Accounting Technician

Clarification from the agency

Open to current, permanent Martinsburg, WV Facility and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) eligible candidates only. This does not include temporary, term, or temporary intermittent.

Accounting Transaction Processing and Financial System Support

• Processes payments, cost transfers, journal vouchers, adjustments, and Accounts Payable actions using VA automated financial systems. Reviews transactions for accuracy, completeness, proper classification, and compliance with applicable guidance.
• The incumbent independently resolves routine and recurring accounting discrepancies, including FMS rejects, cancelled payments, and banking-related issues by reviewing system error codes, correcting data elements, validating information, and initiating reprocessing actions. Determines the appropriate corrective action when automated accounting systems generate rejects or errors that are not resolved through standard processing steps.
• Resolves classification issues by identifying the appropriate appropriation, general ledger account, or transaction code using established accounting guidance. Handles non-routine or unusual transactions when applicable precedent or guidance exists and must be interpreted or adapted to the specific situation.
• Independently researches and resolves complex discrepancies involving multiple funds, fiscal years, contract modifications, and system-generated errors by tracing transactions through available audit trail sources such as FMS, IFCAP, IPPS, and related financial systems.

Reconciliation and Account Maintenance

• Performs reconciliations of general ledger, subsidiary, and control accounts. Researches, analyzes, and resolves discrepancies by reviewing source documentation, validating transaction history, correcting accounting data, and ensuring accurate posting.
• Interprets available transaction history, supporting documentation, and system records to reconstruct incomplete accounting information and determine the source of discrepancies.
• Identifies unexplained variances, negative balances, unbalanced subsidiary accounts, and other irregularities through reconciliation activities and report reviews. Conducts root cause analysis and initiates corrective actions within established authority.

Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Internal Controls

• Monitors system reports and financial data to identify discrepancies, document findings, and recommend corrective actions. Advises the Supervisory Accountant regarding technical, procedural, or interna control issues.
• Identifies recurring discrepancies and potential internal control gaps and recommends process improvements, such as refinements to SOP practices, invoice review workflows, and documentation processes. Recommendations are submitted to the supervisor for review and approval.
• Analyzes transactions involving multiple appropriations, fiscal years, cost centers, or accounting classifications where established procedures require adaptation.
• Identifies recurring processing issues and recommends revisions to procedures, job aids, or internal controls through supervisory guidance.

Cashier Operations and Customer Service Support

• Serves as an alternate Teller or Agent Cashier when assigned, assisting with the custody, accountability, and disbursement of government funds.
• Ensures compliance with VA cash-handling regulations, documentation requirements, security procedures, and established internal controls.

Communication and Coordination

• Interacts with Fiscal staff, vendors, program offices, and external stakeholders to resolve accounting issues, obtain documentation, and provide financial guidance.
• Ensures clear communication regarding payment status, reconciliation requirements, accounting procedures, and financial documentation needs.

OTHER DUTIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
Telework: AD-HOC as determined by the agency policy.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Accounting Technician/PD2603190
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/21/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.


You may qualify based on your experience as described below:

GS-07 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

• Accounting Operations - Examines, verifies, and maintains financial accounts and accounting data. Classifies accounting transactions including the verification of the accuracy and completeness of accounting data. Determines the general ledger accounts, journals, and subsidiary accounts affected. Determines the nature of errors and makes adjustments in the correct appropriation to a variety of interrelated accounts.
• Attention to Detail - Assures funds management to numerous, separate fund control points. Reconciles accounting systems output with input for accuracy. Researches, interprets, and verifies which appropriation and general ledger accounts a document and subsequent accounting transactions will affect; establishes routines for input of these transactions. Reviews pending items and ensures that follow-up action is taken on all items pending for excessive periods of time. Reviews pending items and ensures that follow-up action is taken on all items pending for excessive periods of time.
• Accounting - Maintains, audits and reconciles the general and subsidiary ledger accounts, for the preparation of accurate and timely reports, and for the control of funds. Summarizes transactions and prepares control documents or other posting documents reflecting the entries to be made. Prepares reconciliations of the general ledger to subsidiary accounts, accruals, adjusting journal entries, accounting reports and special reports. Maintains control of funds obligated and funds expended. Ensures the timely preparation of all reports as requested for various departments and local management.

Best qualified applicants will meet the following criteria in addition to the minimum qualifications for this position:

1. Experience processing and reviewing diverse financial transactions - such as payments, adjustments, journal entries, and account updates - with accuracy, proper classification, and compliance with applicable policies and standards.
2. Demonstrated ability to analyze, maintain, and reconcile financial accounts, identify discrepancies, research underlying causes, and implement timely corrective actions within automated financial systems.
3. Basic understanding of general ledger structure, accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and internal controls, with the ability to interpret guidelines and apply judgment to non-routine financial situations.
4. Experience reviewing, verifying, and processing invoices, ensuring proper documentation, accuracy, compliance with payment standards, and timely resolution of pending items or errors.
5. Effective communication skills for collaborating with colleagues, vendors, or stakeholders to resolve financial discrepancies, obtain needed information, explain procedural requirements, and support reporting or audit activities.

Physical Demands / Work Environment - Work is primarily sedentary, involving sitting, computer use, and document review with occasional light lifting. Work is performed in a typical office setting requiring normal safety precautions. Workload may fluctuate based on accounting cycles and operational needs.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

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 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 for this position:

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

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• Performance Appraisal
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current (2026) or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

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