About this role
Job SummaryJoin the Maritime Administration's Office of Financial Policy and Compliance as a strategic accounting leader responsible for improving financial management, strengthening internal controls, and advising senior leadership on initiatives that support sound financial stewardship and organizational performance.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience leading or supporting financial management, accounting, or business process improvement initiatives by evaluating financial operations, reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, or related processes, and recommending solutions that improve efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, or data integrity. Experience interpreting and applying financial management laws, regulations, accounting principles, policies, or internal control requirements (such as OMB Circular A-123, FMFIA, Treasury guidance, GAAP, or comparable standards) to strengthen financial management programs and ensure compliance. Experience analyzing financial, operational, or program performance data; preparing reports, briefings, or executive-level recommendations; and communicating findings to support strategic planning, organizational performance, or senior leadership decision-making. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Financial Management & Business Process Improvement: Knowledge of accounting principles, financial management concepts, and business process improvement techniques sufficient to evaluate accounting operations, financial reporting, reconciliations, and financial management processes; identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and data integrity; and develop practical solutions that strengthen financial management programs and support organizational objectives. Financial Management Compliance Internal Controls: Knowledge of financial management laws, regulations, accounting standards, policies, and internal control principles sufficient to interpret and apply financial management requirements; evaluate compliance with applicable guidance; identify financial management risks or control weaknesses; and develop recommendations that strengthen accountability, internal controls, and organizational compliance. Financial Analysis, Performance Management & Executive Advising: Skill in analyzing financial, operational, and program performance information to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; evaluating the impact of financial management decisions; and preparing reports, executive briefings, and strategic recommendations that support organizational performance, business transformation, and senior leadership decision-making. 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesThe Accountant: Leads financial management improvement initiatives by evaluating accounting operations, financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, and business processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and financial accountability. Analyzes complex financial, operational, and organizational performance data to identify trends, evaluate risks, and develop recommendations that support executive decision-making and strategic priorities. Advises senior leadership on financial management policies, accounting standards, internal controls, and business process improvements to strengthen organizational performance and ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders to implement financial management improvements, business transformation initiatives, and corrective actions that enhance financial operations and internal controls. Prepares executive briefings, reports, analyses, and policy recommendations that communicate complex financial information and support informed management decisions. The ideal candidate for this position is a collaborative financial management professional who enjoys solving complex problems, improving business processes, and influencing organizational change. They combine strong accounting expertise with sound judgment, communicate effectively with senior leaders, and develop practical solutions that strengthen financial management, internal controls, compliance, and organizational performance.RequirementsCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).