Duties
This is a career ladder position in the Disbursing Office under the Secretary of the Senate. An individual selected for the career ladder position will be placed into pay band 6 for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) months during which time he/she will be on a training plan and provided opportunities for development and increased responsibility. Upon successful completion of the development and performance goals, the incumbent will be promoted to the position of Accounts Payable Specialist II and will be granted a promotional increase into pay band 7. NATURE OF WORK This is administrative work, which may at times be demanding and repetitive, involving the examination and interpretation of large volumes of financial data. Work involves performing audit-level review of vouchers, invoices, claims, and contracts for the Senate. Work is bound by Title 2 of the U.S. Code; generally accepted accounting principles; Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; the Senate Ethics Manual; and Senate Disbursing Office procedures, practices, and guidelines, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling time-sensitive assignments.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa
Qualifications
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for the performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires an associate’s degree from an accredited institution (bachelor’s degree preferred), with one to three years of accounts payable experience and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of accounting systems and related policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Knowledge of the Senate’s accounting systems and pertinent legislation a plus.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, double-entry bookkeeping, cash management principles, cash advance and aging report procedures, and the process of obtaining payment of delinquent advances.
Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate.
Knowledge of the flow and processing cycles of financial information. Knowledge of the Senate payroll and accounting cycles a plus.
Knowledge of accounting procedures and techniques applicable to disbursements and appropriation.
Knowledge of accrual accounting, budget object classes, data entry procedures, financial management system programs, and automated accounting systems
Ability to use computers and relevant computer software programs. Demonstrated keyboarding ability.
Ability to deal with others using tact and diplomacy at all levels of the Senate community.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Phase II
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed
in an office environment with everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the
use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing,
bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical
office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a
computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual
attendance is required for the performance of duties. Work also requires
physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of
the Secretary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires an associate’s
degree from an accredited institution (bachelor’s degree preferred), with four to
seven years of accounts payable experience (four to five years of Disbursing
Office accounts payable experience preferred), and the following knowledge,
skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of
accounting systems, applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and Disbursing
Office policies and procedures. Knowledge of the Senate’s accounting systems
and pertinent legislation.
Knowledge of
generally accepted accounting principles and practices, double-entry
bookkeeping, cash management principles, aged cash advance procedures, and the
process of obtaining payment of delinquent advances.
Experience with
PeopleSoft Financial and Supply Chain Management System (FSCM) and the Senate
Financial Information System (FMIS).
Knowledge of the
Senate as an institution, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the
legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate.
Knowledge of the
flow and processing cycles of financial information. Knowledge of the Senate
cycles,
Knowledge of
disbursements and appropriation accounting procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of
accrual accounting, budget object classes, data entry procedures, financial
management system programs, automated accounting systems including standard
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) concepts, and familiarity with database
management.
Ability to train
and monitor other staff on targeted tasks as directed by the Accounts Payable
Supervisor.
Ability to use a computer
and relevant computer software programs.
Demonstrated
keyboarding ability.
Ability to deal
with others at all levels of the Senate community using tact and diplomacy.
Ability to communicate
effectively, both orally and in writing.
LICENSES,
CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
None.
Education
See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.
Additional information
The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email resumes@sec.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line.
No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.
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.
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.