Accountant (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Maritime Administration • Washington, DC

4d

About The Position

Join the Maritime Administration's Office of Financial Policy and Compliance as a strategic accounting leader responsible for improving financial management, strengthening internal controls, and advising senior leadership on initiatives that support sound financial stewardship and organizational performance.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
• Must meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• Meet the Education Requirement for the series.
• Provide a copy of transcripts for verification.
• Meet the specialized experience requirements.
• To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience leading or supporting financial management, accounting, or business process improvement initiatives by evaluating financial operations, reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, or related processes, and recommending solutions that improve efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, or data integrity.
• Experience interpreting and applying financial management laws, regulations, accounting principles, policies, or internal control requirements (such as OMB Circular A-123, FMFIA, Treasury guidance, GAAP, or comparable standards) to strengthen financial management programs and ensure compliance.
• Experience analyzing financial, operational, or program performance data; preparing reports, briefings, or executive-level recommendations; and communicating findings to support strategic planning, organizational performance, or senior leadership decision-making.
• 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.
• 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.
• TRANSCRIPTS are REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
• CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL APPLICANTS: You must submit SF-50(s) that verify your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant.
• For proof of TIME-IN-GRADE you must submit SF-50 documentation that validates you meet the 52-week sequential time-in-grade requirement for the highest grade level you wish to be considered for.
• The Grade Entry Form: The SF-50 showing when you were originally appointed or promoted into your qualifying grade level (establishing the start of your 52-week timeline).
• The Checkpoint Form : A subsequent SF-50 (such as a Within-Grade Increase, promotion, or award) dated at least 52 weeks later.
• Most Recent Form: Your most recent SF-50 showing your current pay plan, series, grade, and step.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate for this position is a collaborative financial management professional who enjoys solving complex problems, improving business processes, and influencing organizational change. They combine strong accounting expertise with sound judgment, communicate effectively with senior leaders, and develop practical solutions that strengthen financial management, internal controls, compliance, and organizational performance.

Responsibilities

• Leads financial management improvement initiatives by evaluating accounting operations, financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, and business processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and financial accountability.
• Analyzes complex financial, operational, and organizational performance data to identify trends, evaluate risks, and develop recommendations that support executive decision-making and strategic priorities.
• Advises senior leadership on financial management policies, accounting standards, internal controls, and business process improvements to strengthen organizational performance and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders to implement financial management improvements, business transformation initiatives, and corrective actions that enhance financial operations and internal controls.
• Prepares executive briefings, reports, analyses, and policy recommendations that communicate complex financial information and support informed management decisions.

Benefits

• 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.
• Learn more about federal benefits.
• Review our benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior