Vacancy is open to All US Citizens. Applications for this vacancy require submission of an online USAHire Competency Based Assessment. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ in Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to this ODS.
At the full performance level, serves as an accountant with responsibilities in performing a variety of accounting functions in assigned areas.
Responsible for accounting studies, integrative analysis and development of accounting business processes.
May perform work in benefit accounting and systems analysis, finance, financial administrative systems, financial policy and integrity, payment and recovery policy and travel and administrative payment services.
Contributes in sensitive or confidential meetings, inter-component and/or inter-agency workgroups related to accounting operations.
Develops recommendations and advice on sensitive or confidential accounting matters that will impact the interpretation or development of accounting policies and programs. Develops, issues and maintains appropriate policies and procedures.
Researches and interprets accounting directives, circulars, legislation, regulations and policies to apply to accounting operations and reporting.
Participates in major accounting projects and initiatives. Develops and reviews sensitive or confidential accounting reports and documents. Analyzes accounting data for accuracy and identification of trends and variances.
Conducts special studies and analytical assignments to analyze, evaluate, monitor and improve accounting operations.
Researches and applies a range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify, analyze and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.
Supports the development, maintenance and enhancement of new and existing accounting systems. Manages access to accounting systems owned by external agencies or contractors.
Prepares sensitive or confidential decision memos, background papers, presentation materials, emails and other relevant forms of correspondence for use in accounting operations.
Coordinates sensitive accounting matters across agency components and with internal and external stakeholders.
Coordinates and participates in audits and/or related internal control activities to ensure the agency is in compliance with prevailing laws, regulations, guidance and other matters.
U.S. Citizenship required. Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
You must complete and pass the USAHire Assessment as part of the application process (See How To Apply).
See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for important information specific to this announcement.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for this GS-07 Accountant position you must demonstrate:
(1) a passing score on the USAHire Assessment (see How To Apply) AND
(2) the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal 0510 series AND
(3) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience -- OR --
(4) Optional Education (separate from the education required for the IOR) -- OR --
(5) Combination of Specialized Experience and Optional Education
(1) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT -- Look for a notification pertaining to the USAHire Assessment after you submit your initial application -- see How To Apply section for more information.
(2) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR)
A. A bachelor's or higher degree in Accounting.
B. A bachelor's or higher degree in a related field (such as business administration, finance or public administration) which includes or is supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting (with no more than 6 semester hours in business law). (Highlight the 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing courses.)
C. At least 4 years of experience in accounting (or an equivalent combination of experience, college education and training that provided professional accounting knowledge) which includes:
(1) 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing (with no more than 6 semester hours in business law) OR
(2) a Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor certificate (obtained through written examination) OR
(3) a degree that includes at least 15 semester hours in accounting or auditing courses. To claim this:
(a) you must have successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing or a related field;
(b) two professional accountants must certify that you have demonstrated knowledge of accounting and related fields equal to successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described above; AND
(c) your education, training and experience must fully meet the specified requirements.
If you choose C, your resume must describe your 4+ years of full performance level experience in detail.
Applicants who don't meet the requirements of this IOR will be ineligible.
(3) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gainedin a federal position at or above GS-05 OR (if your position/experience is in another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level equivalent to GS-05.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of applying accounting theories, concepts, principles and standards to the financial activities of an organization
If you have this experience, you must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
Your resume must show complete dates (month/day/year) for each position described (and if your position is or was federal, your grade at the time experience was gained). Resumes that don't include this information may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
If your experience includes a federal career-ladder position, separate your description of experience by grade so your qualifying experience (e.g., required grade, dates and duties) is clearly evident. Career-ladder positions described as a single position may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
TYPICAL DUTIES THAT DEMONSTRATE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:
(1) preparing, analyzing, interpreting or presenting accounting data, records or reports;
(2) operating, maintaining and/or modifying accounting systems;
(3) using accounting information to advise or assist management with accounting and financial management matters; and
(4) designing, developing, operating, or inspecting accounting systems
SEE RESUME REQUIREMENTS UNDER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
(4) OPTIONAL EDUCATION: Applicants without Specialized Experience can meet Minimum Qualifications with:
A. a bachelor's degree that demonstrates Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)* OR
B. a bachelor's degree followed by at least one full year of graduate education or law school (see below).
To be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for this position.
Graduate education must be in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position.
*See EDUCATION for information on SAA.
(5) COMBINATION: Applicants without the full amount of Specialized Experience or the full amount of Optional Education can meet Minimum Qualifications with a portion of each that can be combined to meet the full requirement:
A. Except for the 52-week requirement, Specialized Experience must be as described above.
B. Only graduate education, as described above, can be considered.
HR will determine if the combination of experience and graduate education is sufficient to meet Minimum Qualifications.
NOTE -- you must submit transcripts to substantiate all claimed education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (e.g., USAHire Assessment, IOR and Specialized Experience [and/or Optional Education]) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
See EDUCATION and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more information on demonstrating your eligibility nd qualifications.
The hiring office will have an initial formal training program for new hires.
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.
NOTES SPECIFIC TO THIS CAREER-LADDER POSITION:
The hiring office will conduct an initial formal training program for new hires.
This is a mid-level developmental position leading to the GS-12 full performance level. Assignments in this position are developmental in nature.
Management devises structured training and development activities to provide experience and technical competence in the methods, procedures, principles and techniques of the full performance level.
The supervisor defines objectives, priorities and deadlines, is available for consultation and assists with unusual situations, problems or studies that do not have clear precedents.
The incumbent consults with higher graded analysts to identify problems and methods of approach, but is expected to perform standard, routine duties independently.
The supervisor evaluates reports and other completed work for technical soundness, appropriateness of conclusions or recommendations, consistency and relevance.
During this period of training, management broadens assignments to enable the incumbent to eventually perform all the duties of the next higher grade.
Consideration for promotion is at the discretion of management and is based on the existence of higher-level work your ability to perform that work, administrative requirements and current agency and/or organizational restrictions.
Education
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met and demonstrated by all applicants. (See QUALIFICATIONS above.)
In addition to the education required by the IOR, Optional Education, as described above, can be used in lieu of (or in combination with) Specialized Experience.
For example, a bachelor's degree in accounting meets the IOR. If your degree demonstrates *Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or is followed by at least one full year of graduate education, it also meets the Optional Education portion of Minimum Qualifications and eliminates the requirement for 52 weeks of Specialized Experience. (18 semester hours will be considered as satisfying 1 full year of graduate education.)
If you have a portion of Specialized Experience and a portion of graduate education, you can submit the transcript for your bachelor's degree (to support the IOR) and the transcript for your graduate education, in addition to a resume which demonstrates a portion of the Specialized Experience. HR will determine if the full requirement is met.
For application purposes, you may submit an unofficial transcript but it must show your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled, the degree earned and your GPA. If your degree is in a related field, it must show 24 semester hours in accounting (with no more than 6 semester hours in business law). Transcripts that do not show that a degree was conferred cannot be considered to have resulted in a bachelor's degree.
All education claims must be supported with appropriate transcripts.
If you completed your qualifying education in more than one school, you must submit full transcripts for all schools attended.
TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for completed courses.
DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
EDUCATION IN LIEU OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
If you claim a bachelor's degree with *Superior Academic Achievement, submit
-- a full transcript showing your final GPA OR
-- a full transcript and official documentation of your class-ranking OR
-- a full transcript and official documentation of your National Honor Society Membership.
If you claim a bachelor's degree with at least one year of graduate level education (generally at least 18 graduate-level credits) submit the full transcript for your bachelor's degree as well as the full transcript for your graduate-level education. Your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
EDUCATION IN COMBINATION WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
You must have successfully completed at least some graduate level courses and performed at least some of the duties that meet Specialized Experience - you must submit the transcript for your bachelor's degree and the transcript for your graduate level education, along with a resume describing your experience. HR will determine if the full requirement is met.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
*Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) can be demonstrated by
1. Class standing -- must be in the upper third of graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
2. GPA (no more than 10 percent of total credit based on pass/fail or similar systems) -- must have a GPA of:
(a) at least 3.0 out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript or as computed on 4 years of education or as computed on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
(b) at least 3.5 out of 4.0 based on the required courses in the major or the required courses in the major completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
3. Election to qualifying National Honor Society: National Honor Societies Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.
You must provide appropriate documents to support your claim.
HR reviewers will make the final determination on the relevance of completed courses and the computation of your GPA.
Foreign Education: If your qualifying education was completed in a foreign college or university, you must also provide, as part of your application, documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
Selective Service: If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire Assessment: If you have a physical or mental disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, or the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, as amended, that would interfere with completing the USAHire Assessment, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Reasonable Accommodation requests and appropriate supporting documents must be receivedprior to starting the USAHire Assessment. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and applicants will receive notice of the decision prior to receiving an email notification to complete the USAHire Assessment. You must complete the assessment within 48 hours of receiving the URL. See USAHire Reasonable Accommodation Request for more information.
OTHER NOTES:
See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for this position.
See HOW TO APPLY, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position.
You must complete a USAHire Assessment as part of your application.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
The hiring office will conduct an initial formal training program for new hires.
This is a GS-07 career-ladder position leading to the GS-12 full performance level.
Position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule and may be eligible for an Alternate Work Schedule (AWS); telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met.
This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ, Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to this ODS.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay tables.
Successful performance in this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
This is a high-risk public trust position. If selected, you may be required to complete Standard Form 85P (Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions) to have the appropriate investigation conducted.
You must complete a USAHire Assessment as part of your application (see HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and 'HOW TO APPLY' for more information).
Position is assigned to:
SSA-HQ
Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management (DCBFM)
Office of Financial Policy and Operations (OFPO)
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.
(1) You will receive a score based on your responses to the USAHire Assessment, which will evaluate your knowledge, skills and abilities as they pertain to:
Accountability
Arithmetic
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Mathematical Reasoning
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
The USAHire Assessment includes a cut-off score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in the critical competencies. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut-off score or fail to complete the assessments.
(2) Using that score, you will be placed into one of three Category Rating groups:
Best Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities Well Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills, and abilities Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
Veteran's Preference is considered during this part of the evaluation.
(3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on your score, your resume and transcript will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate Minimum Qualifications for this position (i.e., the IOR and Specialized Experience and/or Optional Education, if applicable).
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more information on what your resume must demonstrate.
Overstating your qualifications or experience may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the assessments may also result in your removal.
(4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate Minimum Qualifications will be referred to the hiring manager in category order, beginning with Priority Selections. Applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Your description of your knowledge, skills and abilities is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability.
PRIORITY SELECTIONS:
Well qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered if appropriate supporting documents are provided see Required Documents and this Career Transition Guide before you choose this eligibility (CTAP / ICTAP Guide -- few applicants (if any) are eligible under these programs.
Qualified veteran's preference eligibles will be placed ahead of others in the category for which ranked.
Qualified veterans' preference-eligibles who demonstrate a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be placed in the Best Qualified category.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
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.
Resume -- all applicants (SSA employees may use SSA-45) Transcript (or certificate) - all applicants to support IOR and Optional Education, if claimed Current SF-50 - recommended for applicants with federal status (current or former federal employees) Vet Preference documents - if claimed CTAP / ICTAP documents - if claimed Military Spouse documents - if claimed
RESUME - must include:
-- your name and contact information
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time position or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (if your position is or was federal) and
-- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
See QUALIFICATIONS for Specialized Experience requirements.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position and support your responses to the online questionnaire.
Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered and may cause you to be ineligible.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
APPLICANTS WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Provide details of the duties you perform that demonstrate the requirements for this position. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
APPLICANTS WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
It's expected that some applicants may qualify on education alone and may not have relevant work experience, but you must still submit a resume that
(1) shows your name and contact information,
(2) describes how you meet the IOR AND
(3) describes how you meet the optional education requirement.
If you have work experience you want to include (even if not related to this position), follow the resume requirements stated above.
TRANSCRIPT (or CPA/CIA Certificate) -- required for every applicant to support IOR claim (follow instructions in QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections) AND Optional Education, if claimed.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, but must include your name, the name of the school, the date of completion and degree earned (or qualifying courses completed) and your GPA.
Transcripts that don't show that a degree was earned are not acceptable for meeting the degree requirement.
If you claim a degree in a related field, highlight the 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing courses to ensure they are given consideration during the review process.
If your education was completed in more than one school, you must submit a full transcript for each school attended.
If you are demonstrating SAA, follow instructions in EDUCATION section.
If you are demonstrating graduate education provide a transcript for your graduate education, as well as a transcript for your bachelor's degree.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
SF-50 -- recommended for applicants with federal status.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: See Vet Guide. Submit DD-214 (Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service). See below if you are still on active duty.
For derived preference submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse.
Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
Preference will be based on documents received. This may affect your eligibility and/or rating.
ICTAP - See CTAP / ICTAP Guide
Submit separation notice; SF-50 documenting separation; performance appraisal, etc.
To successfully apply for this position, you must complete:
(1) the Initial Application with uploaded required documents AND
(2) the USAHire Assessment
You may email OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov with inquiries about the initial application process PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Questions pertaining to the USAHire Assessment must be submitted to the USAHire Help Desk (see below).
(1) INITIAL APPLICATIONS must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) May 24, 2024 and must include:
A.responses to questionnaire
B. uploaded resume and transcript(s)
C. other documents to support eligibility, if any (see Required Documents)
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents.
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(5) Recommended: "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended
(6) Optional: Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview
(7) REQUIRED: Look for an email with information about completing the USAHire Assessment
The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
(2) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT
After you successfully submit your Initial Application, you will be sent a notification (both on-screen and via email) advising if you are required to take the additional USAHire Assessment. Check Spam and Junk folders!
If you completed an assessment for the same grade and series within the previous year, you may not have to complete another assessment at this time. Some applicants may have taken a portion of the assessment during a previous application for a different grade and/or series and will only be required to take the remaining portions.
If you are required to take the Assessment, you will receive a unique URL to access USAHire using your USAJOBS login. Review the USAHire instructions prior to beginning the assessment.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the assessment; however, it may take less time. The deadline for completion of the USAHire Assessment will be in the email, but you'll have at least 48 hours to complete it.
You can stop an assessment and continue later by re-using the URL but note that some parts are timed, and it's not advised to stop during those parts. Continuing at a later time does not extend the deadline! (The URL can also be found on the Additional Application Information page located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.)
USAHire HelpDesk: If you need USAHire assistance (e.g., inability to access the assessment link, technical difficulty after accessing the link or other questions) contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.
Technical assistance is available Monday through Friday 7 AM to 8 PM EST. The Helpdesk is closed on weekends and federal holidays including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. You may also visit the USAHire Resource Center for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.
DCBFM - OFPO
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
A second email will provide information about the USAHire Assessment. If it indicates the assessment isn't required, your application is complete (assuming you submitted all required documents). If you need to take the USAHire Assessment, follow the instructions carefully.
HR cannot provide copies of announcements or application documents to you.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete, and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume -- all applicants (SSA employees may use SSA-45) Transcript (or certificate) - all applicants to support IOR and Optional Education, if claimed Current SF-50 - recommended for applicants with federal status (current or former federal employees) Vet Preference documents - if claimed CTAP / ICTAP documents - if claimed Military Spouse documents - if claimed
RESUME - must include:
-- your name and contact information
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time position or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (if your position is or was federal) and
-- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
See QUALIFICATIONS for Specialized Experience requirements.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position and support your responses to the online questionnaire.
Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered and may cause you to be ineligible.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
APPLICANTS WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Provide details of the duties you perform that demonstrate the requirements for this position. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
APPLICANTS WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
It's expected that some applicants may qualify on education alone and may not have relevant work experience, but you must still submit a resume that
(1) shows your name and contact information,
(2) describes how you meet the IOR AND
(3) describes how you meet the optional education requirement.
If you have work experience you want to include (even if not related to this position), follow the resume requirements stated above.
TRANSCRIPT (or CPA/CIA Certificate) -- required for every applicant to support IOR claim (follow instructions in QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections) AND Optional Education, if claimed.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, but must include your name, the name of the school, the date of completion and degree earned (or qualifying courses completed) and your GPA.
Transcripts that don't show that a degree was earned are not acceptable for meeting the degree requirement.
If you claim a degree in a related field, highlight the 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing courses to ensure they are given consideration during the review process.
If your education was completed in more than one school, you must submit a full transcript for each school attended.
If you are demonstrating SAA, follow instructions in EDUCATION section.
If you are demonstrating graduate education provide a transcript for your graduate education, as well as a transcript for your bachelor's degree.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
SF-50 -- recommended for applicants with federal status.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: See Vet Guide. Submit DD-214 (Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service). See below if you are still on active duty.
For derived preference submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse.
Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
Preference will be based on documents received. This may affect your eligibility and/or rating.
ICTAP - See CTAP / ICTAP Guide
Submit separation notice; SF-50 documenting separation; performance appraisal, etc.
To successfully apply for this position, you must complete:
(1) the Initial Application with uploaded required documents AND
(2) the USAHire Assessment
You may email OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov with inquiries about the initial application process PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Questions pertaining to the USAHire Assessment must be submitted to the USAHire Help Desk (see below).
(1) INITIAL APPLICATIONS must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) May 24, 2024 and must include:
A.responses to questionnaire
B. uploaded resume and transcript(s)
C. other documents to support eligibility, if any (see Required Documents)
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents.
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(5) Recommended: "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended
(6) Optional: Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview
(7) REQUIRED: Look for an email with information about completing the USAHire Assessment
The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
(2) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT
After you successfully submit your Initial Application, you will be sent a notification (both on-screen and via email) advising if you are required to take the additional USAHire Assessment. Check Spam and Junk folders!
If you completed an assessment for the same grade and series within the previous year, you may not have to complete another assessment at this time. Some applicants may have taken a portion of the assessment during a previous application for a different grade and/or series and will only be required to take the remaining portions.
If you are required to take the Assessment, you will receive a unique URL to access USAHire using your USAJOBS login. Review the USAHire instructions prior to beginning the assessment.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the assessment; however, it may take less time. The deadline for completion of the USAHire Assessment will be in the email, but you'll have at least 48 hours to complete it.
You can stop an assessment and continue later by re-using the URL but note that some parts are timed, and it's not advised to stop during those parts. Continuing at a later time does not extend the deadline! (The URL can also be found on the Additional Application Information page located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.)
USAHire HelpDesk: If you need USAHire assistance (e.g., inability to access the assessment link, technical difficulty after accessing the link or other questions) contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.
Technical assistance is available Monday through Friday 7 AM to 8 PM EST. The Helpdesk is closed on weekends and federal holidays including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. You may also visit the USAHire Resource Center for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.
DCBFM - OFPO
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
A second email will provide information about the USAHire Assessment. If it indicates the assessment isn't required, your application is complete (assuming you submitted all required documents). If you need to take the USAHire Assessment, follow the instructions carefully.
HR cannot provide copies of announcements or application documents to you.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete, and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
