If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission.
Social Security Number
Enter your Social Security Number. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.
Vacancy Identification Number
The Vacancy Identification Number is: 543918
1. Title of Job
Accountant
2. Biographic Data
3. E-Mail Address
4. Work Information
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
5. Employment Availability
6. Citizenship
Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
8. Other Information
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
9. Languages
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
10. Lowest Grade
Enter the lowest grade level you will accept.
07
11. Miscellaneous Information
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
12. Special Knowledge
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
13. Test Location
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
14. Veteran Preference Claim
15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service
16. Availability Date
You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise you must provide the date you will be available for employment. Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)
17. Service Computation Date
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
18. Other Date Information
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
19. Job Preference
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
20. Occupational Specialties
Select the Specialty Code listed.
001 Accountant
21. Geographic Availability
The geographic location code will be selected for you if there is only one, otherwise, select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is:
0653 Hines, IL
22. Transition Assistance Plan
23. Job Related Experience
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
24. Personal Background Information
If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.
25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:The following question is used to determine if you are eligible based on the Area of Consideration reflected in the announcement. NOTE: You must provide proper documentation such as an SF50 if you are a current employee, your DD214 showing your honorable discharge, VA Ltr, and SF15 or Vocational rehabilitation letter if applying for 30% or Schedule A. If you are applying for VRA and are a current federal employee by-passing time in grade, then you must provide a copy of your DD214 showing your honorable discharge.
1. I am a current employee of Hines VAMC or Jesse Brown VAMC (including CBOCs and Vet Centers under their umbrella) for which this position is being considered.
A. Yes
B. No
2. I am applying as a 30% compensable and/or Schedule A (Peoples with Disabilities).
A. Yes
B. No
The following section is used to determine your eligibility for appointment in the Federal Government or Status for referral consideration. Please respond yes or no to the following questions. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBILE RATING. NOTE: You must submit the required documentation to verify your eligibility as indicated below. Failure to provide the required documents will render you not eligible for consideration. See instructions under the "How to Apply" tab for submitting documentation.
A- Yes
B- No
3. PROMOTION CANDIDATE FROM THE FACILITY: - I am currently employed as a career or career-conditional VA employee in the competitive service (Block 34 on SF50) at the facility for which the position is being is being advertised and have not held the target grade or a grade higher on a permanent basis or I am currently employed as a Excepted Service Facility VA employee in the excepted service (Block 34 on SF50) at the facility for which the position is being is being advertised and have not held the target grade or a grade higher on a permanent basis. (NOTE: If you indicate "yes" for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your most recent career/career conditional SF-50 AND you must submit a copy of an SF-50 that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis).
4. REASSIGNMENT or CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE CANDIDATE FROM THE FACILITY- I am currently employed as a career or career-conditional VA employee in the competitive service (Block 34 on SF50) at the facility for which the position is being is being advertised and currently hold the target grade or higher on a permanent basis or I am currently employed as a Excepted Service Facility VA employee in the excepted service (Block 34 on SF50) at the facility for which the position is being is being advertised currently hold the target grade or higher on a permanent basis. (NOTE: If you indicate "yes" for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your most recent career/career conditional SF-50 AND you must submit a copy of an SF-50 that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis).
5. REPROMOTION CANDIDATE FROM THE FACILITY-Current C/CC Facility VA employee- I am currently employed as a career or career-conditional VA employee in the competitive service (Block 34 on SF50) at the facility for which the position is being is being advertised and have held the higher grade however currently hold a lower grade or I am currently employed as a Excepted Service Facility VA employee in the excepted service (Block 34 on SF50) at the facility for which the position is being is being advertised and have held the higher grade however currently hold a lower grade. (NOTE: If you indicate "yes" for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your most recent career/career conditional SF-50 AND you must submit a copy of an SF-50 that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis).
6. VETERANS CANTEEN SERVICES: I am a current Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Employee on a permanent appointment and have held a permanent position for more than 90 days.
7. 30% DISABLED VETERAN- 30% Compensable is defined as a disabled veteran rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more; or a disabled veteran who retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30 percent or more; AND my discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable. (NOTE: If you respond "yes" to this statement, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 documenting final military discharge, release or retirement (your DD Form 214 must reflect the dates of service, character of discharge, and time lost, if any) and an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA), or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that you have a service-connected disability of 30% or more along with your application/resume package.)
8. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES- I have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. NOTE: If you indicate "yes" for this question, you MUST submit a certification statement from a state Vocational Rehabilitation Service (state or private), Department of Veterans Affairs, a licensed medical professional (e.g., a Physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, to practice medicine); or any Federal agency, State agency or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits along with your application/resume package.
Please certify that you have accurately identify your level of experience and demonstrated capability when completing this questionnaire as your responses, resume and supporting documents will be reviewed for accuracy.
9. VERFICATION STATEMENT: Your rating is subject to verification based on the resume, narratives and other relevant documents you submit, and through verification of references as appropriate. Deliberate attempts to falsify information are grounds for non-selection and for termination. In addition, falsifying information on your application can result in your being barred from federal employment. Please choose A to certify that your answers are accurate and complete.
A. I certify that my answers are accurate and complete.
B. I do not wish to certify. I understand that I will not be considered for the position.
Basic Education Requirement - Carefully read the following descriptions and select the one statement below that best describes your experience, education, or combination of experience and education to meet the basic requirements to qualify for an Accountant. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. (Supporting Documentation/Certificate/Transcript Required)
1. For the position as an Accountant:
A. I have a bachelor's degree (or higher) in accounting or 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. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. (Transcripts Required)
B. I possess a combination of education and experience of at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. My background also includes: Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality.
C. I possess a combination of education and experience of at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. My background also includes: A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor.
D. I possess a combination of education and experience of at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. Plus my background includes all of the following: o I have completed 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 in accounting; o I have has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field; o a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that I have demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement of obtaining a degree in accounting or in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration(equal to four years of study); and o my education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
E. My experience, education or combination of experience is not described in item A, B, C, or D.
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement for an Accountant, applicants must also possess specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below to qualify for this position at an advanced grade level.
2. In applying for the GS-7, do you possess one (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the Accountant position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled? Specialized experience includes application of basic theories and principles of Accounting to carry out well-defined accounting, auditing or examination practices. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 in Federal service.
A. Yes
B. No
3. In applying for the GS-7, do you possess one (1) full year of successfully completed graduated level education, which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the Accountant?
A. Yes
B. No
4. In applying for the GS-7, do you possess superior academic achievement gained at the baccalaureate level in an accounting, business administration, finance or public administration curriculum? Such superior academic achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership, which meets the requirements of one of the 4 descriptions, as follows:
Class Standing. Standing in the upper third of their class based on completed college work at the time of application for the position. This is the upper third of the class in the college or university, or major subdivision (e.g., school of recreation, school of physical education). This must be documented on the transcript or by a statement from the school.
College grade average of "B" (3.0 or higher on a 4 point scale). This is either: (1) The average of all completed college courses at the time of application for the position, OR (2) The average of all college courses completed during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum. Must be calculated by the applicant as a specific attachment to the transcript (course, grade, etc.).
College grade average of "B+" (3.5 or higher on a 4 point scale) in the major field, where such field is fully qualifying and directly applicable to the specialty field of the position to be filled. This is either: (1) The average of completed courses in the major field at the time of application for the position, OR (2) The average of college courses completed in the major field during the last 2 years of the undergraduate curriculum. Must be calculated by the applicant as a specific attachment to the transcript (course, grade, etc.).
Honor Society Membership. Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, or other national honorary scholastic society meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies (other than freshman honor societies). This must be noted on the transcript ordocumented by the applicant.
Grade-point averages should be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 should be rounded to a 3.0 and 2.94 should be rounded to 2.9.
A. Yes
B. No
Time in Grade is the 52 week requirement that Federal Employees in competitive service General service (GS) positions at the GS-5 and above must serve before they are eligible for promotion (advancement) to the next grade as appropriate for the position being filled. Current federal employees under the General Schedule (GS) system are required to have at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade for which they are applying for.
5. Please select the following response that best describes your meeting the requirement.
A. I am a current GS employee and have held the grade of GS5 or higher for at least 52 weeks.
B. Time in grade does not apply to me as I am using a form of status such as 30 % compensable, Schedule A , VRA or Under a pay system other than a General Schedule (GS).
C. None of the responses apply to me.
The following statements pertain to your skill in applying knowledge of the concepts and principles of accounting practices, methods and techniques.
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.
A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
6. Uses automated systems to find, review or change accounting data in transaction files, ledgers, accounts, summary reports and financial statements.
7. Maintains, analyzes and reconciles general ledgers and subsidiary ledgers.
The following statements pertain to your ability to examine, analyze, interpret and prepare accounting data, records and reports.
8. Studies and charts the flow of accounting documents.
9. Analyzes current procedures and systems to determine if improvement or simplification is needed.
10. Studies, analyzes and interprets manuals and other accounting regulations from higher authority and discusses their application with supervisor.
11. Prepares automated obligation and expenditure transactions.
12. Studies existing reports, accounts or instructions to streamline operations or provide report with greater detail.
13. Provides advice and assistance on transactions requiring professional accounting determinations.
14. Assists in development of standard operating procedures.
The following statements pertain to ability to perform administrative duties.
15. Recommends solutions to problems and devises new or alternate procedures for accounting or related functions involving analysis of accounting operations.
16. Reviews, coordinates and monitors implementation of policies governing the program area.
17. Develops and carries out local directives and guidance.
18. Maintains program records and prepares and submits reports.
19. Develops information papers and briefings.
The following statements pertain to your ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a variety of personnel from diverse backgrounds.
20. Communicates with agency personnel to gather factual information such as accounting data and reports in order to resolve operating problems and to correct errors.
21. Plans, coordinates, and advises on work efforts or resolves operating problems by influencing or motivating individuals or groups who are working toward mutual goals.
22. Communicates and treats internal and external customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner.
23. Provides customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
24. Handles customer conflict and problems constructively and appropriately.
