Accounting Technician (Recent Graduate)

• This position is part of the DFAS Recent Graduates Program providing entry level training and experience on a variety of assignments involving the practical application of financial principles procedures processes and regulations.
• Researches accounting data and performs balancing and reconciling of accounts. Processes all types of accounting transactions and requests for establishment of additional accounting records.
• Verifies the accuracy completeness and validity of a wide variety of accounting functions/transactions including: obligations; accrued expenditures; disbursements; appropriation refunds; reimbursable orders; earnings and collections.
• Assists in implementing and maintaining Internal Control Program requirements to protect against waste fraud and abuse.
• Researches current accounts historical data source documents etc. to develop and explain detailed information not otherwise readily available.
• Duties will be developmental in nature when the position is filled below the full performance level GS-06.

• Must be a U.S Citizen.
• This national security position which may require access to classified information requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after.)
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certification.
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit .
• ***This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions.***
• Individuals are required to complete a Pathways Recent Graduates Participant Agreement and follow the terms in the agreement to maintain program eligibility and meet eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the competitive service.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.

Open to U.S. Citizens who are Recent Graduates who have obtained a qualifying Associates Bachelors Masters Professional Doctorate Vocational or Technical degree/certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous 2 years OR Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who were unable to apply within 2 years of obtaining a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution due to their military service obligation have a full 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. The eligibility period for veterans must be within 6 years of degree completion.

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.

This announcement will be used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-05.

To Be Hired At The GS-05 Entry Grade Level Applicants Must Minimally Have:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-04 within the federal service which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is required.

• Performing financial duties that support the processing of financial/accounting transactions using standardized procedures to include reviewing documents for accuracy or inputting financial/accounting information into an automated system or correcting invalid/incorrect transactions.

• Four years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the specialized experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education ( 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.
  
  The following are preferred degree categories:
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration
  • Economics
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education and do not submit a transcript your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found not qualified.
  
  Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.
  
  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.
  
  It is requirement that you send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.
  Education

  Requirements

  • Obtained a qualifying Associates Bachelors Masters Professional Doctorate Vocational or Technical Degree or Certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous 2 years or
  • A veteran (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who completed the requirements for an Associates Bachelors Masters Professional Doctorate Vocational or Technical Degree or Certificate after December 27 2010 and due to military service obligation was precluded from applying to a Recent Graduates Program during their 2 year eligibility period AND it is less than 6 years from the date on which they completed the academic requirements of my degree or certificate.
  • Qualifying education must be conferred or awarded by the closing date of this announcement.
  • You must submit a transcript to verify completion of an academic program with the application package.
  • If selected you must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.

  Background or Security Investigation: This is a non-critical sensitive position. Some positions may require access to classified information. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay your starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected for this position are required to obtain and maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
  
  This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program as a condition of employment. If you are selected you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless you are already in a position that requires a Level 1 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required time-frame may be grounds for removal from the position and/or from Federal service. Information about the DoD FM Certification Program is available at of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating Method does not add veterans preference points or apply the rule of three but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Qualified) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.
  Additional information

  • Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
  • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) for which some appointees are eligible click here.
  • For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement) you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements.
  • Applicants selected from this job opportunity announcement may be non-competitively converted to a competitive service appointment after completing all requirements of the Pathways Recent Graduate Program.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • A trial period may be required.
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance view here.
  • Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
  • Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 () for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act exceptions and DFAS contact information.

  PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY:
  This is an Excepted Service appointment. Program participants MAY be converted without a break in service to a competitive service appointment upon completion of program requirements. Individuals converted may be subject to participation in an additional year of training as part of an agency formal development program. To be eligible for conversion Recent Graduates must:

  • Complete one continuous year of work experience acquired through a Recent Graduate Program.
  • Complete 40 hours of formal interactive training.
  • Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.
  • Meet any agency-specific requirements specified in the Participants Agreement.
  • Demonstrate successful job performance that results in a rating of record of at least Fully Successful and a recommendation for conversion by the first level supervisor.

  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.