Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Pathways Recent Graduate ( Accountant ). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. The purpose of this position is to serve as a trainee Accountant, leading to progressively more difficult work in various phases of accounting.
Duty Location: Sacramento, California
Summary
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Pathways Recent Graduate ( Accountant ). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. The purpose of this position is to serve as a trainee Accountant, leading to progressively more difficult work in various phases of accounting.
This is a Pathways Graduate developmental position, management may select at the GS 7 or the GS 9 level leading to a GS-11 Full performance, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Duties may include but are not limited to:
Knowledge of accounting practices; methods and techniques required to perform assignments using procedures and practices that are conventional and apply to most situations encountered.
Review and process accounting documents
Assist in maintaining, analyzing and reconciling general ledgers and subsidiary ledgers
Assists in preparing related reports and in initiating corrective actions.
Provides advice and assistance to technicians, analysts and clerical personnel on transactions requiring professional accounting determinations.
Maintains liaison with serviced activities, providing advice on availability of funds, reporting methods and account reconciliations.
Studies and charts the flow of accounting documents
Observes and reports on prevailing practices concerning the treatment of selected transactions.
Analyzes current procedures and systems to determine if improvement or simplification is needed.
Studies, analyzes and interprets manuals and other accounting regulations from higher authority and discusses their application with supervisor.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must be in good academic standing as defined by the school you are attending.
You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).
You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications).
You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education).
You will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Form.
Who May Apply:
Pathways - Recent Graduates
GRADUATE APPLICANTS must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement, 04/27/2023. In addition, they must continue to meet these eligibility requirements throughout the duration of the appointment.
Qualifications
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; or
Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met.
Basic Requirements:
A. 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
B. 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 applicant's background must also include one of the following:
Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, 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 of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above, applicants must possess the experience requirements as follows:
For the GS-07 level: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience assisting in the review and analysis of financial data and generating reports; reconciling financial statements and accounts; and applying general accounting principles and practices to identify technical accounting problems and assisting with resolution.
OR
completion of one full year of graduate level education
OR
Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA).
Equivalent combination of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
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For the GS-09 level: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience Reviewing and analyzing financial data for accuracy and generating a variety of financial reports; reconciling financial statements and maintaining a general ledger; identifying and resolving technical accounting problems; and applying advanced knowledge of accounting theories, principles, and practices in order to promote the use of proper accounting procedures and methods.
OR
2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree
OR
master's or equivalent graduate degree.
Equivalent combination of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.1. Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on completed courses.2. Grade-point average - Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
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 critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. The applicant will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Academic Year: At the undergraduate level, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements. At the graduate level, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours.
Education
Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.
You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.
Interns must provide a copy of up-to-date transcripts (unofficial) at the end of each academic year, unless requested more frequently by the supervisor or Human Resources Office, for verification of enrollment and academic standing as proof of continuing eligibility for participation in the Intern Program.
Additional information
This is a career development opportunity in the excepted service under the Department of Interior (DOI) Pathways Graduate Program.
Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the DOI Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position.
Upon successful completion of the Recent Graduate Program requirements in accordance with 5 CFR 362.205 (qualifications, one year continuous work experience, satisfactory performance, mandatory training completion, etc.) you may be non-competitively converted to a term, career conditional or career appointment within 120 days to an: Accountant, GS-0510-07/09/11 career ladder position. The full performance level (FPL) of the position to which converted may be up to the GS-11 level. Management will select at the GS 7 level or GS 9 with promotion potential to the GS 11.
NOTE: An agency is not required to convert any individual in a Pathways position, to a position in the competitive service, whether upon completion of degree requirements or otherwise. Conversion to a competitive service position is not an entitlement.
If the position is filled at the lower-grade level, subsequent promotion to the next higher-grade level per the target full performance is permissible without further competition. Promotion is not guaranteed or promised but dependent upon administrative approval and the agency's continuing need for an actual assignment and performance at the higher-level duties.
Initial consideration will be given to candidates whose applications have been received before the first cut-off date 5/13/2022 and subsequent cut-offs will be on as needed basis. Qualification and/or time-in-grade requirements must be met for those applications submitted by the first cut-off date- after which your resume should be updated for consideration past that date. - Standing register position up to 1 year.
You may be required to serve an initial probationary period.
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (T2S or T2RS or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
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.
After the vacancy announcement closes, a Human Resources Office representative will review your application/resume to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and minimum qualification requirements of the job. Your eligibility and qualification status will be based on an assessment questionnaire conducted using qualification standards, your responses to job-related questions, information provided in your resume, and required supporting documents (see the Required Documents section). Applicant's answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education and/or training relevant to this position.
Veterans' preference applies to the selection for positions in the Pathways Program. The examination and selection of applicants will be made in accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR 302.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be removed from employment consideration.
Eligible, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official in an unranked order by preference status: (1) Preference eligible having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more (CPS and CP); (2) Other preference eligible; (XP); (3) Applicants eligible for 5-point veterans' preference (TP); and (4) Applicants not eligible for veteran's preference (NV).
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies with the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. You may choose to opt in of having your information shared with other agencies when applying for this position. If an agency requests a copy of a certificate you are on, you will be notified.
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.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: Applicants must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
Transcript(s): All applicants MUST furnish a copy of his/her college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable), if applicable. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university, specific courses, and the number of semester/quarter hours currently enrolled. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants not currently enrolled must provide a student schedule for the upcoming semester/quarter verifying at least half-time enrollment status. If selected, applicants will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
Proof of Pathways Eligibility: The applicant must show proof such as a letter from his/her accredited U.S. educational institution that verifies:
have been accepted for enrollment;
the degree/diploma/certification program in which the applicant is enrolled;
enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the school);
number of semester/quarter hours or class schedule for next semester/quarter; and
anticipated graduation date.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, if applicable; Applicants entitled to veterans' preference must provide a copy of his/her DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and should indicate on his/her application materials the type of veterans' preference they are claiming. Veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-- For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of the applicant's DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from his/her command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves his/her military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-- For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and the required documentation requested by this form.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel action if the applicant is currently employed with the Bureau of Reclamation.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
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.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 04/27/2023. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Due to COVID-19, the Bureau of Reclamation is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures provided by your Servicing Human Resources Office. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the Department of the Interior's telework policy.
Div of Financial Management
Bureau of Reclamation
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume and Assessment Questionnaire. Eligible applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: Applicants must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
Transcript(s): All applicants MUST furnish a copy of his/her college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable), if applicable. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university, specific courses, and the number of semester/quarter hours currently enrolled. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants not currently enrolled must provide a student schedule for the upcoming semester/quarter verifying at least half-time enrollment status. If selected, applicants will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
Proof of Pathways Eligibility: The applicant must show proof such as a letter from his/her accredited U.S. educational institution that verifies:
have been accepted for enrollment;
the degree/diploma/certification program in which the applicant is enrolled;
enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the school);
number of semester/quarter hours or class schedule for next semester/quarter; and
anticipated graduation date.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, if applicable; Applicants entitled to veterans' preference must provide a copy of his/her DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and should indicate on his/her application materials the type of veterans' preference they are claiming. Veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-- For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of the applicant's DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from his/her command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves his/her military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-- For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and the required documentation requested by this form.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel action if the applicant is currently employed with the Bureau of Reclamation.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
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.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 04/27/2023. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Due to COVID-19, the Bureau of Reclamation is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures provided by your Servicing Human Resources Office. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the Department of the Interior's telework policy.
Div of Financial Management
Bureau of Reclamation
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume and Assessment Questionnaire. Eligible applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
