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CIVILIAN PAY TECHNICIAN- HELP DESK

Department of Defense
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DFAS- INDIANAPOLIS CIVILIAN PAY OPERATIONS

Summary

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the Department of Defense (DoD) in
finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information.

Pay for first time hires to the Federal Govt will typically be set at step 1 salary for their respective grade level.

To view pay rates in a specific location visit the OPM pay tables at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
02/11/2026 to 02/25/2026
Salary
$41,115 to - $59,581 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 6
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Indianapolis, IN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
6
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
DFAS-DHA-12878702-26
Control number
857220800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens

Duties

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  • Duties described below reflect the full performance level GS-06. Duties assigned to an entry grade of GS-05 will be developmental in nature.
  • The Civilian Pay Help Desk responds to inbound phone calls from customers with inquiries and requests, courteously and professionally, while providing a customer experience that offers consistent and accurate information in a timely manner.
  • Researches employee leave/pay issues based on inquiries that include special pay requests, validating and requesting changes to service computation dates, advising supervisors on overtime requests, and resolving issues regarding debt letters.
  • The Help Desk technician’s primary function is to respond to inquiries in an environment involving high customer volume and sensitive content related to the overall entitlements/pay processes.
  • Determines eligibility for pay and benefits based on appointment type and pay plan, tour of duty, and location of employment.
  • Uses various automated systems and databases to: search records and customer accounts, procedures and guidelines to identify and explain information.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen or National
  • Background or Security Investigation - Position Sensitivity and Security Levels may vary and is dependent upon position being filled - see the Additional Information field below for more details.
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certification
  • New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
  • Position is located in Indianapolis, IN. Please note, this position is NOT eligible for remote telework.
  • Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.

Qualifications

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.

Applicants MUST have related financial experience AND/OR a related financial degree (examples include: Finance, Accounting, Management, Actuarial Science, or related), in addition to meeting Office of Personnel Management (OPM) minimum qualification requirements. Substitution of combination of education and experience must still, in conjunction, minimally satisfy the DHA qualification requirement.

One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required: (GS-04 if applying for the GS-05; GS-05 if applying for the GS-06).

GS-05: Specialized experience is defined as:
performing financial duties that support the processing of financial/accounting transactions using standardized procedures to include reviewing documents for accuracy and inputting financial/accounting information into an automated system and correcting invalid/incorrect transactions.

GS-06: Specialized experience is defined as: processing a variety of non-routine payroll actions, such as establishing, adjusting and closing payroll accounts; and preparing and balancing a variety of payroll reports.

Volunteer Experience: 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience is generally not applicable above GS-05 but may be considered if it is directly related to the position being filled. You MUST submit transcripts at the time you apply.

GS-05: Four years of education above high school in any field may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement

GS-06: Six months of graduate education may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement when it is directly related to the position being filled

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to substitute for the specialized experience requirement.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

    • Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
    • An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
  • FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
    • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education

Additional information

  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
  • Moving expenses will not be paid.
  • Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
  • Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
  • This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Travel requirement is Seldom.
  • This position is covered by a bargaining unit
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance.(See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here)
  • This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program as a condition of employment. If you are selected, you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless you are already in a position that requires a Level 1 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required time-frame may be grounds for removal from the position and/or from Federal service. Information about the DoD FM Certification Program is available at FM Certification
  • The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements
  • This vacancy announcement will be used to fill current vacancies and anticipated future vacancies. Onboarding is dependent upon favorable security/suitability determination and availability of work and vacancies. In some instances, individuals may not be employed for six months or more from the time they are approved by security.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.
You will be evaluated on how well your qualifications, as demonstrated in your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses on the application, meet the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.


Criminal History Inquiries - 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, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil (this call center group box will be the intake for complaints and will forward to appropriate POCs).

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