ACCOUNTING OFFICER Job in Havre de Grace, MD

Vacancy No. MD-12799416-AR-25-062 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $101,401.00 to $131,826.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/12/2025 Close Date 9/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Havre de Grace, MD


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a ACCOUNTING OFFICER, Position Description Number NGD1085P01 and is part of the MD USPFO, National Guard.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to On-Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard only. Applicants must submit current copies of their SF-50 to verify eligibility.

Duties

1. Provides financial accounting advice, analysis, and assistance to the Financial Manager, USPFO, and all organizational elements of the respective state NG regarding the development of accounting policies, systems, and operating procedures. Responsible for the planning, execution, and installation of all new and/or improved accounting systems within the division. Designs, develops, adapts, revises, evaluates, and implements systems including those utilizing automatic data processing equipment. Studies accounts, reports, and procedural instructions within the broad area of assignment and, as necessary, any legislative and program background pertaining to this program; holds discussions with program officials, employees, supervisors, etc., to learn the details of work processes and procedures; drafts instructions, procedures, manuals, etc., to implement the proposed system or to correct deficiencies in the accounting system uncovered during the study. Renders advice to management on the effects of accounting changes approved and performs related duties necessary to the development of balanced recommendations. Monitors work operations to assure full compliance with procedures and published directives. Makes formal presentations of completed systems packages including the acceptability of the data processing system applied to higher management levels for final approval. Acts as catalyst between various office segments and assures smooth continuity of operations. Provides financial advice and expertise to other organizational elements of the state ARNG during the development of integrated accounting systems. (30%)2. Provides both professional accounting assistance and systems design support in the development of automated accounting systems and operating procedures for the Financial Manager. Provides all resource management functional areas with technical assistance during all phases of the development, establishment, and maintenance of integrated accounting systems. (30%)3. Serves as a professional accountant administering accounting systems. Performs duties involving: receipt and distribution of funds throughout the state; maintaining the standard general ledger reporting system; analyzing report data which records transactions within the system for the purpose of correcting errors, recommending action on unfavorable trends, and preparing financial schedules for briefings, etc.; revising the system structure to implement new reporting requirements; and advising and assisting financial analysts in supported organizations on these matters. Applies professional accounting principles, analysis, theories, concepts, and practices to unique situations; employs accounting policies/standards in the resolution of unprecedented problems/situations; and utilizes non-conventional methodologies as required. Implements policies and procedures encompassing different facets of accounting, i.e., general fund accounting, cost accounting, and reimbursement accounting and working capital funds. Studies interrelationships of systems encompassing the entire spectrum of the Army financial arena (e.g., Standard Army Financial System (STANFINS), Integrated Army Travel System (IATS), The Commercial Accounts Processing System (CAPS), Standard Procurement System (SPS), Defense Joint Military Pay System - Reserve Component (DJMS-RC), Standard Army Intermediate Logistics Systems (SAILS), Joint Services Software (JSS), Standard Army Civilian Payroll System (STARCIPS), and Command Unique Systems. Assignments also require an understanding of the characteristics and capabilities of the accounting software architecture and Enterprise Data System (EDS) for Financial Management. (20%)4. As the Accounting Officer, supervises the work of the Fiscal Accounting Branch within the Comptroller Division. Provides technical supervision of the work of numerous accounting technicians. Plans subordinates' assignments and distributes workload according to priorities and work complexity. Provides counsel and instruction on work problems and administrative matters. As the Senior Accountant in the division, assists, guides, directs and oversees all professional accounting work of the division. (20%)Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement. Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. 1. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.2. Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.3. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.4. Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.5. May require travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.

Qualifications

Military Grades: Enlisted E7-E9 Officer O-1 to O-3

Compatible Military Assignments:

ARNG Officer - Branch 36A, Financial Manager, and Branch 36B, Financial Management Technician (excludes JAGs or Chaplains).

ARNG Warrant Officer - MOS 420A, Human Resources.

ARNG Enlisted - MOS 36B, Financial Technician, and MOS 42A, Human Resources.

ANG Officer - AFSC 65FX, Financial Management, and AFSC 65WX, Cost Analysis.

ANG Enlisted - AFSC 6F0X1, Financial Management and Comptroller

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, evaluate applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities for:

- Skill in collecting and analyzing data effectively, efficiently, and accurately;

- Skill in applying procedures and directives by reading and interpreting program material;

- Skill in presenting formal training presentations and briefings;

- Ability to prepare reports and presentation formats.



SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Must have 1-year equivalent specialized experience to at least the next lower grade level before being eligible for the next grade level. Must have fundamental working experiences with a validated understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the accountant occupational series and grade.

Experiences gained through military technical training schools or civilian academic courses or related civilian work are included in the one-year on-the-job specialized experience.

The applicant's educational degree study program or military or civilian academic courses may substitute for some specialized experience.

Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.

Quality of Experience: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed for Dual Status Technician positions. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

ADDITIONAL:

The certification will not be used as a mandatory requirement in DoD hiring systems. A member who is not certified may still qualify for a position that requires DoD financial management certification as a condition of employment. The most qualified individual will be selected for a position.

Members of the financial management workforce are required to participate in the Financial Management Certification Program; therefore, achieving certification is a condition of employment. Members of the financial management workforce must achieve the appropriate certification level for their positions within 2 years of notification of applicable certification requirements or the period of any extension.

The financial management certification program supports the professional development of the financial management workforce and provides a framework for a standard body of knowledge across all DoD financial business programs.

The financial management certification requirements will vary for positions dependent on the complexity and responsibility of the positions' financial management supervisory and non-supervisory business programs.

Financial management certification requirements are in the conditions of employment and notes in the position description.

Supervisors of financial management coded positions coordinate with the component administrator and component certification authority to determine financial management certification requirements of employees occupying financial management coded positions

Education

If you are using Education to qualify for this position,

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Accounting Operations Knowledge of general ledger accounting and the control/subsidiary account relationships and reconciliation techniques, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and disbursing officer's accountability.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

2. Other supporting documents: This position is open to On-Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard only. Applicants must submit current copies of their SF-50 to verify eligibility.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12799416

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.


To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Erica Sesker
Address
MD USPFO
United States Property and Fiscal Office
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


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