Accountant (Remote)

About the Company

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the United States. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to veterans while maintaining strong financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across its healthcare facilities.

About the Role

The Accountant is responsible for performing professional accounting functions that support the financial operations of the Veterans Health Administration. This role applies accounting principles, policies, and procedures to review financial data, maintain general ledger accounts, analyze cost reports, monitor expenditures, and ensure accounting transactions are accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable federal regulations.

Location: Albany, Bath, Buffalo, Canandaigua, or Syracuse, New York (Telework Eligible)

Key Responsibilities

• General Accounting
  • Perform professional accounting duties in accordance with established accounting principles and federal regulations.
  • Review accounting transactions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper classification.
  • Maintain accounting records and supporting financial documentation.
  • Assign appropriate accounting classifications, project codes, and cost codes.
  • Support day-to-day financial operations across assigned programs.
• Financial Reporting
  • Review accounting transaction listings, financial statements, and cost reports.
  • Evaluate general ledger account balances for accuracy.
  • Prepare and maintain accounting reports and supporting documentation.
  • Analyze financial information to identify trends and reporting discrepancies.
  • Assist in preparing financial summaries for management.
• General Ledger & Reconciliation
  • Maintain general ledger and related accounting records.
  • Verify the accuracy of accounting transactions and supporting documentation.
  • Perform account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
  • Assist in resolving accounting issues through research and analysis.
  • Support accurate month-end and periodic financial reporting activities.
• Cost Accounting & Fund Management
  • Monitor project fund balances and work order expenditures.
  • Manage summary cost accounts and related financial records.
  • Analyze cost reports and monitor financial performance.
  • Ensure expenditures remain within authorized funding limits.
  • Support effective allocation and tracking of financial resources.
• Compliance & Financial Controls
  • Ensure compliance with federal accounting standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Support compliance with appropriations, allotments, apportionments, and authorized funding requirements.
  • Maintain strong internal financial controls and documentation.
  • Assist in ensuring accounting transactions meet regulatory requirements.
  • Promote accuracy and accountability in financial operations.
• Financial Analysis
  • Identify significant account variances and unusual financial activity.
  • Assist senior accounting staff with financial research and reconciliations.
  • Analyze financial data to support informed decision-making.
  • Provide accounting information to appropriate departments and stakeholders.
  • Support continuous improvement of accounting processes and reporting accuracy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with finance teams and operational departments to support financial activities.
  • Communicate accounting information clearly and professionally.
  • Respond to accounting-related inquiries from internal stakeholders.
  • Support special accounting assignments and departmental initiatives.
  • Contribute to efficient financial operations across the organization.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field with qualifying accounting coursework, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience that meets federal qualification requirements.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and financial reporting.
  • Experience performing accounting transactions, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
  • Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage confidential financial information.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
  • Must meet all applicable federal employment eligibility requirements.
• Preferred
  • Professional accounting experience within government or healthcare organizations.
  • Experience with general ledger accounting and cost accounting.
  • Experience preparing financial reports and reconciliations.
  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
  • Knowledge of federal accounting policies and financial regulations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance options.
• Federal retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Telework eligibility based on agency policy.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Potential annual leave service credit based on qualifying prior experience or military service.

Ideal Candidate

• Have a strong foundation in accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Enjoy analyzing financial data and ensuring accounting accuracy.
• Thrive in structured environments with established regulatory requirements.
• Possess exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Value integrity, accountability, and public service.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively within finance teams.