ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Job in Rome, NY

Vacancy No. D-DFAS-12673636-25 Department Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Salary $36,825.00 to $52,426.00 Grade 4 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/27/2025 Close Date 3/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Rome, NY


Summary

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

The title of this position at the GS-04 level is Accounting Maintenance Clerk and the GS-05 level is Accounting Technician.

Applications accepted for full open period, cut-offs for applicant consideration: 2/18/2025, 03/11/2025, 04/01/2025, and 04/21/2025.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Duties

  • Researches current accounts, historical data, source documents, etc., to develop and explain detailed information not otherwise readily available.
  • Researches accounting data and performs balancing and reconciling of accounts.
  • Processes all types of accounting transactions and requests for establishment of additional accounting records.
  • Verifies the accuracy, completeness, and validity of a wide variety of accounting functions/transactions including: obligations; accrued expenditures; disbursements; appropriation refunds; reimbursable orders; earnings and collections.
  • Responds to customer inquiries with complete and accurate information by returning telephone calls or responding in writing when necessary.
  • Explains clearly, accurately and concisely to customers in layman's terms, the outcome of research, decisions, options, or time-frames required to resolve an inquiry.
  • Develops applicable solutions to problems and ensures corrective actions are completed.
  • Analyzes customer accounts to identify computation problems, erroneous data, incorrectly processed transactions, duplicate charges, missing documents, and address corrections.
  • Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level (GS-05).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen or National
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
  • Suitable for federal employment
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination
  • New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
  • Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certification

Qualifications

This is a hybrid role that will examine and process the more complex travel claims for military and/or civilian employees and will also support the Customer Care Center and is responsible to address incoming calls, faxes, written and electronic inquiries from assigned customers.

This announcement will be used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-04 or GS-05 for Finance Operation. The salary range for a GS-04 is $36,825 to $46,868 and the range for a GS-05 is $40,332 to $52,426. Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.

For GS-04 positions: One year of general experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

General experience is defined as: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.

For GS-05 positions: 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.

Specialized experience at GS-05 is defined as: Performing duties that include conveying information written and orally to customers and other interested parties to explain financial procedures, convey options, and resolve problems within automated systems by using standardized procedures that may include reviewing financial/accounting systems information/documents for accuracy/completeness, inputting financial/accounting information into automated systems, or correcting invalid financial/accounting transactions.

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) is qualifying. 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.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience is generally not applicable above GS-05, but may be considered if it is directly related to the position being filled.

GS-04 Two years of education above high school may be substituted to meet the general experience requirement

GS-05 Four years of education above high school may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to substitute for the specialized experience requirement.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

    • Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
    • An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
  • FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
    • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries 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. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education

Additional information

Applications accepted for full open period, cut-offs for applicant consideration: 2/18/2025, 03/11/2025, 04/01/2025, and 04/21/2025.

  • Moving expenses will notbe paid.
  • This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
  • This position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • Travel requirement is seldom (1-24%).
  • 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,
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a displaced Federal Civil Service employee and attain a rating of at least 80, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the ICTAP. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible
  • This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program as a condition of employment. If you are selected, you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless you are already in a position that requires a Level 1 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required time-frame may be grounds for removal from the position and/or from Federal service. Information about the DoD FM Certification Program is available at http://www.dfas.mil/dam/dfas/careers/pdf/DoDFMCertificationProgram.pdf.
  • Drug Testing is not required.
  • 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.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
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.

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.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Eligible candidates will then be placed for selection consideration into 3 categories as described below:

  1. Best Qualified Category - Exceeds the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the job related competencies based on the answers to the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Highly Qualified Category - Exceeds the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates proficiency in some of the job-related competencies based on the answers to the occupational questionnaire.
  3. Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualifications as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:
  • Communication
  • Computer Literacy
  • Concepts, Policies, and Principles of Finance
  • Customer Service
  • Fundamentals and Operations of Accounting

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12673636

Criminal History Inquiries - If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil.

Required Documents

1. Resume: HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the most recent. For assistance in preparing your resume, visit DFAS Resume Tools.
2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Your resume must describe the scope of work with regard to your responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire, as they generate your numerical rating.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status.

1. Transcripts/Certifications: All applicants to include current employees/contractors, must submit proof of education if the position requires education to meet the basic qualification requirements, or if substituting education to meet specialized experience requirements. For additional information on acceptable documents, visit Transcripts and Certifications. Applicants must also document education and/or certifications in their resume.
2. Cover Letter: You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official if referred. Cover letters will not be used to verify qualifications or determine eligibility.
3. Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so will result in the loss of veteran's preference, and may impact your eligibility for referral.. For more veterans' information please click here.

  • You must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date of application. The certification must include your rank, dates of active duty service and the expected condition of discharge.
  • If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
  • If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.

4. ICTAP Eligibles: You must submit a Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF) SF-50; a RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM) and most recent performance appraisal.
5. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
8. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

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

Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Address
DFAS - FINANCE OPERATIONS - ROME
325 Brooks Road
Rome, NY 13441
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

All information included in the resume and Occupational Questionnaire is subject to review and verification. HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be further evaluated by information provided in the Occupational Questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have misrepresented your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position and, if you're already an employee, you may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal service.

Application of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating method protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible's who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Qualified) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.


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


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