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Accountant

Office of Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) promotes the economy, efficiency, and integrity of FHFA's programs and operations by conducting audits, investigations, evaluations, and reviews and recommending courses of action designed to support FHFA's mission of ensuring a safe and sound mortgage finance system that provides reliable liquidity and funding for housing finance and community investment.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open date: 03/27/2024
Closed date: 04/10/2024
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—We offer opportunities for telework as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expenses may be paid.
Salary
$58,014 - $117,783 per year
Pay scale & grade
EL 7 - 9
Promotion potential
13
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel may be required.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Announcement number
24-FHFAIG-31-X
Control number
782309200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals who are Recent graduates and have completed a degree or certificate from a qualifying education institution within the previous 2 years. Students who are within 9 months of graduating may apply. Veterans unable to apply within 2 years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have a full 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. The eligibility period for veterans must be within 6 years of degree completion.

Duties

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The position is in the Office of Administration.

The following are the duties of this position at the EL-13. (Equivalent to the GS-13) However, the position that you are applying to is at a lower grade. You will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties and will receive training to help you grow in this position.

  • Provide accounting expertise to the FHFA-OIG Division of Budget and Finance.
  • Apply sophisticated accounting, financial analysis, and investigative skills to identify, analyze and summarize data and prepares detailed accounting or financial reporting findings and conclusions.
  • Analyze accounting and financial trends to identify problematic issues and provide corrective recommendations for consideration by senior staff. Conduct special studies and prepare recommended interpretations outlining the facts and develop strategies and actions for meeting program objectives.
  • Display an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices, apply and utilize advanced technology, and maintain productive work relationships with federal agencies accounting representatives in the General Accounting Office (GAO), BFS and FHFA.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

- All selectees must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
- Subject to a 1-year trial period is required (unless already completed).
- Must successfully complete a background investigation
- Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required.
- Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
-If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
- Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
- Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
- Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
- Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
- File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
- The employment of any candidate, including a current employee or a new hire, selected for this position may be conditional upon classification and/or audit of federal tax returns. This audit may include up to 2 years of returns.

Key Requirements:

  1. Please refer to "Conditions of Employment."
  2. Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
Ethics: FHFA-OIG employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA-OIG employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA-OIG. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA-OIG employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms.

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To be eligible for the Recent Graduates Program, applicants must have, within the previous 2 years*, completed all educational requirements for a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying institution or intended graduation is no more than 9 months from date of application. However, you must graduate prior to being appointed to the position.

*Veterans who, due to a military service obligation, were precluded from applying to a Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period may have their eligibility period extended so that they receive the full 2 years of eligibility. The remaining 2-year eligibility period will begin upon his or her release or discharge from active duty. The veteran's eligibility period may not extend beyond 6 years from the date of completion of all requirements of an academic course of study.


Specialized experience for the EL-09 (equivalent to the GS-09) is defined as one year of experience at the EL-07 (equivalent to the GS-07) level, or equivalent that is directly related to the position and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this grade must include:
- Examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting and financial data, records, and reports; AND
- Participating on audits, reviews, or specialized projects or studies of financial statements and operations; AND
- Experience working with accounting systems sufficient to process accounting documents or perform research and analysis.

OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.

OR
You may qualify on a combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education.

Specialized experience for the EL-07 (equivalent to the GS-07) is defined as one year of experience at the EL-05 level (equivalent to the GS-05), or equivalent that is directly related to the position and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this grade must include:
- Operating or monitoring financial management systems; AND
- Preparing reconciliations, reports or audits.

OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: completed at least 1 full year of graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) or have a bachelor's degree and meet one of the following requirements for superior academic achievement: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 years of study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in the major field of study or those courses in the major completed in the last 2 years of study, or rank in the upper one third of the class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

OR
You may qualify on a combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent.

Education

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:
1.Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
3. 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.

Additional information

- We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
- Relocation expenses may be paid.
- This is a non-bargaining unit position.
- Telework opportunities are offered per agency policy.
- We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.

FHFA-OIG may convert a Pathways Recent Graduate non-competitively to term or permanent positions in the competitive service. The target position upon conversion is a EL-11 (equivalent to the GS-011) for the EL-9 (equivalent to the GS-09) and EL-9 (equivalent to the GS-09) for the EL-7 (equivalent to the GS-07) with a full performance level of a EL-13 (equivalent to the GS-13). However, conversion is not mandatory or guaranteed. Recent Graduates must be U.S. citizens and meet the following requirements to be eligible for conversion:

  1. Complete at least one year of continuous service;
  2. Demonstrate fully successful job performance consistent with the applicable performance appraisal program;
  3. Meet the OPM Qualification Standards for the competitive service position to which she or he will be converted;
  4. Meet any other agency-specific requirements outlined in her or his Participant Agreement; and
  5. Receive a recommendation for conversion from her or his first-level supervisor.

Our employees enjoy all the standard federal benefits, plus additional agency-specific benefits. Our benefits package includes:
- HEALTH INSURANCE: A variety of Federal Employee Health Benefit plans to choose from which can be paid from pre-tax income. FHFA-OIG pays 90% of the bi-weekly premium.
- DENTAL and VISION INSURANCE: 100% of the premium for employees and their family members (including domestic partners).
- 401(k) PLAN: In addition to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), FHFA-OIG employees are eligible to participate in a separate agency-sponsored 401(k) plan. FHFA-OIG provides a 100% employer matching contribution of up to 5 percent of your salary that you contribute. The plan offers multiple investment options. Funds from qualified plans of previous employers can be rolled over to your 401(k) account.
- COMMUTING EXPENSES: FHFA-OIG provides monthly transportation and parking subsidies to employees who commute to work on public transportation. Employees who do not commute via public transportation may apply for free parking at the building.
- GYM: Free use of an on-site gym and locker room with shower facilities when at the HQ building.
- REIMBURSEMENTS and STIPENDS: Fees forprofessional licenses/certifications and professional liability insurance may be reimbursed. Health and Wellness stipends are provided to eligible employees each year for activities related to promoting a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance. Travel stipends are provided to employees who travel over 50 nights per fiscal year.

Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application includes your résumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your résumé may result in a "not qualified" determination.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., résumé , supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your résumé may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Rating: Your application will be evaluated in the following areas:

  • Accountability
  • Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Systems and Technology
  • Teamwork
  • Technical


The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Veterans' preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Preference-eligibles will be listed at the top of their assigned category and considered before non-preference-eligibles in that category. For the EL-7 only, qualified preference-eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest category.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)) you must receive a score in the middle category or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.

Office of Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency

The FHFA Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG)) Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. Following the completion of program requirements, selectees may be considered for non-competitive conversion to a career-conditional or term appointment. All conversion requirements identified in the Participant Agreement. Program requirements include but are not limited to:

  • Successful completion of at least 1-year of continuous service;
  • Completion of at least 40 hours of interactive training;
  • Demonstration of successful job performance; and
  • Meeting the qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate may be converted.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM? For additional information regarding the Pathways Program, please refer to the following website: www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads

Agency contact information

Applicant Call Center
Phone
304-480-7300
Email
HFIGINQUIRIES@fiscal.treasury.gov
Address
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Administrative Resource Center
Parkersburg, WV 26101
US

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