The position serves as the alter-ego and principal advisor to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Director of Total Force Pay, overseeing more than 2,100 employees in four locations with an assigned no-fail mission of paying millions of customers and leading the agency in worldwide finance and disbursing operations.
There is one position available, which may be located at Indianapolis, IN; Cleveland, OH; or Whitehall (Columbus), OH.
Summary
The position serves as the alter-ego and principal advisor to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Director of Total Force Pay, overseeing more than 2,100 employees in four locations with an assigned no-fail mission of paying millions of customers and leading the agency in worldwide finance and disbursing operations.
There is one position available, which may be located at Indianapolis, IN; Cleveland, OH; or Whitehall (Columbus), OH.
Leads a large and complex pay organization, working to determine the future direction for pay-related operations and advises senior leadership on critical decisions.
Directs systems and processes that ensure accurate and timely pay for millions of military members, civilian employees, and retirees, while also managing large-scale financial disbursements.
Drives technological improvements, efficiencies, and process standardization to enhance the customer experience, deliver high-quality financial and reporting products, and ensure audit readiness.
Champions the ongoing improvement and security of the critical financial systems that support the organization's payroll and financial operations.
Serves as a primary representative for the agency in discussions with Congress, the White House, other federal agencies, and senior civilian and military leaders on financial management policies and issues.
This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certificate
Compliance with the provision of the Ethics in Government Act, Public Law 95-521, as amended, submission of a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE 278, upon assuming the position, annuallly, and upon termnnation of employement is required.
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.
Qualifications
This position is in the Senior Executive Service (SES), a small elite group of top government leaders. SES members possess a diverse portfolio of experiences including strong skills to lead across organizations.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show in your application package that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this position within your resume. Your resume may NOT EXCEED two pages. Resumes over the two-page limit will be disqualified. ECQs and TQs must be addressed within your resume. Separate narrative statements addressing ECQs and TQs will not be considered. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information.
Your resume should include examples of experience, education and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
DRIVING EFFICIENCY: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
MERIT AND COMPETENCE: Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
LEADING PEOPLE: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group towards meeting the organization's vision, mission and goals, and to drive a high performance, high- accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ACHIEVING RESULTS: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQ's):
In-depth knowledge of financial management principles, best practices, and standards related to accounting, finance, budgeting, resources management, or a related business function.
Demonstrated leadership experience in championing technical innovations and process improvements in accounting, finance, budgeting, resources management or a related business function.
DoD Joint Enterprise-wide Experience: Possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoW or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences.
In accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 1300.26 "Operation of the DoD Financial Management Certification Program," this position requires you to obtain a Level 3 Certification under the DoD Financial Management 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. Failure to become certified within the required timeframe may be grounds for removal. from the position and/or Federal service. Once certified, the incumbent must obtain the required Continuing Education and Training (CET) units as outlined in DoDI 1300.26. Information about the DoD FM Certification Program is available at FM Certification
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for this position.
Additional information
U.S. Citizenship required
Current and Former Career SES members, and graduates of SES CDP programs with OPM Certified ECQ's need to only address the technical qualifications (and need not respond to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)). Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility confirming completion.
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.
The incumbent must be eligible to obtain and maintain, at minimum, a Top Secret security clearance.
The incumbent is required to comply with the provision of the Ethics in Government Act, Public Law 95-521, as amended, which requires the submission of a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE 278, upon assuming the position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
All newly appointed career SES leaders must sign the Reassignment Rights Obligations Agreement as a condition of appointment into the SES.
Executive Core Qualifications of the selectee are subject to approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unless selectee is currently servicing under a SES appointment, is an OPM CDP Graduate, or has SES Reinstatement eligibility.
Tiering: The Office of the Secretary of War structures its SES positions into tiers to determine the pay range for each position. The categories are based on the position scope, breadth, functions and placement with the organizational structure of the Department. This is a Tier 1 position.
Occasional Travel Required.
Permanent Change of Station Costs (PCS) may be paid.
A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for a selected candidate who meets the criteria specified in 5 CFR Part 575.
As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a one year probationary period unless you have previously completed a probationary period in the SES.
Veterans' preference does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service. If you have questions about the applicability of veterans' preference for a particular vacancy, please contact the agency posting the announcement.
Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information.
All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
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.
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further considerations.
Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to the position. The Selectee's application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB through a Structured Interview process unless he/she provides evidence of their non-competitive status (i.e., current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible).For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/ .
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.
1. Résumé: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical and executive core qualifications for the position, within those two pages. Your two page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. Applicant guidance on the two-page resume requirement may be found at http://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit. or http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/
2. Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
3. Documents supporting basic education requirements as applicable.
4. Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.
5. SF-50: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification. Current and former SES, please provide most recent SES SF-50.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e. a resume, ECQs, technical qualifications, and other qualifications, as applicable) WILL NOT receive consideration for the position.
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.
NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible, and accurate.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time Zone, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
`Your resume must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, TAG: 04/16/2026
A complete application includes your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, a resume, and any other documents listed below under Required Documents
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DFAS - HUMAN RESOURCES
8899 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
We will conduct a qualifications evaluation of applicants who supply all requested material. Qualified applicants will be rated and ranked by an SES evaluation panel. Best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome after approval of the selectee by the OPM Qualification Review Board (QRB). Our evaluation will be based on the information you supply. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Résumé: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical and executive core qualifications for the position, within those two pages. Your two page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. Applicant guidance on the two-page resume requirement may be found at http://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit. or http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/
2. Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
3. Documents supporting basic education requirements as applicable.
4. Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.
5. SF-50: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification. Current and former SES, please provide most recent SES SF-50.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e. a resume, ECQs, technical qualifications, and other qualifications, as applicable) WILL NOT receive consideration for the position.
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.
NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible, and accurate.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time Zone, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
`Your resume must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, TAG: 04/16/2026
A complete application includes your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, a resume, and any other documents listed below under Required Documents
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DFAS - HUMAN RESOURCES
8899 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
We will conduct a qualifications evaluation of applicants who supply all requested material. Qualified applicants will be rated and ranked by an SES evaluation panel. Best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome after approval of the selectee by the OPM Qualification Review Board (QRB). Our evaluation will be based on the information you supply. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
