Lead Transportation Finance Manager

Summary

The incumbent serves as the Division's Lead Transportation Finance Manager and key advisor to the Division Administrator. The incumbent is a team leader with a range of responsibilities to include communicating goals and priorities, assigning and overseeing work, coaching employees, and reporting on progress. The Lead Finance Manager is responsible for monitoring and validating the proper use of Federal-aid highway funds across programs (formula, discretionary, specialized/earmarked).

Duties

As a Lead Transportation Finance Specialist, you will:

• Lead a team to ensure that the organization’s strategic plan, mission, vision and values are communicated and integrated into the team’s strategies, goals, objectives, work plans and work products, and services.
• Represent the Division Administrator and have delegated authority to develop, promote and implement improved accounting practices and procedures.
• Manage the Division's financial team and ensure oversight and compliance with regulatory requirements and provide annual certification of internal financial controls. Approve or review project agreements/modifications and payment/reimbursement requests while providing oversight to ensure eligibility and adequate documentation.
• Evaluate reports of alleged non-compliance from state audits follow up on corrective actions to completion. Conduct periodic billing reviews and transaction testing to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the Federal payments approved by the Division. Coordinate with the State DOT to identify root causes, make recommendations, and implement corrective actions.
• Review the State’s financial management systems and processes annually to determine compliance with Federal regulatory requirements and integrity of financial transactions recorded in the Fiscal Management Information System (FMIS).

The ideal candidate for this position is proficient in the review, interpretation and application of financial management programs and policies. The candidate is experienced in leading and overseeing financial reviews, working with senior level professionals in various organizations, serving as a senior agency/organization representative and leading people. The candidate is also experienced in cultivating relationships, motivating others, and creating a collaborative environment. 

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT:  Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

• Experience conducting reviews and/or audits of financial programs, such as system assessment, statement of assurance, and financial integrity reviews to ensure expenditure of funds in accordance with regulatory or legal requirements; AND
• Experience in managing various programs (i.e., grants and cooperative agreements). This includes compliance oversight, reconciling and monitoring fund balances, reporting, improper payment reviews and fiscal integrity; AND
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders such as grant recipients, contractors and other federal agencies to coordinate financial activities, identify problems and recommend solutions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Financial Management - Prepares, justifies, and/or administers the budget for program areas; plans, administers, and monitors expenditures to ensure cost-effective support of programs and policies; assesses financial condition of an organization.
2. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. 
3. Financial Assistance Mechanisms - Knowledge of the differences between acquisition and financial assistance purposes and requirements; knowledge of Federal assistance instruments, techniques, and procedures for grants (for example, block, mandatory, discretionary) and agreements (for example, cooperative, interagency). 
4. Contracting/Procurement - Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques, or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration.
5. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

For all types of consideration, 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 directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation 

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.

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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.