STAFF ACCOUNTANT Job in Colchester, VT

Vacancy No. VT-12687737-AR-24-91 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $73,889.00 to $96,053.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/11/2025 Close Date 3/11/2025
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 Staff Accountant, Position Description Number T5138P01 and is located in the Comptroller Division, US Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) of the Vermont Army National Guard.

*This position is also advertised to Title 32 Technicians under VT-12687779-AR-24-92


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

This position is located in the Comptroller Division in the US Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Staff Accountant. Performs detailed reviews and analysis of established procedures and ensures that the administration and operation of financial control systems--to include budget, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and travel--are in compliance with established statutory requirements, regulations, directives, and policies.

MAJOR DUTIES:
1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts an annual written Operational Review Program (ORP). The ORP encompasses reviews of all functional finance and accounting operations. Determines the objectives and scope of all reviews and audits. Prepares a written plan for the conduct of each review or audit. Analyzes each functional area within the Comptroller Division. Develops findings, determines, and facilitates required corrective actions, and provides formal written reports to the Financial Manager (FM). Performs follow-up reviews to assure corrective action has been taken. Conducts special or his position is located in the Comptroller Division in the US Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Staff Accountant. Performs detailed reviews and analysis of established procedures and ensures that the administration and operation of financial control systems--to include budget, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and travel--are in compliance with established statutory requirements, regulations, directives, and policies.

2. Serves as the division's primary point of contact for the Management Control Program. Ensures management controls are in place and effective. Prepares Management Control Evaluation Certification Statements for the division's portion of the Management Control Plan.

3. Continually assesses and evaluates the effectiveness of finance and accounting operations through the review of standard performance management metrics. Assesses the indicators and identifies operational areas currently not meeting performance goals as established within the ORP Plan. Assists Comptroller personnel in establishing and implementing methods or procedures to detect, prevent and resolve operational deficiencies. Identifies trends and specific problem areas as well as root causes of operational deficiencies. Performs follow-up reviews ensuring corrective actions produce the desired program results.

4. Reviews and analyzes a wide variety of reports including reports produced by NGB standard and local automated systems. Based on this analysis, advises the FM of actions required or recommended. Discusses system or procedural problems and areas of potential improvement with various system supervisors, Program Managers (PMs), and local management information systems personnel. Provides technical advice and assistance to the FM and the USPFO on internal matters involving statutory provisions, regulatory requirements, procedures, systems, or problems arising from changes in mission, programs, and/or organizational structure. Monitors the implementation of approved and directed procedural changes. Evaluates proposed regulatory changes and employee suggestions and provides comments and recommendations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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.
  • May require travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.

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.

Basic Requirements Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.")

General Experience: In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, evaluate applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities for:

- Skill in collecting and analyzing data effectively, efficiently, and accurately;
- Skill in applying procedures and directives by reading and interpreting program material;
- Skill in presenting formal training presentations and briefings;
- Ability to prepare reports and presentation formats.

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 a validated understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the accountant occupational series and grade.

Experiences gained through military technical training schools or civilian academic courses or related civilian work are included in the one-year on-the-job specialized experience.

The applicant's educational degree study program or military or civilian academic courses may substitute for some specialized experience.

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):

- Professional and comprehensive knowledge of the theories, practices, methods, and concepts of accounting techniques. Skill in applying this knowledge to conduct on-site reviews designed to identify policy, procedural, and situational weaknesses, and strengths of each functional area; and to modify and adapt conventional accounting and analytical techniques to solve a variety of accounting problems within the Comptroller Division. Skill in planning, coordinating and conducting an annual quality assurance program is also required.

-- Knowledge of applicable laws, policies, and regulations and internal control programs to ensure that review coverage is appropriate in meeting established objectives.

-- Knowledge of ARNG and state financial management objectives, missions, policies and systems, and their relationship with national and local organizational elements, to advise the FM on a wide range of financial management issues is required.

-- Knowledge to independently plan and conduct functional area reviews and the ability to gather, organize, consolidate, analyze accounting data, and separate essential from non-essential information. Ability to develop findings and/or reports that clearly identify operational problems and trends; and develop alternatives or solutions to resolve conflicting goals and objectives. Ability to monitor the resolution of problem areas and correction of deficiencies identified. As technology and methodology changes, ability to develop and/or modify review methods and techniques.

Financial Management Certification Requirements:

Members of the financial management workforce are required to participate in the Financial Management Certification Program; therefore, achieving certification is a condition of employment. Members of the financial management workforce must achieve the appropriate certification level for their positions within 2 years of notification of applicable certification requirements or the period of any extension.

The financial management certification program supports the professional development of the financial management workforce and provides a framework for a standard body of knowledge across all DoD financial business programs.

The financial management certification requirements will vary for positions dependent on the complexity and responsibility of the positions' financial management supervisory and non-supervisory business programs.

Financial management certification requirements are in the conditions of employment and notes in the position description.

Supervisors of financial management coded positions coordinate with the component administrator and component certification authority to determine financial management certification requirements of employees occupying financial management coded positions.


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.

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.

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

A. Degree:Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law.

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 (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Verify School accreditation. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

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-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

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):

--A professional knowledge of accounting principles and concepts and specific detailed knowledge of National Guard prescribed accounting system for military and fund operations to independently accomplish a variety of program assignments.

--Knowledge of automated systems designs, practices, and limitations to describe systems specifications and requirements to computer programmers. Skill in analyzing accounting systems, adapting and modifying conventional accounting systems, and analytical techniques to solve a variety of accounting problems and ensure conformance with generally accepted accounting principles.

--Knowledge and skill to serve as a Systems Accountant to develop automated subsystems; determine functional accounting requirements; assure interface with the large automated management system; guide systems programming; develop functional tests; write instruction manuals; give oral presentations on development progress; and attend meetings on system integration and problems resolution at the state, region, NGB, DoD level.

You will be rated on the following core competencies:

1. Attention to Detail
2. Self-Management
3. Financial Analysis
4. Knowledge Management
5. Analysis/Reasoning

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.
2. Official Transcripts

Other supporting documents (as applicable):

  • DD-214
  • 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 Fiscal Accounting
789 Vermont National Guard Road, Bldg 3
Colchester, VT 05446
US

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.