Overview
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Open & closing dates
Opening and closing dates
04/13/2020 to 04/12/2021
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Service
Competitive
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Pay scale & grade
ZA 2 - 3
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Salary
$57,955 to $112,240 per year
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-Time
Locations
16 vacancies in the following locations:
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Telework eligible
Yes as determined by agency policy
This job is open to
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Individuals with disabilities
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Federal employees - Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
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Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
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Land & base management
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
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Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
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Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
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Clarification from the agency
VEOA, VRA, 30% Disabled, Schedule A.
Current or former employees at a land management agency who were initially hired under competitive procedures in a time-limited appointment.
Announcement number
SO-CFO-2020-0016
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Duties
Duties
Summary
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) with 13 vacancies in Germantown, MD and 3 vacancies in Seattle, WA.
This position is also announced under vacancy number SO-CFO-2020-0017, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
IMPORTANT APPLICATION DEADLINE: This is an open continuous announcement.The first referral of candidates from this announcement will be made from applications received by11:59 PM ET, April 22, 2020. All applications received by this initial cut-off date will be eligible for referral provided candidates meet all eligibility and qualification requirements and that the responses to the assessment questions place the candidate in the best qualified group of candidates being referred. Subsequent cut off dates are May 22, 2020, June 22, 2020, July 22, 2020, August 21, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 22, 2020, November 23, 2020, December 22, 2020, January 22, 2021, February 22, 2021, March 22, 2021, and April 12, 2021, if needed.
As a Financial Management Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Perform full range of accounting functions in support of organization’s accounts payable and accounts receivable including examining supporting documentation for completeness to process accounting data;
- Examine and analyze accounting transactions to ensure accuracy, effective internal controls, compliance with regulatory requirements and ensure a proper audit trail is maintained;
- Enter and record financial information into the computerized accounting system, processes accounting data for an organization, and records and classifies transactions.
- Perform analysis and reconciliation of day-to day contracts, purchase orders and other documents;
- Provide a service-oriented response to all customer communications about accounting issues and ensures customer inquiries are answered in a timely manner.
NOTE: Duties are at the full performance level of the ZA-3. The ZA-2 is developmental leading up to such performance.
Travel Required
25% or less - Up to 5% of domestic travel may be required for this position.
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Requirements
Requirements
Conditions Of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply.
- Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Must be suitable for Federal employment.
- Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
- Time-in-grade/band must be met by closing date of announcement.
IMPORTANT POSITION INFORMATION:
*Current plans are to relocate this position from Germantown, Maryland to Silver Spring, Maryland during the Fall, 2021. No relocation expenses will be authorized when the position moves to Silver Spring. *
This position requires a Low Risk Security Clearance.
This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). This system replaced the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.
The ZA-2 is equivalent to the GS-07/09 grade levels; however, this position is only being advertised equivalent to the GS-09 grade level.
The ZA-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12 grade level; however, this position is only being advertised equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
NOTE:
* A one year probationary period may be required.
* Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized.
* This position is not in the bargaining unit.
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Applicants must meet ALL application requirements, to include a complete online resume, by 11:59 p.m. EASTERN TIME (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy.
EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
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.
To qualify at the ZA-2 or GS-09 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-2 or GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
- Providing financial customer service support to leadership;
- Developing, modifying and/or integrating financial data; and
- Ensuring the validity, accuracy and integrity of accounting data.
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SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two years of graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field.
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COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of related graduate level education and specialized experience. Note: Only graduate education in excess of one year is qualifying for combination.
To qualify at the ZA-3 or GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
- Providing financial customer services support to leadership including analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of financial data;
- Developing, modifying and/or integrating financial data;
- Accessing and implementing systems and internal control processes to enhance the validity, accuracy and integrity of finance processes; and
- Developing options and strategies for the resolutions of a variety of accounting, financial, and reporting issues and problems.
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SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree, or three years of graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field.
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COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of related graduate level education and specialized experience. Note: Only graduate education in excess of two years is qualifying for combination.
How You Will Be Evaluated
We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions). However, your resume or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:
- Knowledge of accounting methods, principles and procedures.
- Ability to make recommendations and resolutions concerning accounting/financial problems and issues.
- Ability to process financial information using an automated accounting systems.
- Ability to analyze and reconcile financial records.
- Ability to communicate technical advice and guidance to clients on the processing of financial transactions and reports.
Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review. To preview questions please click here.
Background checks and security clearance
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Required Documents
Required Documents
- Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must indicate your citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume must include information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duration of employment (mm/dd/yy – mm/dd/yy), hours per week, duties and accomplishments, salary, and your education. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position/s. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire.
- SF-50, “Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50). Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Veteran’s documentation: If you are requesting consideration under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or Veterans Readjustment Act (VRA) you must submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (i.e., statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service) and/or any other required supporting documents (VA Letter). http://www.opm.gov/staffingPortal/Vetguide.asp#VeteransEmploymentAct1998.
- Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation if applicable (see other information).
- Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (severely disabled, eligible veterans, certain military spouses, etc.)
- Education. If this position requires proof of higher education, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities 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. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
- Performance Appraisal - most recent performance appraisal (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan that does not include this information.
- Awards - Copies of any award received within the last 3 years.
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.
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Benefits
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.
NOAA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees.
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.
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How to Apply
How to Apply
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
For instructions on submitting your application in an alternate format, please contact the Staffing number listed in this vacancy announcement.
Next steps
Salary ranges will vary based on the location. Please visit: OPM Salary Charts for specific salary information related to a specific location.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Financial Management Specialist, ZA-0501-2/3 positions throughout NOAA. The position must be alike (e.g.: within the same geographic locations, same grade/band and requires the same qualifications and specialized experience as indicated in this vacancy announcement).
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at https://www.usajobs.gov/ and clicking on “Track Your Online Application.” The four points of notification are:
- Application Received or Application Incomplete
- Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Not Met;
- Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Ineligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
- Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans’ preference, disability, etc.)
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy And gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
Legal and regulatory guidance
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