Accountant, Auditor Accountant, Tax Accountant

Summary

This Accountant position is located in Fiscal Service at the Leeds, MA VA Medical Center. The position is full‑time (40 hours per week) and is being filled using Direct‑Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205).

The purpose of this position is to perform the full range of professional accounting work requiring sound accounting principles, theories, concepts, and practices. Some of the duties include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzes and interprets routine information
• Corrects mistakes in written or computer documents or records
• Analyzes and interprets complex information
• Works cooperatively with others to generate ideas/suggestions
• Coordinates with others to accomplish work related activities
• Responds in writing to inquiries or requests for information
• Processes or records financial transactions or numerical information
• Processes vouchers or other financial documents
• Provides guidance or assistance on policies or procedures
• Verifies accuracy and completeness of information on paper or computer documents or records
• Performs financial audits
• Revises procedures or methods to improve efficiency
• Prepares operating changes when revisions are required
• Adapts accounting forms to meet requirements of special activities and conditions
• Recommends changes, modifications, and improvements in operating procedures

Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am‑4:00 pm. A compressed or flexible schedule is authorized. Telework is available; this is not a virtual position.

As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period during which performance and conduct will be evaluated to determine advancement of the public interest. Upon completion of the probationary period, employment will be terminated unless certification is received in writing that continued employment advances the public interest.

• Performance and conduct
• Needs and interests of the agency
• Whether continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government
• Whether continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service

Basic Occupational Requirement

• Degree: Accounting, or a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration with 24 semester hours in accounting (may include up to 6 hours of business law).

Combination of education and experience

• At least 4 years of accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college‑level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The background must include one of the following:
• Twenty‑four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses (up to 6 hours of business law).
• A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor obtained through written examination.
• Completion of a degree with substantial accounting or auditing coursework (e.g., 15 semester hours) that does not fully satisfy the 24‑hour requirement, provided that:
• (a) The applicant has successfully worked at the full‑performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field.
• (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 related fields equivalent to a 4‑year course of study.
• (c) Except for literal nonconformance to the 24 semester hours requirement, the applicant’s education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.

To Qualify at the GS‑09 level

• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑07. Example experience: identification of accounting errors and variances with detailed analysis and corrective recommendations; internal financial auditing and development of required financial reports; reconciliation, compilation, verification, and dissemination of billing information.
• Education: Two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent.
• Combination: Combination of specialized experience and education beyond post‑high school education as described above to meet the total experience requirements at the GS‑09 grade…