Accountant

Veterans Health Administration • Montrose, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to perform the full range of professional accounting work requiring the application of sound accounting principles, theories, concepts and practices. Works closely with systems personnel on the design of automated systems to facilitate the processing of accounting data to assure the results attained meet all accounting requirements. Reviews the work of Accounting Technician to assure accuracy and conformity to policy and procedures, instructing when necessary on proper methods and assigns projects to be accomplished. Plans, coordinates, and performs one-time/recurring comprehensive reviews, special studies and selective internal examinations of finance and accounting functions. Assignments involve verifying reports with source documents and records, reconciling accounts, investigating to determine if transactions are in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations. Applies a professional knowledge of accounting theories, principles, practices, and automated systems. Utilizes a large body of guidelines, regulations and statutory requirements to identify such accounting problems as: inadequate maintenance of fund control, inaccurate records and reports, and lack of documentary evidence to support the performance of regulatory reconciliations. Reviews report media, directs and/or prepares and analyzes internal and external statements and reports. Makes day-to-day decisions regarding unusual and complex accounting transactions, and is available to consult on solution of management problems and to provide alternatives through sound application of professional knowledge of the accounting system. Analyzes and evaluates current general accounting methods and procedures in terms of adequacy and effectiveness; recommends changes, modifications and improvements in operating procedures. Assists in designing, developing and installing accounting forms and adapting same to meet the requirements of special activities and conditions. Advises installation operating officials on the manner in which data should be submitted and aids in devising procedures for the collection of such data. Prepares operating changes when revisions are required. May be required to perform research to determine and certify the availability of funds. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• 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.
• 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.
• Specialized Experience GS-9: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
• Specialized Experience GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
• Budget Administration
• Customer Service
• Financial Management
• Financial Systems

Nice To Haves

• Understanding accounting principles, methods, procedures, and techniques to conduct analysis; making determinations within an accounting system to validate transactions and to perform research to resolve inconsistencies; understanding the interrelationship between appropriations and subsidiary records and control accounts; analyzing and detecting trends and problems affecting overall operations of accounting; tracing transactions entered and preparing worksheets or adjustments; and utilizing accounting system software package applications and computer systems to perform a variety of accounting duties.
• Knowledge of Vista and FMS financial systems.
• Knowledge to extract data to formulate spreadsheets and reports.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with systems personnel on the design of automated systems to facilitate the processing of accounting data to assure the results attained meet all accounting requirements.
• Reviews the work of Accounting Technician to assure accuracy and conformity to policy and procedures, instructing when necessary on proper methods and assigns projects to be accomplished.
• Plans, coordinates, and performs one-time/recurring comprehensive reviews, special studies and selective internal examinations of finance and accounting functions.
• Assignments involve verifying reports with source documents and records, reconciling accounts, investigating to determine if transactions are in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.
• Applies a professional knowledge of accounting theories, principles, practices, and automated systems.
• Utilizes a large body of guidelines, regulations and statutory requirements to identify such accounting problems as: inadequate maintenance of fund control, inaccurate records and reports, and lack of documentary evidence to support the performance of regulatory reconciliations.
• Reviews report media, directs and/or prepares and analyzes internal and external statements and reports.
• Makes day-to-day decisions regarding unusual and complex accounting transactions, and is available to consult on solution of management problems and to provide alternatives through sound application of professional knowledge of the accounting system.
• Analyzes and evaluates current general accounting methods and procedures in terms of adequacy and effectiveness; recommends changes, modifications and improvements in operating procedures.
• Assists in designing, developing and installing accounting forms and adapting same to meet the requirements of special activities and conditions.
• Advises installation operating officials on the manner in which data should be submitted and aids in devising procedures for the collection of such data.
• Prepares operating changes when revisions are required.
• May be required to perform research to determine and certify the availability of funds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree