Accounting
GS-0510
Position Overview
Accountants manage, allocate and monitor financial resources to help the agency ensure transparency, compliance, effectiveness and accountability in financial management. They assess risk; detect fraud, waste and abuse; and, analyze accounting data to recommend solutions supportive of program goals.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate has strong quantitative analysis skills and can identify trends in data. She or he communicates well and can think strategically while effectively managing details.
Specialty Areas
Cost; Staff; Systems; Forensics
Work Environment
Work is performed in an office setting.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Mid:
- Reviewing, analyzing, and reconciling financial system reports
- Testing and evaluating financial system software
- Reviewing data and identifying trends and control weaknesses
- Collecting information to be used in a financial and performance reports
Journey:
- Planning and conducting financial management studies
- Advising program managers on accounting policies and data interpretation
- Analyzing process flows and recommending improvements in control techniques
- Reviewing and analyzing the impact of new regulations or requirements on financial management processes
- Preparing annual financial statements and other required financial documents
Senior:
- Formulating major accounting policy and providing authoritative interpretation/decision-making on financial management policy
- Administering the development of organizational responses to OMB, GAO, Treasury proposals
- Defining specifications and overseeing the development of complex financial systems that produce critical accounting and financial information
Strengths by Level
Mid
9-11
Journey
12-13
Senior
14-15
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Decision MakingMakes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Self-ManagementSets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipMid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
30.6%
Financial Administration and Program
See Position Details
15.3%
Accounting Technician
See Position Details
12.5%
General Business and Industry
See Position DetailsLess Common Pathways (<2%)
- 0503 - Financial Clerical And Assistance
- 0544 - Civilian Pay
- 0561 - Budget Clerical And Assistance
- 1102 - Contracting
- 1805 - Investigative Analysis Series
Where We Are
DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."
