Skip to main content
U.S. flag
 

Accountant

Department of Energy
National Nuclear Security Administration
Associate Administrator for Budget and Accounting

Summary

This position is part of the Associate Administrator for Budget and Accoutning, Financial Performance. A successful candidate in this position will serve as an Accountant, performing accounting operations, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and compliance reviews to ensure the accuracy and integrity of agency financial records in accordance with federal accounting principles and guidelines.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$62,392 - $165,288 per year
Pay scale & grade
NQ 2 - 3
Promotion potential
3
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
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
Q Access Authorization
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
26-NA-MB-XA-00976-GOVL
Control number
887052300

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

Current Federal employees with competitive status or other eligibility; Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; CTAP/ICTAP eligibles; Veterans with VOW, VEOA, or 30% disability; Military Spouses; Individuals with Disabilities Schedule A; Peace Corps, Vista (AmeriCorps) eligibles; Those eligible under an OPM interchange agreement or other special appointing authority.

Duties

Help

This position is being advertised at both the NQ-02 and the NQ-03, with the following salaries for Albuquerque, NM.

NQ-02 pay band ranges from $62, 392 thru $117,625

NQ-03 pay band ranges from $107,592 thru $165,288


As an
Accountant, you will:

  • Applies concepts, principles, and practices of accounting and financial accounting management for effective financial accounting standards and integrity of resources and programs in support of organizational priorities and decision-making.
  • Utilizes knowledge of general ledger accounting and the control/subsidiary account relationships and reconciliation techniques, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and disbursing officer's accountability.
  • Applies analysis, policy interpretation, risk assessment, evaluation of alternatives, and recommendation-making to complex budget, financial, policy, program, or resource-management issues.
  • Represents the organization in budget meetings, briefings, and hearings to present, explain, and defend complex financial and policy information to senior leaders and external stakeholders.
  • Prepares written budget, financial, policy, program, resource, customer, stakeholder, or oversight products that require clarity, accuracy, organization, and audience awareness.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Subject to Random Drug Testing
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Favorable suitability determination required.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance.
  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
  • Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
  • May be required to successfully complete a one (1) year probationary or two (2) year trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
  • Please limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, you will be disqualified.
Probationary periods are required for new employees appointed to competitive service positions for the first time; or reinstated employees who return to Federal service after a break in service of 30-days or more and who have not completed a probationary period will need to complete the requirement. Trial periods are required for all excepted service employees. Trial periods served in the same position and agency with no break in service will satisfy the requirement.

Qualifications

All applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (basic requirements) AND Specialized experience outlined below.

Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR)
A. 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-

B. 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.



SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR NQ-02:

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ-01 or GS-07. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: applying basic accounting and financial management principles to review, verify, and reconcile routine financial transactions; assisting with the identification of discrepancies and processing standard adjustments using automated accounting systems; and compiling financial data to assist in the preparation of routine reports, schedules, and statements under general supervision.


Examples of Specialized Experience, but are not limited to:

1. Reviewing routine accounting documents and transactions for accuracy, proper coding, and adequate supporting documentation.
2. Performing basic account reconciliations, identifying routine discrepancies, and entering corrective adjustments in financial systems.
3. Extracting and compiling financial data from accounting databases or spreadsheets to assist in preparing recurring financial reports.

-OR-

Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree

-OR -

A combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement. This is computed by determining the total qualifying specialized experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Only graduate education in excess of one full year may be used to qualify.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR NQ-03

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ-02 or GS-12. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: applying advanced theories, principles, and concepts of accounting and financial management to independently resolve complex financial issues, perform reconciliation, and conduct detailed financial analysis; analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory requirements, such as US Treasury, OMB, and GAO guidelines, to ensure agency compliance and implement standardized financial procedures; and leading, guiding, or reviews the work of an accounting or financial staff, including providing technical direction, coordinating daily operations, and resolving routine work-related issues.

Examples of Specialized Experience include, but are not limited to:

1. Overseeing the implementation of financial accounting plans and policies from non-supervisory workers.
2. Evaluating financial operations to ensure the proper utilization of financial systems and expenses.
3. Reviewing financial reports generated by staff before presentation to senior management.


"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

EDUCATION: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

**FOREIGN EDUCATION: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. A written evaluation of any foreign education must be provided with your application in response to this vacancy announcement or be received by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide this evaluation will result in you being found unqualified for the position. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education, see the Department of Education website, and for a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please Note: If your foreign education has already been accepted by an accredited U.S. educational institution as part of a degree program with that institution, you do not need to provide an evaluation of foreign education but must submit a copy of the transcripts listing the degree from the U.S. accredited institution that accepted your foreign education.

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.

If you are selected, official transcripts will be required.

Additional information

  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • All positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • All males born after December 31,1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  • A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
EEO Policy: Click HERE.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.
Veterans Information: Click HERE.
Telework: Click HERE.
Selective Service Registration: Click HERE.

Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking HERE.

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.

USA HIRE ASSESSMENT

The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in 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 by 11:59 p.m. EDT within 48 hours of the closing date on 10/07/2026. For more information on the USA Hire Assessment click here.

Applicants who score successfully on the assessment will be forwarded to the Human Resources Office, which will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the eligibility and specialized experience qualifications. Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered. If you are referred to the Hiring Manager, you will be further evaluated on the competencies listed below:

  • Accounting
  • Accounting Operations
  • Auditing Reporting
  • Written Communication
  • Oral Communication

Note regarding USA Hire Assessments:

NQ-02 - This a pay-banded position that is equivalent to the GS-9/11/12 level. The Assessment administered will be GS-9 equivalent; therefore, test results that remain on record in the USA Staffing system will reflect the GS-9 level only.

NQ-03: This is a pay-banded position that is equivalent to the GS-13/14 level. The Assessment administered will be GS-13 equivalent, therefore, test results that remain on record in the USA Staffing system will reflect the GS-13 level only.

Federal employees eligible for career transition assistance plans such as CTAP, or ICTAP, requesting selection priority, must meet the Qualifications requirements listed in this announcement and be found "well qualified" for the position. Well-qualified is defined as: experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective factors, demonstrated by proficiency in most of the requirements of the job, requiring only limited training or orientation to perform effectively. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM CTAP//ICTAP website for more information.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the link below.https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13076865

National Nuclear Security Administration

NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear explosive testing; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad. The NNSA Associate Administrator for Budget and Accounting (NA-BA) has an opportunity for an Accountant. In this position you play an important role in accomplishing the national security mission of the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Agency contact information

Deborah Shells
Email
deborah.shells@nnsa.doe.gov
Address
Associate Administrator for Management and Budget
24600 20th St SE
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5507
US

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.