Supervisory Accountant

Summary This position is located in Office of the Chief Financial Officer. As a Deputy Division Chief, Supervisory Accountant, you will oversee a variety of financial accounting programs, compliance issues, financial management, payroll compensation and leave administration impacting DHS activities or operations. Responsibilities Lead and supervise three branches to ensure that subordinate perform and complete their required work assignments, responsibilities, projects and tasks at quality levels and are timely and ensure sufficient coordination across the USCIS. Ensuring all financial management processes, activities, accounting, reporting, systems, policies, procedure, and practices are fully compliant with all applicable laws, directives, and Department guidance. Provides expert fiscal knowledge, consultation, and advice on complex accounting principles, appropriation law, financial policy, operations, regulations, and law to both subordinate appropriate individuals and leadership. Develops and presents oral presentations and briefings to senior managers and leadership throughout the Agency that accurately reflects current financial operating status and effects of potential or actual changes to same. Work with the Division Chief to ensure that USCIS financial statements are accurate and timely, that the implemented policies, procedures, and controls are sufficient to safeguard tangible and intangible assets against waste, fraud, and abuse. Support the needs of management, to conform with DHS and government-wide statutory and regulatory requirements (OMB and the Department of Treasury, and other reporting entities), and to ensure financial operations occur efficiently and effectively. Plans and assigns work to subordinate managers on processes and projects that require technical expertise, accuracy, political savvy, and collaboration throughout USCIS. Solves complex accounting issues impacting financial operations and status. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment: You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure You must pass a drug screening You must submit resume and supporting documentation Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework and remote work programs This position IS NOT in the bargaining unit. This position IS NOT considered “essential” for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed. Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position; (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas. Supervisory/Managerial Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a twelve-month probationary period upon appointment to this position. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position. Qualifications The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 10/24/2024. Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 10/24/2024. Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic requirements: (Must be supported in Transcripts from an accredited institution, Resume and/or Applicable Certificate) 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 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. Your background must also include one of the following: 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality (which may include 6 credit hours of business law); OR A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Audit (obtained through written examination); OR 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), provided that: You have successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, Auditing, or a related field; At least two professional accountants have determined that you demonstrate a good knowledge of accounting (equal to four years of study); AND Except for literal non conformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, your education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements. GS-15: You qualify at the GS-15 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Supervising, implementing and providing guidance on policies and procedures; Coordinating financial accounting programs, procedures and controls, financial statement compilations, as well as the validation, verification, and promulgation of financial procedures and policies; Planning and conducting periodic on-site compliance and quality assurance reviews of nationwide financial operations; Assisting with development of accounting systems and the implementation of new systems; Evaluating and reviewing fulfillment of financial accounting objectives, and the effect of the advice on the overall financial management position of the Service. Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. USCIS will only review the first 5 pages of your resume to determine your initial eligibility/qualifications for a position. As such, please be sure to include content to support your eligibility/qualifications for this position within the first 5 pages. Please note that your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Duties (be specific in describing your duties) Employers name and address Supervisor name and phone number Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if youve held a federal position. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible. Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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 criteria 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 service. Please provide the dates and amount of time/hours worked earning this experience. Education EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Basic Education or Experience Requirement: This position has a basic requirement that can be met by either education or experience. If you meet this requirement via education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable) to support the basic educational requirement or a list of coursework with hours completed. For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name and educational institution. If you meet this requirement via experience, the experience must be listed in your resume. Additional Information Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page. If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service. Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicants criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to our Staffing Helpdesk. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.