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the specialized experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.

Additional information

• All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
• Moving expenses will not 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.
• 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.
• Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
• This position is being filled under theDirect Hire Authority for Shortage Category and/or Critical Hiring of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
• Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
• Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.
• PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles-(Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
• A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Travel requirement is Seldom.
• This position is not covered 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)
• 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.
• Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.