LEAD ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN Job in Colchester, VT

Vacancy No. VT-12651775-AR-24-96 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $61,070.00 to $79,390.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/8/2025 Close Date 1/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Colchester, VT


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a Lead Accounting Technician, Position Description Number T5150000 and is located in the Pay and Exam Branch, US Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) of the Vermont Army National Guard.


This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Priority Placement Program will be cleared. Area I: Current On-board Title 5 or Title 32 Dual Status Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite or 4-Term ) - Only those current Vermont National Guard employees who are in permanent, indefinite, or term technician status as result of being competitively hired by the Vermont National Guard. Area II: All current Federal Employees from any agency. Area III: All current and former members of the VTNG. Area IV: United States citizens.

Duties

The purpose of this position is to lead a team of accounting technicians that provide analysis, validation, processing, and correction of financial transactions and issues/discrepancies involving the full range of accounting services.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Serves as Team Leader. Communicates assignments, projects, problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Coaches the team in the selection and application of appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques; advises on work methods, practices and procedures; and assists in identifying the parameters of a viable solution. Leads the team in identifying, distributing, and balancing workload and tasks to team members in accordance with established workflow, skill level, and/or occupational specialization. Makes adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities. Provides or arranges for training in methods and techniques of team building and teamwork to accomplish tasks or projects, and acquisition (formal and on-the-job) training and assistance. Coaches, facilitates, and/or negotiates in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus building activities. Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work and conformance with Branch Chief's instructions. Reports and advises the Branch Chief on team and individual work accomplishments, problems, and progress in mastering tasks and work processes, and individual and team training needs. Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required. Maintains metrics for the team. Maintains project files; program and administrative materials; and makes available policies, procedures, and written instructions from the Branch Chief. Represents the team consensus and conveys their findings and recommendations. Estimates and reports to the team on progress in meeting milestones and deadlines and ensures that team members are aware of and participate in planning for achievement of team goals and objectives and play an integral role in developing the final team product. Represents resource needs of the team to the Branch Chief such as office automation enhancements and overtime/compensatory time. Secures information and decisions from the Branch Chief on major work problems and issues. Evaluates and makes recommendation is the resolution of simple, informal complaints of employees; referring unresolved formal complaints and appeals to Branch Chief. Advises, communicates and makes recommendation to the Branch Chief on actions affecting team and individual awards, rewards, and recognition. Keeps employees informed of available employee/member benefits, services, and work-related activities. On behalf of the team, informs the Branch Chief of performance management issues/problems and recommends/requests related personnel actions such as performance appraisals, career ladder promotions, reassignments, and within-grade-increases.

2. Performs broad in-depth analysis on multiple management systems and applies this information to complicated precedent type cases to resolve especially difficult and sensitive, out of balance conditions associated with processing actions within accounting systems. Analyzes and evaluates data to conduct a variety of fiscal reconciliations, reviews, and account adjustments. Reconciles accounting and budget data with Program Managers and the USPFO Deputy Financial Manager/Budget Officer. Balances all Program Managers' accounts with the federal database of record. Schedules, runs, and analyzes various fiscal accounting reports, such as the Master Update Error report, AFCOS expired duty report, accounting tables related to FCM, GCSS-A, AXol (Government Purchase Card), DTS, GFEBS (Cost Centers, Internal Orders), DJMS FMY table, and Account Processing Code (APC) candidate file.

3.Performs fact finding, research, and investigations to identify, analyze and recommend solutions regarding fiscal accounting activity. Analyzes particular facts of fiscal transaction problems/issues; verifies, evaluates, and interprets considerable amounts of data; obtains additional information to reconcile discrepancies or inconsistencies; and applies pertinent fiscal laws, regulations, precedent decisions, and procedures to determine appropriate action for resolution. Relies often on experience and judgment rather than guides to fill in gaps, identify sources of information, and make working assumptions about what transpired. Applies many different and unrelated processes and methods associated with fiscal transactions to analyze complex and unusual accounting transactions. Responds to customer requests for information/assistance.


**REFER TO PD FOR FULL LIST OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES**

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.

Qualifications

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1, 2, 3, 4
Area I: Current On-board Title 5 or Title 32 Dual Status Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite or 4-Term ) - Only those current Vermont National Guard employees who are in permanent, indefinite, or term technician status as result of being competitively hired by the Vermont National Guard.
Area II: All current Federal Employees from any agency.
Area III: All current and former members of the VTNG.
Area IV: United States citizens.
* Veterans' Preference Rules are mandated by law and some applicants may receive priority consideration before other applicants without veterans' preference.

General Experience: Qualifying general experience includes experience, education, or training involving arithmetic principles, attention to detail, and application of established procedures for recording and compiling data. Experience in sorting and verifying receipt of documents; recognizing or matching forms containing names, numbers, and codes; and establishing a filing system. Experience verifying accuracy and completeness of documents, maintaining or reconciling accounts and records; researching documents for discrepancies in debits and credit entries and taking necessary action in balancing accounts; and entering, deleting, and retrieving data utilizing an automated system. Experience validating accounting data, analyzing unusual trends for corrective action, maintaining and researching records, and preparing reports. Experience in correcting coding or other errors that result in computer generated rejects.

Specialized Experience: Must have 1 year equivalent specialized experience to at least the next lower grade level before being eligible for the next grade level. Must have fundamental working experiences with validated understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the accountant occupational series and grade. Must have experience, education, or training of interpreting and applying a variety of accounting regulations and guidelines. Experience planning, organizing, and coordinating work to resolve complex problems that occur.

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed for Dual Status Technician positions. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

--Uses broad, in-depth, practical knowledge and judgment to reconstruct inaccurate accounts, gathers and organizes information for inquiries and resolves problems referred by others. Knowledge and skill to suggest specific changes to the guidelines themselves, development of control mechanisms, additional training for customers, and specific guidance related to the procedural handling of documents and information.

--Comprehensive knowledge of and skills in the interrelationships of various financial, fiscal accounting and computer file systems, and their content to resolve problems. Uses this information to perform complicated actions to solve problems associated with processing actions within the fiscal accounting systems and multiple feeder systems, to include logistics, contracting, travel and pay systems.

-- Knowledge and skill to examine accounts and resolve difficult reconciliations that may result from different accounting codes used due to deployments and contractual issues that require an analysis of adjustments and making corrective entries in applicable accounts.

--Knowledge of analytical and evaluative techniques to conduct a variety of fiscal reconciliations, reviews, and account adjustments, including associated budget adjustments necessary to balance all Program Managers' accounts with both the approved budget and the federal database of record.

--Knowledge and skill of fact finding and investigative techniques that identify, analyze and recommend solutions regarding fiscal accounting activity, such as: system administration, funds control, commitments, obligations, disbursements, pre-payment validation, reimbursements (Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request's, Letters Of Authority, 285-R's, etc.), cash collections, reconciliations, fiscal year start-up, monthly close out (culminating with fiscal year close out) accounting processing and their effect on accounting for federal resources.

--Knowledge of fiscal law; DoD, DA, NGB, FORSCOM, and DFAS regulations, Standing Operating Procedures and policies; and specific financial regulations including DFAS-IN 37-100, DoD Financial Management Regulation, DFAS-IN 37-1, AR 37-1, Joint Federal Travel Regulations/Joint Travel Regulations, Defense Travel Service Manual, Defense Joint Military Pay Manual, Defense Civilian Pay Manual, Army National Guard (ARNG) Standing Operating Procedures, Automated Fund Control Order System (AFCOS), Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller (ASA FM&C) policy memorandums and issuances regarding fiscal accounting procedures and rulings.

CONTINUATION OF CONDITIONS EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:
- THIS IS A FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT LEVEL 2 Certified position designated as such in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, section 1051, amending 10 United States Code, section 1599d. Incumbent of this position is required to comply with all Department of Defense and Department of the Army requirements of this certification program. This certification requirement is a condition of employment for this position. Failure to obtain this certification within the required time may subject the incumbent to adverse action.

- This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

Please be advised:

1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.

Do not copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement.

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this vacancy.

Additional information

Veterans Preference

  • 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 https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
  • - 10-Point Veterans' Preference: You must submit all supporting documentation as specified on the SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference". You can locate the SF 15 at https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf
  • - 5-Point Veterans' Preference: You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 which includes Character of Service (usually Member-4 copy). If you are currently active duty, you may submit 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 signed. The certification should also include when your terminal leave will begin, your rank and dates of active duty service.
  • 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.


If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Benefits

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

--Knowledge of diverse types of financial transactions, functioning as the technical authority for the resolution of an extensive range of issues and problems. Skill in researching, interpreting, analyzing, and applying regulations, policies, procedures and legal decisions.

--Comprehensive knowledge and skill regarding automated accounting systems and the effect of accounting transactions on the validity of the organizations' financial posture. Knowledge and skill in reconciling variances with the U.S. Treasury.

--Knowledge of Cooperative Agreements and Grants rules, regulations and state/federal processes and their effects on the accounting system.

--Knowledge of and skill in applying basic principles of budgetary and cost accounting.

--Knowledge and skills regarding records management and communication techniques. Knowledge and skill in applying principles and practices involving data protected under the Privacy Act.

--Knowledge of the organizational structure, functions, policies, and processes of the state's National Guard, to include relationships to state entities under Defense Support to Civil Authority (DSCA) operations.

--Knowledge of training techniques and program instruction regarding the full range of financial transactions.

--Knowledge and skill in providing quality and time sensitive customer service techniques.

You will be rated on the following core competencies:

1. Concepts, Policies and Principles of Accounting
2. Customer Service
3. Communication Skills
4. Financial Management Systems
5. Attention To Detail

Required Documents

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

1. Resume: resume must show relevant experience, where you worked, job title, detailed duties and accomplishments written in your own words (Do not plagiarize), employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.), hours per week and salary. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your position title, pay plan, series and grade. Your detailed experience should be listed under each job title with starting and ending dates. Resume must show applicants name and contact information.


Other supporting documents (as applicable):

  • DD-214
  • Official Transcripts
  • Veterans Preference
  • Certifications
  • For current Federal employees: Latest SF 50, Personnel Action
  • NGB 22 (if you are a former member of the VTNG)
Helpful Hints for Applying:

- Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address and phone.
- Include details about the experience that relates to the position you are applying for.
- Be specific and always include Month and Year for the dates of your experience.
- Be sure to include your applicable military experience and explain the duties of the MOS/AFSC held.

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position.

If you are using education to qualify for this position or education is a mandatory requirement to meet qualifications, You must submit copies of college transcripts that identify each course, the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade and grade-point received. Submitting a certificate or a degree will not suffice. You must submit transcripts when required. Photocopies are acceptable.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.


To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Nathan Brimmer
Address
Vermont Army National Guard USPFO Pay and Exam Branch
789 Vermont National Guard Road, Bldg 3
Colchester, VT 05446
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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