Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is
in this document.
Basic Requirement for the Accountant (GS-0510)
Qualifications for GS-12 Level:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 or grade level in the Federal service which includes interpreting accounting information to maintain compliance with overarching rules, regulations, or policies; providing financial accounting services to management and stakeholders; and identifying and/or resolving financial management problems. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For the GS-12 level, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.