ACCOUNTANT (STAFF) Job in Fort Lee, VA

Vacancy No. DECA-25-12795452-MP Department Defense Commissary Agency
Salary $52,188.00 to $120,350.00 Grade 7 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/15/2025 Close Date 9/24/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Fort Lee, VA


Summary

This position requires mid-level staff accounting experience and provides support within the Resource Management Accounting Directorate. The selectee for this position may be expected to rotate within the Accounting Directorate based on the needs of management. Mid-level accounting skills, analytic ability, business integration and team engagement skills are key aspects for this position.

Duties

If selected at the GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 level, the below responsibilities will be performed in a developmental capacity.

The selectee for this position will be expected to perform the following duties:

  • Provide accurate and timely advice, resolution to issues and the timely execution of reporting requirements.
  • Monitor and analyze incoming and outgoing transaction data sets for the functional area assigned.
  • Provide supporting financial documentation to generate financial reports (including agency level annual financial reports) and audit requirements.
  • Research diverse accounting issues to help identify determine operational root cause resolution.
  • Interpret policy or guidance issued by authorized parties that include: the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Comptroller, Congress, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), Generally Acceptable Accounting Principles (GAAP), Congressional Accounting Office as well as internal DeCA Directives and manuals to ensure appropriate operational/systemic business processes and internal controls are in place.
This position offers promotion potential to a higher grade. To prepare you for the higher grade, work assignments will be progressively more complex. After meeting all qualifications and requirements for the next grade level and with your supervisor's recommendation, you may be promoted without further competition. However, promotion is neither guaranteed nor automatic.

Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • Meet minimum age requirement. See Additional Information.
  • Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
  • May be subject to successful verification of identity and employment eligibility through E-Verify. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • May be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as required. New federal employees will be fingerprinted.
  • May be subject to a probationary/trial period.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • DoD Financial Management Certification Program Level 2 (DFMCP2) is a requirement of this position.
  • The incumbent must either possess or achieve the DFMCP2 certification within two years of entrance into this position in accordance with the NDAA FY 2012, Public Law 112-81.
  • Travel by military and commercial transportation including air or land may be necessary in the performance of the officially assigned duties. Worldwide travel may be required up to 15% of incumbent's time.
  • The position involves access to or control over personal, private, sensitive but unclassified, controlled unclassified or proprietary information.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance eligibility based on appropriate background investigation.

Qualifications

You must meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) basic requirement and qualifications for Accounting series, 0510, and additional requirements by the announcement closing date. This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit transcripts. See Required Documents for more information.

Basic Requirement:
(A) Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.") OR
(B) Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
  1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
  2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
  3. Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.

AND requirements outlined in the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions

Qualifications:

For the GS-12: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent) by the closing date of this announcement. Experience may have been gained in the private or military sector.
Specialized Experience at the GS-12:
  • Interpreting Congressional, Treasury, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Secretary of Defense, and Defense Finance Accounting Service financial policy/guidance and develop implementing instructions for accounting activities and business units, world-wide.
  • Identifying root cause issues for resolution as well providing supporting financial documentation to generate financial reports (including agency level annual financial reports) and audit requirements.
  • Providing feedback on recommended solutions/program changes to bring the system in compliance with all applicable financial management regulations and guidance to include adherence to United States Standard General Ledger (USSGL) and Standard Financial Information System (SFIS) compliance standards.

For the GS-11: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level (or equivalent) by the closing date of this announcement OR a Ph.D. or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree. Experience may have been gained in the private or military sector.
Specialized Experience at the GS-11:
  • Participating in the analysis of financial systems and the data contained within.
  • Providing accurate and timely advice, resolution to issues and the timely execution of accounting reporting requirements as directed by management.
  • Analyzing program trends or anomalies in accounting system transactions and their significance to ongoing programs.

For the GS-9: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level (or equivalent) by the closing date of this announcement OR a master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree. Experience may have been gained in the private or military sector.
Specialized Experience at the GS-09:
  • Analyzing program operations for impact upon the accounting or financial management system.
  • Analyzing specific problem areas arising within the accounting system or program operations and devising solutions through accounting system redesign.
  • Evaluating the current status of accounting or reporting systems or operating programs.

For the GS-7: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level (or equivalent) by the closing date of this announcement OR one year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.). Experience may have been gained in the private or military sector. (SAA defined in Education section of this announcement)
Specialized Experience at the GS-07:
  • Applying applicable accounting policies and procedures to the business operation in order to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Assisting with the evaluation of the current status of accounting or reporting systems or operating programs.
  • Assisting with the analysis of financial systems and the data contained within.
You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).


Additional Requirements that must be met by the closing date:
  • Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks, including current employees applying under VEOA. Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information.
  • Time after competitive appointment. Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a nontemporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligibles (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.

As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your level of experience in these competencies:

  • Accounting Analysis
  • Concepts, Policies and Principles of Accounting
  • Financial Reporting
  • Oral and Written Communication



Overtime: Occasional
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Bargaining Unit Status: Covered
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Telework eligible: Yes
Remote work eligible: No
Obligated position: No

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts and/or other documentation to support your educational claims.

Transcripts. REQUIRED when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.

See Basic Requirement information in the Qualifications Section of this announcement for specifics related to the education substitution.

For GS-7: If using Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) to qualify you must provide transcripts. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

  1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
    • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
    • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2years of the curriculum.
For GS-9: A master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree.

For GS-11: A Ph.D. or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree.

Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.

Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.

When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.

Additional information

Executive Order 12564 requires a federal workplace to be free of illegal drugs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off duty by federal employees. As a reminder, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug by the Federal government and is prohibited for use by Federal employees even if such use is legal in the state where the Federal employee resides and/or works. The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service.

  • The display of a salary range on this announcement does not suggest or convey an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Upon first appointment to a civilian position in the Federal government, you are entitled only to the lowest step (Step 1) of the grade for which selected.
  • The minimum age requirement is generally 18 years. Employing those under 18 may be possible under certain circumstances. If under 18 years of age, ensure you provide documentation showing how you are eligible.
  • Applicants with financial difficulty are not automatically removed from consideration.
  • Selectees are required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Retired military service members cannot be appointed to a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian position within 180 days of their retirement date. 5 United States Code 3326.


The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
  • Not selecting an eligibility.
  • Submitting an incomplete application package may result in your not being considered for this position. Your resume must reflect that you are either Part-Time with the number of hours listed, Full Time, or 40 hours per week as your work schedule. If you fail to provide this information in your resume, your resume will be considered as incomplete.
  • Submitting encrypted documents or uploading Adobe portfolio documents.
  • Submitting any document that contains a photo or image of you.
  • Including social media links, inappropriate material or content, classified or government sensitive information, or personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, or social security number on your resume.
  • Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials.
  • Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.
Appointment Eligibility Criteria. You choose how you wish to be considered for this position by selecting one or more of the eligibilities listed in the Assessment Questionnaire AND providing the supporting documents for the selected eligibility/eligibilities. Required documents are listed in the eligibility description. You are responsible for providing the documents required to prove you can be considered for the selected eligibility/eligibilities.

HR does not select or change your eligibility/eligibilities for you, regardless of the supporting documents you submit. You are considered ONLY for the eligibility or eligibilities you select and for which you provide all required supporting documents. You will not be considered if you do not select an eligibility. If you have questions about which eligibility/eligibilities apply to you, contact the HR POC listed on this announcement.

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

HR reviews your resume and supporting documents to determine if you meet the qualifications and requirements, and to determine if you meet the eligibility/eligibilities you selected. Your questionnaire score is a preliminary measure of how well your background matches the competencies. If you submit multiple resumes, the last one received is used for this evaluation and sent to the hiring manager if you are referred for selection consideration.

Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the Qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We do not assume you have the necessary experience to successfully perform in this job regardless of your employment history or academic career.

At a minimum, your resume MUST contain your name, address, and contact information, and the following for each listed job experience: Job title; Series and grade, if it is a federal civilian position; Employer's name and address; Employment beginning and ending dates (Month/Year); Number of hours worked per week, and Description of duties performed. DO NOT send a list of competencies or skills in place of a description of the duties performed.

HR refers qualified and appointable applicants to the hiring manager for selection consideration In accordance with DeCA's Merit Promotion Plan. Selections are subject to restrictions of the DoD referral system for displaced employees.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria AND 2) be rated well-qualified for the position AND 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. Well-qualified means you possess the type and quality of experience that exceeds the position's minimum qualifications.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the (RGP) eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the (PPP DoD MRNG) eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) (PPP MSP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the(MSP) (PPP MSP) eligibility. If you are claiming MSP (PPP MSP) and are determined to be Well Qualified for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.

Required Documents

Resume. Learn more about creating a suitable resume by watching this video or reading What to include. Using the USAJOBS Resume Builder will help you submit a complete resume. Applying for a Federal job requires more information than applying for a job in the private sector. Therefore, a resume is typically longer than two (2) pages and usually does not need to be more than five (5) pages. Current or former federal civilian employees are encouraged to list work-related awards received within the last three years in their resume. Hiring Managers use objective methods and may consider previous awards in the selection process.

Questionnaire. Preview at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12795452.

PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DODCustomersRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf

SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action. All current and former federal civilian employees submit

  • A copy of your most recent SF 50 showing your current position title, pay plan-series-grade, tenure and position occupied and
  • When applying for a promotion (higher grade than you currently hold), you must also submit an SF 50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements. Examples of appropriate SF50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old. You may need to submit more than one SF 50 to show you meet this requirement.
To obtain copies of your SF 50s, all current Department of Defense (DoD) employees can access MyBiz, current federal non-DoD employees can access their eOPF, current employees receiving HR servicing from DLA can access eOPF, and former civilian employees can request a copy from the National Archives.

VEOA eligibility: You must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other acceptable documentation. The member 4 copy is preferred as it contains key information necessary to adjudicate your claimed preference. DD-214 Worksheets are not acceptable documentation, nor are other than a member 4 copy to which a member 4 Character of Service section is added. Contact the National Archives or your military personnel records center to request a copy of your DD-214.
  • Current active duty armed forces personnel within 120 days of separation must submit written documentation from the armed forces certifying that the service member is expected to be separated from active duty service not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The document must include the following information: (1) service member's name, (2) date of the expected separation from active duty, (3) expected character of the active duty service at separation, (4) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (5) dates of active duty service, and (6) any campaign or expeditionary medals received. You must submit the DD-214 when it becomes available.
ICTAP eligibility: Submit (1) a copy of your agency specific ICTAP eligibility notice or a copy of your separation personnel action form and(2) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and(3) a copy of your most recent SF 50 or agency notification of personnel action showing your current position, grade level, and duty location. Separation personnel actions do not include a certificate/notice of expected separation.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibility: 1. Submit a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist DD3145-1 (whs.mil. 2. a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Military Spouse Preference: Submit (1) the Self-Certification Checklist and(2) proof of marriage to the military service member (e.g., marriage certificate, marriage license), and(3) a copy of the military service member's PCS orders.


Performance Appraisal (Optional). Current and former federal civilian employees, including those of the employing agency, are encouraged to include a copy of their most recent rating of record. Hiring managers may consider performance appraisals in the selection process.

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

Your complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM ET on 09/24/2025.

You are responsible for verifying your application package is complete, accurate, and submitted timely. As uploaded documents may take one or more hours to clear the virus scan, plan accordingly to ensure your application process is complete and your application package is submitted by the specified closing date and time.

To begin, click Apply to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your resume, required documents, and/or other supporting documents. You need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply or create an account before applying. You will be taken to an online application. Follow all prompts and complete the online application, verify you've included all required and supporting documentation, and submit your application. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application is found at the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To receive consideration, you must complete all steps of the application process.

You can verify your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, selecting the Application Status link, and then selecting the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page displays your application status, the documents received and processed, and your questionnaire responses.

Agency contact information

DeCA HQ Servicing team
Address
DECA HQ
1300 Eisenhower Street
Fort Lee, VA 23801
US

Next steps

Notices post to your USAJOBS account and are emailed to you. You can expect to receive a notice when you complete the application process, when your qualifications status is determined (qualified or not qualified), and when your referral status is determined (referred or not). If you are referred but not selected, you can expect to receive a final notice after the hiring manager makes a selection.

The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews and may conduct telephone interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Someone from the hiring agency (i.e., DeCA) will contact you if the hiring manager decides to interview you.

Should you receive a tentative job offer, be aware such offers are automatically withdrawn if you fail to (1) record an acceptance or declination by the response date provided in the offer notice and/or (2) meet any pre-employment requirements, including a scheduled appointment. If you receive a job offer, use a computer to submit your response rather than a mobile/cell phone.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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