Systems Accountant

About the role

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Financial Management. Duty locations: Irving, Texas; Washington, District of Columbia; Williston, Vermont. This is a non‑bargaining, full‑time permanent position (Career/Career‑Conditional appointment). A one‑year probationary period may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to system users to accurately document proposed modifications and enhancements.
• Provide guidance to system users on the most effective way to use the application while working within policy guidelines.
• Identify limitations and problems on existing financial reporting systems.
• Examine accounting systems that develop and apply analytical methods for regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with team members to solve problems on financial system applications for budget preparations, financial statements, and report preparations.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements (per OPM Individual Occupational Requirements):

• 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 (up to 6 hours of business law may be included).
• 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. The background must also include one of the following:
  • Twenty‑four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses (up to 6 hours business law);
  • A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor obtained through written examination;
  • Completion of requirements for a degree that included substantial coursework in accounting or auditing (e.g., 15 semester hours) but does not fully satisfy the 24‑hour requirement, provided the applicant has successfully worked at the full‑performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, and a panel of at least two higher‑level professional accountants or auditors has determined the applicant demonstrates knowledge equivalent to a four‑year course of study.

Minimum Qualifications:

GS‑12 Grade Level: One year of specialized experience at the GS‑11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

• Providing support to system users to accurately document modifications and enhancements.
• Monitoring new system installation and user training.
• Evaluating accounting/finance reporting systems to meet organizational needs.
• Reviewing internal controls, data monitoring, data analysis, performance measurements, and quality controls over financial data.

GS‑13 Grade Level: One year of specialized experience at the GS‑12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

• Providing advice on financial and accounting system matters.
• Providing technical support on financial systems, ensuring they provide for future expansion or changes.
• Ensuring system revisions and modifications comply with sound accounting practices.
• Analyzing financial information to recommend efficient use of resources.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date; claims are subject to verification.

National Service Experience: Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations, is credited.

Current or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize employment offers to current or former political appointees (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non‑career SES, or Presidential Appointees within the last 5 years). Disclosure to the Human Resources Office is required.

Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities: These groups possess unique talents and may be eligible for non‑competitive appointment. Contact the Servicing Human Resources Office for details.

Education

GS‑12: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

GS‑13: There is