ACCOUNTS MAINTENANCE CLERK/ ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Job in Rome, NY

Vacancy No. D-DFAS-12820288-26 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 10/30/2025 Close Date 11/14/2025
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.

Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All US citizens.

Duties

  • Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level.
  • Research current customer accounts, historical data, source documents, etc., to develop and explain detailed information not otherwise readily available.
  • Research accounting and financial data and performs balancing and reconciling of accounts. Assists in implementing and maintaining Internal Control Program requirements to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.
  • Processes all types of accounting and financial transactions and requests for reimbursement.
  • Verifies the accuracy, completeness, and validity of a wide variety of accounting and financial functions/transactions to compute and disburse payments.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • ***This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions.***
  • Suitable for Federal Employment
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
  • This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program.
  • 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.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizenship or National
  • 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.
  • The incumbent of this position will be required to be physically on-site full-time, regular telework is not authorized for this position.
  • 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,

Qualifications

This announcement will be used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-04 or GS-05.

GS-04 positions: One (1) year of Generalized Experience of 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.

GS-05 positions: One (1) year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience at GS-05 is defined as: Performing duties that support the processing of financial/accounting transactions 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 (2) years of education above high school may be substituted to meet the general experience requirement

GS-05 Four (4) years of education above high school may be substituted to meet 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

  • This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
  • This position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a I-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Telework availability is limited..
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • Travel requirement is seldom (less than 25%).
  • 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 selected, you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless 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 in 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.
  • Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
  • 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.
  • 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?
  • Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information.
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.

All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply online, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.

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.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics)

  • Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Teamwork



Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection Procedures. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. 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.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12820288

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: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at: Learn more about the new resume requirements.
2. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.

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

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
  8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at: https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Phone
(317) 212-0454
Email
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil
Address
DFAS - FINANCE OPERATIONS - ROME
325 Brooks Road
Rome, NY 13441
US

Next steps

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 eligibles 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.

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.


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