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Systems Accountant

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
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Summary

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Washington, DC.

This is a bargain unit position.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
12/28/2020 to 01/15/2021
Salary
$86,335 to - $133,465 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Location
Washington, DC
2 vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
DAL-CFO-10965831-MP-SJ
Control number
587563000

Duties

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As a Systems Accountant you will perform the following duties:

  • Reviews regulations and guidelines for system users, analyzes transactions to ensure they are accurately recorded, and tests systems financial formulas for accuracy and compliance;
  • Identifies, documents, and presents information on the limitations and/or problems of existing system(s) along with recommendations for revisions or modifications to existing system(s) to improve effectiveness, efficiency and economy;
  • Interprets Public Law and applicable Federal government manuals and directives to determine intent and requirements; and
  • Leads the evaluation and maintenance of accounting finance reporting systems to meet all applicable federal government requirements and needs of the organization.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation.
  • You must successfully pass a drug screen.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Individual Occupational Requirements (IORs) for the Accounting, 0510 series are as follows:

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.")

OR

2. Combination of education and experience: at least 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:
1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and
quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained
through written examination; or
3. Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in
accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-
semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has
successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related
field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least
two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant
has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields
that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally
associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in
paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24
semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully
meet the specified requirements.

For GS-12: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

  • Review regulations and guidelines to ensure that transactions are accurately recorded;
  • Provides support for audit related inquires;
  • Assist in the coordination of computer software and programming support in applying accounting principles and policies; and
  • Provides documentation to management in support of changes to system operations.
For GS-13: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Manages, responds to and provides support for audit related inquiries to the supported system;
  • Provides program management support for system enhancements and regulatory support;
  • Leads the evaluation and maintenance of accounting finance reporting systems to meet all applicable federal government requirements and needs of the organization;
  • Coordinates with computer specialists in the application of accounting principles and policies to revise existing systems and tools; and
  • Analyzes financial information for the purpose of recommending efficient use of resources to provide strategic recommendations and maintain solutions to business and financial problems.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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; religious; spiritual; 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Education

This position requires specific coursework and/or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent.

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. 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.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience; no points will be assigned.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets).

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

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