ACCOUNTS MAINTENANCE CLERK/ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN (RECENT GRADUATE)

Clarification from the agency

See Qualifications Section below.

• This position is part of the DFAS Recent Graduates Program providing entry level training and experience on a variety of assignments involving the practical application of financial principles, procedures, processes and regulations.
• Examine incoming paperwork to ensure information required for data entry is present. Review output files, computerized listings or other records to ensure accuracy.
• Adjust records based on a standardized set of rules, regulations, laws or procedures. Perform arithmetic to verify calculations using basic mathematical formulas.
• Use various office automation software products such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email to disseminate information.
• Use rules and regulations to answer inquiries in person, in writing, or by telephone to internal and external customers concerning all pay-related issues and matters.
• Duties will be developmental in nature while performing below the full performance level GS-05.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen or U.S. National.
• 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.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959).
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certification.
• 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.
• ***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.***
• Individuals are required to complete a Pathways Recent Graduates Participant Agreement and follow the terms in the agreement to maintain program eligibility and meet eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the competitive service.

Qualifications

Open to U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals who are Recent Graduates who have obtained a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree/certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years OR Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who were unable to apply within 2 years of obtaining a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution due to their military service obligation have a full 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. The eligibility period for veterans must be within 6 years of degree completion.

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.

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

To Be Hired At The GS-04 Entry Grade Level, Applicants Must Minimally Have:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-03) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

Specialized/General Experience at the GS-04 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.

GS-04 (1-grade interval) Substitution of Education for Experience:

• Two years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation, or the equivalent, is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the general experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for general experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).

Volunteer Experience:

• 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The following are preferred degree categories:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Economics

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.

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.

It is requirement that you send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your responses to the online assessments completed during the application process. 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

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13003887

Online Assessments and Questionnaire Information:

• Applicants who indicate they meet the minimum qualifications will receive an email invitation to complete online assessments. The invitation will be sent via email from usastaffingoffice@opm.gov.
• Please ensure your email account settings will allow an email from a ".gov" email address. If not, the email may appear in a "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
• Please plan to set aside three (3) hours for the assessments; however, most people are expected to complete the assessments in about 90 minutes.
• You must complete all of the required assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position.
• Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require these assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take an assessment for one year.
• If you have completed all of the required assessments previously and these results may be re-used, you will receive an email stating you have already completed the required assessments.
• Please Note: Before attempting to take the assessments, applicants should view sample items to determine if the computer they are using is likely to experience any issues during testing. The sample items can be found at https://cdn.apps.pdricloud.com/cdn/v1/files/pub/inline/7e5/6/15/f/5f7a7b45-d373-4126-8738-aa5c07cadd92.html.
• If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance, please email: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket.

Your results on these assessments will be used to place you into one of the three quality categories listed below according to Category Rating and Selection Procedures. In addition, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to verify you meet the qualifications for this job. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and may be interviewed prior to selection. You will be notified of the outcome.

1. Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualifications as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
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. 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.

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Résumé: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two-page resume requirement may be found at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ or at http://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit
2. Transcripts: You must submit documentation to VERIFY your completion of an academic program.
3. 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.
4. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will NOT be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
5. Military Spouses: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and marriage certificate/license are required to claim Military Spouse Preference.
6. Other Supporting Documents.
7. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement.

1. 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 will possibly impact your placement on the certificate. For more veterans' information please click here.
2. You must submit a copy of your DD Form-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 Form-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 the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank and dates of active duty service.

• If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-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.
• Click to review veterans authorities and required documents that verify eligibility for VEOA, VRA and/or 30% or more disabled veterans hiring authorities http://www.dfas.mil/careers/howtoapply/vacancyannouncement/appointment-eligibility.html .

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST)
07/27/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

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