The position is located within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, whose mission is to manage and oversee NOAA's accounting, financial planning, performance evaluation, financial systems, internal control, and policy, supporting the broader strategic goals of the Department and NOAA. In this role, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring internal funding controls are in place for over $6.5 billion annually. The position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.
Summary
The position is located within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, whose mission is to manage and oversee NOAA's accounting, financial planning, performance evaluation, financial systems, internal control, and policy, supporting the broader strategic goals of the Department and NOAA. In this role, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring internal funding controls are in place for over $6.5 billion annually. The position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.
The Director, Finance Office/Comptroller is responsible for managing NOAA's accounting system and developing overall financial management guidance. The Director provides guidance and control of financial management activities such as, cash management, internal controls, prompt payment, electronic payments, travel management, financial reporting, internal audits, and cost accounting at all levels of operations; supports and enhances NOAA's financial management policies, systems and procedures; provides financial payment and travel systems NOAA-wide and for all DOC counterpart organizations. The incumbent has primary responsibility for directing and leading the full range of Bureau financial operations, which include the following:
1. Serves as principal expert in all financial management programs as required by the Chief Financial Officers Act. Coordinates necessary audit activity throughout NOAA organizations. Institutes methodologies, organizational practices, and processes to ensure audit readiness and accuracy consistent with applicable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and prescribed Departmental accounting policies and procedures.
2. Maintains liaison with key management officials and provides assistance on complex budgetary and financial matters, and builds consensus among executives, senior and internal or external stakeholders regarding strategies that contribute to more efficient allocation of resources, which cross-cut organizational lines. Provides advice and assistance where needed to meet requirements established by DOC, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Department of the Treasury. Externally communicate with senior officials at the Department of Justice, OMB, General Services Administration, and OIG to coordinate financial matters.
3. Develops uniform operational systems and approaches that improve NOAA accounting procedures.
4. Interprets and implements accounting changes to the Government Performance and Results Act, Government Management Results Act (OMRA), Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act, OMB Bulletin 97-01, Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (FFMIA), and other financial management improvement acts.
5. Ensures the financial management system complies with Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Boards (FASAB), GAO, Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP), FMFIA, and FFMIA requirements. Develops and implements integrated systems, policies, and procedures designed to ensure financial information generated by NOAA's accounting system is reliable, consistent with all regulatory requirements, and meets the needs of Congress, DOC, and NOAA.
6. Provides technical policy, procedure, guidance, and financial management leadership on overall fiscal and accounting matters. Develops and/or oversees the implementation of programs and processes that ensure robust monitoring of financial transactions and budget execution to achieve complete compliance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as internal and external policy. Adopts adequate measures to address anomalies and eliminate/mitigate risks of future non-compliance.
7. Anticipates the effect of legislative and administrative changes and initiatives and ensures development of effective, legally-compliant, fully responsive budget formulation strategies to provide for implementation of programmatic priorities.
8. Provides leadership in budget proposal and/or justification efforts, advising senior leadership on funding strategies and novel solutions to new or unique programmatic funding requirements.
9. Oversees accurate allocation of costs among budget accounts and evaluates proposals for reprogramming of funds, advising managers and bureau leadership on all appropriate compliance measures and ensuring that approved transfers of budget authority between budget accounts are consistent with reprogramming regulations.
10. Advises senior leadership on the entire range of budgetary and financial matters, including internal control measures, and builds consensus among executives, senior managers, and internal or external stakeholders regarding strategies that contribute to more efficient allocation of resources.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
File a Public Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. This position requires a Top Secret clearance.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)
Qualifications
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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.
Resumes over the 2 page limit will not be reviewed and will be disqualified. Your resume should be 2 pages or fewer and not include images or graphics. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs).
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
PTQ 1: Broad senior-level experience leading financial planning and management processes, supported by strong accounting education and/or equivalent experience in government accounting systems and government accounting policy and procedures, including oversight of automated management and financial systems, and ensuring compliance with the CFO Act, Governmental Performance and Results Act, Federal Manager's Financial Integrity Act, and other legislative requirements.
PTQ 2: Demonstrated senior-level experience advising and collaborating with senior management officials on financial management decisions, including integrating financial data systems with program activities to support organizational objectives and ensure accountability.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and PTQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a 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.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward 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.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: Applicants who are current or former members of the SES, have SES reinstatement eligibility, or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) should submit supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50 or OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification) reflecting their eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Education
This position has an education requirement.
Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.")
OR
Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following:
Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full- performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to the Department of Education Accreditation page.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of the credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
Additional information
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov.
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
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 (ECQ) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQ) listed above. ECQs and PTQs 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 consideration.
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 this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. 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.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and PTQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) 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 and upload your résumé and/or other required 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.
It is an applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and PTQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) 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 and upload your résumé and/or other required 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.
It is an applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
