Financial Program Specialist

Customs and Border Protection•Indianapolis, IN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Recent Graduate appointment in the Pathways Program with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Finance, Financial Operations, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Selected individuals enter a dynamic, one-year development program in the excepted service designed to lead to a competitive federal civil service career. At the end of the program, the agency may non-competitively convert participants to a term position lasting one to four years (with an extension of up to 120 days) or to a permanent competitive-service position. Conversion is at the agency’s discretion and is not guaranteed. The role supports assigned financial programs, budgetary status, expenditure tracking, performance measures, and management reporting. The position starts at $50,930 (GS-7, Step 1) to $80,991 (GS-9, Step 10), with promotion potential to $117,446 (GS-12, Step 10). Recent Graduates are not eligible for promotion during the one-year program. Promotion after successful completion may be considered if the participant meets qualification requirements and agency approval is obtained. The program includes an orientation, mentorship, an Individual Development Plan, and at least 40 hours of formal, interactive training each year of the program. Participants must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement before entering on duty. The position is covered by a bargaining unit represented by the National Treasury Employees Union.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Applicants not currently employed by CBP must meet the residency requirement: physical residence in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years, subject to possible waiver exceptions.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Pre-employment processes are conducted in English; a background investigation may be required, and CBP drug-testing procedures apply.
GS-7 qualification requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, such as maintaining information in databases or financial systems; compiling information; reviewing records and data for errors or discrepancies; preparing routine reports and supporting documents; or responding to routine inquiries.
GS-9 qualification requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, such as analyzing financial, budgetary, operational, or performance data; preparing financial reports and management information; documenting financial procedures and controls; supporting financial studies and improvement projects; or coordinating with stakeholders to obtain information and resolve discrepancies.
For GS-7, qualifying education may substitute for experience: a bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement or one year of full-time graduate education relevant to the work. Education and experience may be combined under the stated percentage calculation.
For GS-9, qualifying education may substitute for experience: a master’s degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education relevant to the work. Education and experience may be combined under the stated percentage calculation.
Applicants must complete all required application steps and the online USA Hire assessment, meeting or exceeding its cut score.
Recent Graduate eligibility requires completion, within the previous two years by November 9, 2026, of a qualifying degree, certificate, or career or technical education program. Eligible veterans may have an extended eligibility period under the stated conditions.
Applicants must submit transcripts showing the degree type and date received. Veterans claiming an extended eligibility period must also provide the specified military service documentation.
To be eligible for conversion, participants must successfully complete at least one year of continuous service and all program requirements, meet qualification standards and agency-specific expectations, and perform successfully.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, by November 9, 2026.
A Pathways Participant Agreement must be signed by all applicable parties before entrance on duty.

Responsibilities

Gather, compile, enter, and review financial data supporting financial programs, budgetary status, expenditure tracking, performance measures, and management reporting.
Assist in preparing recurring and ad hoc financial reports, summaries, analyses, instructions, procedures, and related materials.
Review financial data, workflows, office procedures, and operational processes to identify discrepancies, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve controls, reporting, and service delivery.
Assist higher-graded staff in analyzing financial services and support activities, including compiling information and preparing analyses used to evaluate program operations and recommend improvements.
Assist in reviewing and resolving routine financial operating problems involving financial processes, automated systems, data quality, and related support activities.