GAO's work is designed to address four common goals: - to help the Congress address current and emerging challenges to the well-being and financial security of the American people; - to help the Congress to respond to changing security threats and the challenges of global interdependence; - to help transform the Federal government to address national challenges; and - to maximize the value of GAO by enabling quality, timely service to Congress and by being a leading practices Federal agency.
This position is located in the office of Applied Research and Methods (ARM) Team. ARM Actuaries serve as consultants to other GAO teams, providing technical analyses and conceptual insight where required, in a multitude areas of interest to Congress, including retirement security, health care, property and casualty/general insurance, and other benefit and insurance programs, both public and private.
The GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Applicants employed by other federal excepted service agencies who do not have status gained in the competitive service must apply to announcement number GAO-18-ARM-1510-05-DE for consideration.
Summary
GAO's work is designed to address four common goals: - to help the Congress address current and emerging challenges to the well-being and financial security of the American people; - to help the Congress to respond to changing security threats and the challenges of global interdependence; - to help transform the Federal government to address national challenges; and - to maximize the value of GAO by enabling quality, timely service to Congress and by being a leading practices Federal agency.
This position is located in the office of Applied Research and Methods (ARM) Team. ARM Actuaries serve as consultants to other GAO teams, providing technical analyses and conceptual insight where required, in a multitude areas of interest to Congress, including retirement security, health care, property and casualty/general insurance, and other benefit and insurance programs, both public and private.
The GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Applicants employed by other federal excepted service agencies who do not have status gained in the competitive service must apply to announcement number GAO-18-ARM-1510-05-DE for consideration.
The incumbent will be responsible for property and casualty/general insurance actuarial work and will perform the following:
Advises and/or assists teams in selecting and implementing appropriate methodologies for engagements in accordance with GAO standards, as they relate to actuarial issues. Reviews teams’ work at all stages, providing conceptual and technical advice, addressing technical or conceptual errors, omissions, or misconceptions. Participates in interviews of external experts on topics that relate to actuarial issues and assists team in accurately documenting the interview findings.
Participates in aspects of design, researchable question development, data collection and analysis, message development, and report writing and ensures the quality and value of the final product as it relates to actuarial issues. Edits or drafts report sections as warranted to ensure technical accuracy, clear exposition of key concepts, and the appropriate level of detail. Makes actuarial concepts and applications accessible to non-technical audiences to promote understanding of key policy decisions and issues.
Provides advice on how actuarial data should be identified, collected, and analyzed for engagements. Reviews related actuarial program documents, reports, and data. Selects, refines, organizes, and presents factual information and analysis in support of engagement objectives. In collaboration with engagement team members, decides on actuarial scope, form, content, and depth of analysis.
Contributes to primary data collection as it relates to actuarial issues. In conjunction with team members and other specialists, develops and pretests questionnaires, structured interviews and other data collection instruments used to collect primary data to meet the goals of the engagement.
In conjunction with team members, develops findings and recommendations and prepares GAO products that provide factual and analytical actuarial information in a clear, balanced manner that meets the needs of congressional clients.
Ensures that products meet all GAO standards for quality and are in conformance with all agency policies and requirements.
On occasion, makes formal presentations on actuarial issues at meetings or conferences.
May serve as a coach and mentor to less experienced staff.
As required, may be assigned off line assignments such as Professional Development Program (PDP) Advisor and others.
The incumbent will also perform work in other actuarial practice areas including, but not limited to pension, health, and life.
You may be required to submit a financial disclosure statement.
You must be suitable for federal employment.
You may be required to complete a two year probationary period.
Selective Service registration if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959.
Selective Placement Factor: In addtion to meeting the below education and specialized experience requirements, applicants must possess at least one of the following acturial certications: Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society, Associate of the Society of Actuaries, Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society or Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.
You must meet all qualifications requirements BEFORE the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the education requirements applicants must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower band level, or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service, which has equipped the applicant with the skills and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience applying actuarial science concepts, practices, and techniques to identify financial risk posed by property and casualty/general insurance programs; producing accurate work products that provide factual, analytical, and conceptual actuarial information; and presenting information to targeted audience to ensure proper interpretation and implementation of actuarial recommendations.
NOTE: Experience in other actuarial practice areas is a plus, but is not required.
NOTE: Positions in GAO are covered under the agencys’ performance based compensation system, which is pay banded. This position is classified as a PE-1510, Band IIB, which is equivalent to the GS-14 level in the federal government.
Education
Applicants must meet the following education requirements:
a. A bachelor's degree that included courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science totaling at least 24 semester hours. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites.
OR
b. Combination of education and experience that includes both of the following requirements:Technical work experience in actuarial support work or in mathematics; and Completion of a minimum of 24 semester hours of courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science at a four year college or university. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites.
**YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT SHOWING THIS COURSEWORK. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.**
Additional information
This is a bargaining unit position.
Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
Selectee may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Statement.
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.
Males born after 12/31/59 and at least 18 years of age must be registered with the Selective Service System. Visit http://www.sss.gov/.
Please be aware that applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306.
If you are selected for this position, you will be subject to a determination of your suitability for Federal employment.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The U.S. GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the GAO require completion of a one-year or two-year probationary period.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the qualification requirements stated above, you will be further rated based on your responses to the vacancy questions. Please make sure that your responses to the vacancy questions are supported in your resume. Follow all instructions carefully as incomplete answers, errors, or omissions may affect your rating. Your rating will be invalid if you fail to include a narrative reply to any vacancy question(s) that requires further explanation or your reply is "see resume."
All applicants will be rated on the following KSA’s:
Mastery of actuarial sciences research concepts, practices, and techniques, especially as they involve programs and problems related to financial risks posed by property and casualty/general insurance programs and contingencies.
Mastery of qualitative and quantitative techniques for analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of government programs and operations.
Skill in selecting, organizing, and presenting appropriate information in a concise and balanced manner and to communicate such information to target audiences.
Ability to utilize strong critical thinking skills to analyze the work of others, both actuaries and non-actuaries, for conceptual and technical accuracy, inclusion of key concepts, and effectiveness of communication.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to prepare reports, participate in interviews and meetings, and to make presentations to agency officials, congressional staff, and others.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service. For additional information, please visit http://www.gao.gov/careers/foreignedu.pdf.
- Veteran Hiring Authority Eligibles: VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. To claim 5-Point veterans' preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of the DD - 214 or if you are currently active duty: an official statement of service from your command.
- Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent), showing tenure, type of service (competitive/excepted) and the highest grade held.
- If you are applying under the Schedule A hiring Authority for individuals with disabilities, you must submit proof disability.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
1. To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET 1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume to complete an analysis, so please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service. For additional information, please visit http://www.gao.gov/careers/foreignedu.pdf.
- Veteran Hiring Authority Eligibles: VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. To claim 5-Point veterans' preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of the DD - 214 or if you are currently active duty: an official statement of service from your command.
- Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent), showing tenure, type of service (competitive/excepted) and the highest grade held.
- If you are applying under the Schedule A hiring Authority for individuals with disabilities, you must submit proof disability.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
1. To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET 1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume to complete an analysis, so please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
