Summary

The incumbent serves as an Accountant in the Support Services Division. The purpose of the work is to ensure accurate reporting of all accounting, cost, and budget data, and to facilitate the efficient use of allocated funds for the Saint Louis Regional Office (RO). Assists management in providing analytical and organizational expertise for all division activities, including financial, budgetary, and administrative.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Clarification from the agency

Only open to VA Wide, current, permanent, career/career conditional VA employees at the Saint Louis Regional Office, current VA employees on a VRA or Schedule A appointment and currently displaced VA employees who are eligible for hire under CTAP.

Duties

Major Duties:

• Examines, certifies and audit vouchers submitted for payment, while assessing compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls systems with a special emphasis on the operational areas identified as having a high risk of fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Ability to communicate either by phone or correspondence with veterans, fiduciary, other offices with inquiry results.
• Prepares fiscal, administrative, and other statistical reports as deemed appropriate and/or as required and serves on such other projects as directed.
• Responds to inquiries from Congressional Offices, Regional Counsel and Office of IG.
• Must have a thorough understanding of the various benefit programs and the payment procedures and regulations applicable to each program administered by the Department.
• Independently performs reviews for accuracy and consistency of data such as audits, debts, and reimbursement.
• Ensures that recurring reports are accurately complied and completed on time
• Provides technical advice to all Regional Office employees on complex and unusual benefit award adjustments, special payment issues, and accounts receivable actions on the applicable computer applications.
• Ability to use specific VA computer applications, in additions to Microsoft Excel, Word and other electronic database applications.
• Performs accounting reviews and payment function checks for discrepancies and advises management with proposes plans to prevent future unassociated funds situations.
• Provides administration support to management staff for personnel management, budget administration, procurement, and other financial related activities.
• Serve as subject matter expert in all areas of the Financial Operations section.
• Responsible for planning, organizing, assigning, and reviewing the work performed within the Operations area.
• Must be well versed in all facets of the financial and general operating procedures for the Regional Office, which requires substantial technical and managerial expertise.
• Serves as a Certifying Official authorizing all financial transactions, adjustments, and Collections.
• Ability to conduct the most detailed audits and analysis.

Promotion Potential: GS-11 is the full performance level of the position.

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Telework: Available according to local policy

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Position Description/PD#: Accountant; GS-11 37347A, GS-9 37538A,

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary in nature. There are no special physical requirements.

The work is performed primarily in office areas or conference rooms and similar environments.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation.
• A complete application package; Resume, and other documents particular to your application needs (i.e., Transcript, SF-50 etc.).
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications

Time-in-grade:

Applicants who are/were federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 grade level. For a GS-11 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09 grade level. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information.

Note: Applicants must meet both the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) and the Specialized Experience as Stated below.

To meet the IOR you must meet the following:

Basic Requirements:

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

1. 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.

AND

Specialized Experience: To qualify at the GS-09 Grade level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in federal or other service, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) professional working experience that would typically include basic accounting and budgetary methods and procedures; (2) experience using and inputting data into financial systems: AND (3) experience assisting in the preparation of financial statements and reports.

Applicants may substitute Graduate Education to qualify for grade level of GS-9. Applicants may substitute education for experience with an awarded master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university, or two full years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. This graduate degree or education must be 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.

OR

Applicants may substitute a combination of graduate education and specialized experience to qualify for grade GS-9. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level, and earned toward a master's degree, may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-9.

Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information.

To qualify at the grade level of GS-11: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in federal or other services, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience is defined as: : (1) develop and use spreadsheets to track income and expenses; (2) prepare cost estimates, budget forecasts and other accounting reports; (3) interpret and apply accounting regulation in a large organization; (4) prepare and present accounting procedures or reports; AND (5) implement and monitor procedures to ensure policy compliance.

Applicants may substitute education for the experience required at the Grade 11 Level: With3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. This graduate degree or education must be 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.

OR

Applicants may substitute a combination of graduate education and specialized experience to qualify for the grade level GS-11. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11.

Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information.

Note: 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; religions; 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.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application, if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified; errors, omissions, or failure to submit the documents as specified will affect your rating or result in loss of consideration for employment.

1. Resume:Detailing specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
   
   
   • For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
2. Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50: The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). General Adjustment SF-50 will NOT be accepted.
3. Your SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade: (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.) in order to verify time-in-grade requirements.
4. Transcript: If you are using education to qualify.

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. A well-qualified candidate is defined as meeting all of the minimum qualification standards and eligibility requirements as well as possessing skills that clearly exceed the minimum qualifications requirements for this position.

Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility can be found Here.VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

• 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.
  
  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.

Competencies/Rating Factors:

1. • Principles of Accounting: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, standards, and practices (for example, double entry accounting, accrual accounting), including the full accounting cycle and the preparation of work sheets, financial statements, ledgers, and journals.

1. • Cost Accounting: Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and methods of cost accounting, including the use of historical cost, market value, or present value to measure cost; methods for assigning cost to accounting periods; and cost allocation, cost accrual, depreciation, and unit cost.

1. • Communications: Effectively expresses information to multiple audiences through clear, convincing oral and written communications; demonstrates logical thinking when describing facts and concepts, and shapes communications to meet the needs of a specific audience; actively listens to others and demonstrates understanding of their comments and/or questions.

1. • Accounting Operations: Knowledge of general ledger accounting and the control/subsidiary account relationships and reconciliation techniques, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and disbursing officer's accountability.

1. • Customer Service: Works and communicates with clients and customers (e.g., any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit provides, including individuals who work in your agency or in other agencies or organizations outside the Government) to satisfy their expectations. Committed to quality services.

• 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.
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  The following documents are required for all applicants:
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  Review the information below and submit any additional documents (as needed) to demonstrate your eligibility and/or qualifications for the position:
  
  Current Federal Employees:
  
  • If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee or as a VEOA candidate (who is a current federal employee) you must submit an SF-50.
  • To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 in order to demonstrate their eligibility.
  • If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
  
  Resume
  
  
  • Your resume may be submitted in any format, however we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information you will not receive consideration for this position.
  • If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
  
  Transcripts
  
  
  • If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
  • Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted, however it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
  • Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
  • If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
  • A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
  • An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
  
  Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must also submit:
  
  
  • Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Or
  • Worker's compensation separation: agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50.Or
  • Disability annuity termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held. Or
  • Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held
  
  Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. You will not be contacted for additional information.
  
  In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
  
  
  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 https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12412429 and submit the documentation specified in the job announcement. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement.
  
  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/04/2024 to receive consideration.1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.2. Click submit my answers to submit your application package.
  
  Note: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the application status link and then select the more information link for this position. The details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete
  
  .Notice to Applicants: It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  Mary Chavez
  
  Phone
  
  515-323-7575
  
  Email
  
  mary.chavez@va.gov
  
  Address
  
  St Louis Regional Benefit Office
  
  9700 Page Ave
  
  Overland, MO 63132
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  After the review is complete, a referral certificate will be issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account: Here
  
  For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant process can be found: Here
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

The following documents are required for all applicants:

• Resume
• Transcript

Review the information below and submit any additional documents (as needed) to demonstrate your eligibility and/or qualifications for the position:

Current Federal Employees:

• If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee or as a VEOA candidate (who is a current federal employee) you must submit an SF-50.
• To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 in order to demonstrate their eligibility.
• If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.

Resume

• Your resume may be submitted in any format, however we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
• For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information you will not receive consideration for this position.
• If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.

Transcripts

• If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
• Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted, however it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
• Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
• If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
• A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
• An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.

Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must also submit:

• Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Or
• Worker's compensation separation: agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50.Or
• Disability annuity termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held. Or
• Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. You will not be contacted for additional information.

In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.


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 https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12412429 and submit the documentation specified in the job announcement. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/04/2024 to receive consideration.1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.2. Click submit my answers to submit your application package.

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the application status link and then select the more information link for this position. The details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete

.Notice to Applicants: It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.

Agency contact information



Mary Chavez

Phone

515-323-7575

Email

mary.chavez@va.gov

Address

St Louis Regional Benefit Office

9700 Page Ave

Overland, MO 63132

US

Next steps

After the review is complete, a referral certificate will be issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account: Here

For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant process can be found: Here

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request