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Forensic Accountant

Department of Transportation
Office of Inspector General

Summary

This position is to serve as an expert in forensic accounting; particularly, its use and application to provide the greatest benefit to OIG. These responsibilities include providing support to regional offices, and Office of Investigations headquarters unit(s). The incumbent is responsible for assisting with OIG investigations by conducting forensic analysis of financial data and working with investigators to unravel various techniques for moving funds and shielding illegal or improper activity

Overview

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Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—This position may be eligible for situational telework. Telework approval will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$97,307 - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Promotion potential
13
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - This is a full-time position
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional Travel may be required.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
NCS/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
HQ INV OPS-2026-0008
Control number
879903700

Duties

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The incumbent serves as a  forensic accountant and authority in the identification, examination, and analysis of financial data in investigations and law enforcement actions. Plans, coordinates, and leads complex financial investigations. Coordinates the examination of financial aspects of OIG investigations in cooperation with investigators, prosecuting attorneys and others. Works collaboratively 'with OIG investigators to identify the scope of investigations and the types of documents, systems, and entities that may be necessary for review.

The incumbent conducts advanced financial analysis: defends, explains, and performs a variety of statistical and financial analysis techniques, as well as critical reviews of financial management plans of both corporate and government agencies.

Reviews financial records to identify indicators or evidence of fraud, complex accounting-related violations, or other illegal, non-compliant, or unethical activity. Documents reviewed include accounting records, bank records, tax records, and other financial documents; contracts and other agreements; invoices and other billing records; communications, including copies of letters and email messages; corporate governance documents; federal grant- and contract-related forms and agreements; and other related documents. Conducts analysis to identify and present to investigators any indicators of illegal or non-compliant activity such as double-billing, self-dealing transactions, conflicts of interest, bribery, kickbacks, false claims, misapplication of federal funds, money laundering, or violations of appropriations laws such unauthorized reprogramming of funds.

Prepares interim and comprehensive final financial reports for prosecutors, investigators, auditors and/or management officials in accordance with DOT OIG policies and procedures. Testifies before Grand Juries, courts of law, or administrative hearings in support of forensic accounting, complex expert opinions, or other technical matters. This includes producing comprehensive reports and illustrative materials for Federal, State, or Local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain forensic accounting interpretation and conclusions.

Reconstructs and interprets financial records to calculate the amount of financial harm, identify available assets, and track the movement of funds. Conducts ability to pay analysis for companies and individuals and provides advice to support monetary settlements.

Assists with OIG investigations regarding accounting, private sector and government financial practices; banking laws and systems; conventional and nonconventional financial institutions; and national and international businesses.

Provides extensive forensic analysis of financial systems such as government accounting and budgeting records and private sector systems. Develops new and innovative forensic accounting techniques applicable to various criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.

Assesses the value of financial evidence; unravels sophisticated techniques for moving funds and shielding illegal activity. Identifies key transactions that may indicate fraud or other unlawful activity and develops strategies for uncovering additional information about the parties involved. 

Provides financial profiles of individuals and groups. Compiles complex financial findings and conclusions to prepare in-depth forensic accounting reports which can be understood and comprehended by both accounting and lay personnel.

Utilizes various information technology applications to review and interpret implications on a vast number and variety of financial transactions, and other corporate, business, and financial processes, associations, and record-keeping systems.

Participates in subject and witness interviews, conducts interviews with individuals to gather financial information, and testifies as an expert witness in criminal proceedings. Assists investigators in the identification of key witnesses and subjects to interview, and using financial records and other evidence, develops questions and strategies to conduct interviews. Participates in interviews with investigators and asks key questions about financial activity to determine whether and how any unlawful or otherwise improper activity has occurred. Develops and provides forensic accounting presentations/briefings for OIG management.

Applies extensive knowledge of accounting standards such as generally accepted accounting principles and is familiar with auditing requirements defined by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars and bulletins, Department of Treasury regulations and Government Accountability Office (GAO) principles and standards.

Identifies and justifies instances of questionable costs and funds put to better use and develops recommendations to strengthen programs and operations based on the findings from financial analysis.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Selectee must reside within 65 miles from duty location by start date.

Qualifications

GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience:

  • Conducting forensic accounting or financial analyses to identify fraud, waste, abuse, or financial irregularities.
  • Examining accounting records, bank records, contracts, invoices, tax records, grants, or other financial documents to identify questionable transactions or noncompliance with laws and regulations.
  • Preparing financial analyses, investigative reports, or audit support documentation for management, investigators, auditors, or legal proceedings.
  • Applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), government accounting standards, auditing principles, and applicable federal laws and regulations.
  • Collaborating with investigators, auditors, attorneys, or law enforcement personnel to support criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.

GS-13: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience:

  • Independently planning, coordinating, and conducting complex forensic accounting investigations involving fraud, financial crimes, or misuse of government funds.
  • Reconstructing complex financial transactions; tracing the movement of funds; identifying concealed assets; and analyzing financial evidence to support criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.
  • Providing technical expertise to investigators, prosecutors, auditors, and management officials on forensic accounting matters and developing investigative strategies.
  • Preparing comprehensive forensic accounting reports and presenting findings through briefings, written reports, or expert testimony before judicial or administrative proceedings.
  • Applying advanced knowledge of GAAP, government accounting, appropriations law, federal grants and contracts, OMB guidance, Treasury regulations, and GAO standards to evaluate compliance and support enforcement actions.
  • Developing innovative forensic accounting methodologies, mentoring junior staff, or leading significant portions of complex financial investigations.

All documents must be received and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.  Your resume must be well documented with the specialized experience, otherwise you may be deemed ineligible.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE qualifications for the grade(s) at which you are requesting consideration. Applicants must meet qualifications and time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies:

  • Technical Credibility
    • Applies professional knowledge of forensic accounting, GAAP, government accounting principles, auditing standards, financial systems, and federal laws and regulations to analyze financial data, identify fraud, and support criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.
  • Analytical Thinking
    • Examines complex financial records, identifies trends and irregularities, reconstructs financial transactions, evaluates evidence, and develops logical, evidence-based conclusions to support investigations and enforcement actions.
  • Problem Solving
    • Identifies financial issues, develops innovative approaches to uncover concealed assets and fraudulent transactions, recommends investigative strategies, and resolves complex accounting and financial challenges.
  • Oral Communication
    • Effectively communicates complex financial information to investigators, attorneys, auditors, judges, juries, and management through interviews, briefings, expert testimony, and presentations.
  • Written Communication
    • Prepares accurate, well-organized forensic accounting reports, investigative summaries, financial analyses, and supporting documentation that clearly present findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legal and administrative proceedings.

Education

Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirements

  1. 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

  2. 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:
    1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
    2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
    3. 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.

Additional information

APPLICANTS MUST MEET QUALIFICATIONS BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT.  

Any male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, and who is subsequently selected for this position must certify that he is registered for the military selective service by the date he is to enter on duty.  False certification may result in termination after appointment.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, careers@oig.dot.gov

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.

All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in two phases to determine how you move forward in the hiring process.

  • Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.
  • Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents). Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.

Federal employees must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements for merit promotion consideration.  TIG is the 52-week requirement Federal employees in competitive service, General Schedule (GS) positions at GS-5 and above must serve before they are eligible for promotion to the next grade level. TIG requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).

NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.

Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed below, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.


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Office of Inspector General

Agency contact information

Karen Muller
Phone
202-366-1490
TDD
202-366-2136
Fax
571-258-4052
Email
Karen.Muller@oig.dot.gov
Address
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

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