The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) regulates Farm Credit System (System) institutions including banks, associations, and related entities, as well as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). Accounting Specialists participate in and support the examinations of these System institutions in a variety of capacities.
Our desirable candidate has experience as a bank examiner/auditor or banking accounting manager and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Summary
The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) regulates Farm Credit System (System) institutions including banks, associations, and related entities, as well as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). Accounting Specialists participate in and support the examinations of these System institutions in a variety of capacities.
Our desirable candidate has experience as a bank examiner/auditor or banking accounting manager and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
As an Accounting Specialist, your duties will include:
Evaluating the implications of complex accounting standards and practices on System institution financial performance and reporting. Typical areas of focus include accounting for financial assets, leases, derivatives, and defined benefit pension programs.
Analyzing accounting practices and financial reporting at System institutions for adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and compliance with accounting-related regulatory requirements.
Evaluating internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and internal audit programs, making recommendations, and ensuring System institutions take corrective action when weaknesses are identified.
Monitoring, interpreting, and communicating the effects of emerging changes in GAAP, SEC rules, and industry practices on the examination of regulated financial institutions.
Conducting meetings with public accounting firms, internal auditors, and regulated institutions to exchange information and discuss emerging accounting and financial reporting issues.
Researching and responding to accounting and financial reporting questions, providing on-site assistance on examinations requiring specialized expertise, and establishing formal agency accounting opinions.
Developing reports and other written products that summarize examination conclusions, results of research and analysis, and responses to technical questions.
Presenting verbal briefings, reports, and other presentations to executive management, staff, and regulated institutions.
Developing guidance for examiners and informational letters to regulated institutions; analyzing systemic risks and accounting practices; ensuring accounting policy is employed consistently; and participating in task forces that develop policy and regulations.
Duties and expectations vary by grade level. For example, at the lowest grade level (VH-38), the specialist demonstrates sound competencies and understanding of applicable concepts and processes, and applies those competencies to moderately complex situations with only occasional guidance. At the highest grade and performance level of this position (VH-39), the specialist (1) demonstrates advanced competencies in the above subject matter; (2) applies those competencies in highly complex situations with generally limited or no guidance; (3) serves as a resource and advisor for complex technical accounting questions; and (4) participates in developing FCA examination guidance and policy positions.
One year probationary period, unless previously served.
Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
Submission of a financial disclosure report may be required.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
Qualifications
You may qualify at the VH-38 (GS-12) band level if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-37 (GS-11) band level. Experience may have been gained in Federal service or in equivalent public or private service and included activities similar to the following examples:
Evaluating or applying the accounting standards and practices commonly related to banks, such as accounting for loans, investments, other property owned, asset impairment, fair value measurement, purchase premiums and discounts, gains and losses on sales, leases, debts, derivatives, hedges, dividends, expense capitalization, pensions and benefits, securitization, mergers and acquisitions, and other bank-related areas;
Evaluating or developing financial reporting to shareholders or the SEC;
Evaluating or administering internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR);
Evaluating the impact of accounting practices on financial reporting and performance measures (e.g., the impact of accounting practices on earnings);
Evaluating defined-benefit pension plans and internal audit programs.
This experience is typically associated with serving as a bank examiner, accountant, auditor, controller, accounting manager, or accounting-related analyst at a bank or similar financial institution.
You may qualify at the VH-39 (GS-13) band level if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-38 (GS-12)band level. This experience may have been gained in Federal service or in equivalent public or private service and included activities similar to the following examples:
Delivering briefings, reports, and other presentations to management.
Evaluating or applying the accounting standards and practices commonly related to banks, such as accounting for loans, investments, other property owned, asset impairment, fair value measurement, purchase premiums and discounts, gains and losses on sales, leases, debts, derivatives, hedges, dividends, expense capitalization, pensions and benefits, securitization, mergers and acquisitions, and other bank-related areas;
Evaluating or developing financial reporting to shareholders or the SEC;
Evaluating or administering internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR);
Evaluating the impact of accounting practices on financial reporting and performance measures (e.g., the impact of accounting practices on earnings);
Evaluating defined-benefit pension plans and internal audit program.
This experience is typically associated with serving as a bank examiner, accountant, auditor, controller, accounting manager, or accounting-related analyst at a bank or similar financial institution.
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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience at the VH-38 or VH-39 band level.
Additional information
Locality pay is added to base salary using on the following duty station locality rates: Bloomington, MN, 26.89%; Irving, TX, 26.87%; McLean, VA, 32.99%; Greenwood Village, CO, 29.55%; Sacramento, CA, 28.80%, and the Rest of the US 17.00%. Locality rates are subject to change.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
All FCA employees are subject to the conflict of interest laws and Standards of Ethical Conduct imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report.
FCA's supplemental ethics regulations restrict certain FCA employees concerning their direct or indirect interests in, or connections with, Farm Credit System institutions. These rules also require all employees to obtain approval for outside employment or business activities. Please contact the HR Division for additional information on these rules.
FCA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
This announcement may be used to fill similar vacancies.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019, with some exceptions, prohibits the Farm Credit Administration from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, visit our website at (Careers at FCA | Farm Credit Administration) for information on filing a complaint.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps including submitting an application and completing the application questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Allowance for Credit Losses Assessment
Bank-related Accounting
Financial Reporting including Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Influencing/Negotiating
Oral Communications
Project Management
Written Communications
This position requires an online assessment; the online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. 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.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating and Selection procedures. Eligible candidates will be placed in one of three pre-defined quality categories, described below. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position.
Highly-Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must fully demonstrate proficiency in all major aspects of the position.
Well-Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in some but not all of the major aspects of the position.
Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of knowledge, skill and ability of the position.
Under category rating procedures, veterans' preference points and the "rule of three" are not applied. The rights of eligible veterans are protected by placement on the list ahead of non-preference eligibles within each pre-defined quality category. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent (i.e., CPS and CP) are listed in the Highly-Qualified category except when the position is being filled is scientific or professional at the VH-35 (GS-09) grade level or higher.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
Resume. Highlighting relevant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this position. Your resume must include the following information (1) paid and non-paid work experience including your position title, start and end dates (month/year) of employment, average number of hours worked per week and salary (separated by position series and grade for each federal position, if applicable ; (2) indication of the knowledge, skills and education you have that are pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties you have performed as a regular part of your job with indications of the level of responsibility and complexity of work; (4) Names and contact information for your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal).
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)
Worker's Compensation Separation. Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account and all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the FCA HR Division between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement at Employment_Opportunities@fca.gov or 703-883-4135. The alternate application package must be received in the Human Resources Division no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and documents sent via mail will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you need technical assistance with your online application, you can contact the USAJOBS customer support desk Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. You can find answers to many of your questions on the USAJOBS Help Center.
Office of Agency Services, Human Resources Division
1501 Farm Credit Drive
McLean, VA 22102
US
Next steps
The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit.
Later steps in the hiring process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Your resume may be evaluated by a subject matter expert or may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, fit interview, etc. as part of the multiple hurdle assessment process..
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume. Highlighting relevant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this position. Your resume must include the following information (1) paid and non-paid work experience including your position title, start and end dates (month/year) of employment, average number of hours worked per week and salary (separated by position series and grade for each federal position, if applicable ; (2) indication of the knowledge, skills and education you have that are pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties you have performed as a regular part of your job with indications of the level of responsibility and complexity of work; (4) Names and contact information for your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal).
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)
Worker's Compensation Separation. Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account and all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the FCA HR Division between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement at Employment_Opportunities@fca.gov or 703-883-4135. The alternate application package must be received in the Human Resources Division no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and documents sent via mail will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you need technical assistance with your online application, you can contact the USAJOBS customer support desk Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. You can find answers to many of your questions on the USAJOBS Help Center.
Office of Agency Services, Human Resources Division
1501 Farm Credit Drive
McLean, VA 22102
US
Next steps
The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit.
Later steps in the hiring process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Your resume may be evaluated by a subject matter expert or may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, fit interview, etc. as part of the multiple hurdle assessment process..
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
