Duties
About the U.S. Trustee Program
The United States Trustee Program (USTP or Program) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. The Program operates nationwide through 21 regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, chapter 12 family farmer cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings.
Job Description
The Auditor is responsible for the financial analysis and investigative work associated with bankruptcy cases under applicable law, to support the litigation and civil enforcement efforts of the USTP. The Auditor performs work that is similar in scope and complexity to that performed by a public accounting firm.
The typical duties of an Auditor include:
- Apply professional accounting knowledge and understanding of general business operations to complex chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy cases;
- Work closely with Trial Attorneys to analyze bankruptcy cases and supporting financial documentation to determine adequacy and accuracy, sometimes for testimony at trial;
- Perform exams, audits, reviews, and analysis of bankruptcy cases administered by standing and panel trustees. Determine trustees' adequacy, accuracy, and compliance with accounting principles and practices;
- Provide a variety of accounting and auditing services associated with chapter 7 and 11 matters;
- Work closely with Trial Attorneys on large chapter 11 cases to determine the adequacy of information provided by debtors at the beginning of the case and during its pendency; and,
- Ensure the debtor's compliance with required forms and documents.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
- You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
- Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Selective Placement Factor
Applicants must be eligible for an Excepted Service appointment under Schedule B, 213.3210 (e). This appointment authority requires that the selectee possess knowledge of the bankruptcy process. Bankruptcy knowledge relevant to this position includes, but is not limited to, insolvency, regulatory and/or forensic accounting with respect to state court receivership proceedings, non-bankruptcy insolvency proceedings and/or non-judicial reorganizations, liquidations, or termination of a business and its assets as well as the financial analysis of the viability of a business entity. This knowledge may have been acquired through a combination of professional experience, academic coursework, internships or externships, volunteer service, or similar activities.
Failure to demonstrate knowledge of the bankruptcy process in the resume will result in disqualification.
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Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hours in accounting. The twenty-four semester hours may include up to six (6) credit hours in business
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Combination of education and experience: at least four (4) years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
- Twenty-four (24) semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to six (6) hours of business law;
- A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
- Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, at least fifteen (15) semester-hours. Applicant does not need to fully satisfy the twenty-four semester-hour requirement provided that:
- The applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examination;
- A panel of at least two higher-level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant demonstrates a knowledge of accounting and related fields equal in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement to that which is normally associated with successful completion of the four (4) year course of study described; and
- Besides nonconformance to the requirement of twenty-four (24) semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
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Specialized Experience Requirement
Specialized experience is defined as performing a variety of audits in a professional, pre-professional, or academic setting that utilize advanced auditing techniques and involve reporting findings. In their resume, an applicant must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the lower grade level or pay band in the Federal service, or similar experience in the private or public sector as a professional auditor carrying out tasks and duties that involve:
To qualify for a GS-12: preparing, examining, or analyzing accounting records and financial statements/reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to procedural standards.
To qualify for a GS-13: applying an understanding of auditing principles, business operations, and financial statements. Preparing audit plans to most appropriately gather and evaluate pertinent data.
To qualify for a GS-14: applying auditing principles, concepts, practices, and analytical methods and techniques. Providing recommended actions in accordance with industry and regulatory standards.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Salary and Benefits
This position is on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. Salary and grade level are determined by incumbent's duty location, years, and type of experience. To review the current GS salary table and our comprehensive list of benefits, please click here.
Travel
Periodic travel is required depending on work assignments and training.
Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
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.