Lead Accounting Technician

Veterans Health Administration•Portland, OR

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Accounting Technician leads a group of employees who control, analyze, validate, and reconcile accounting and reporting data received internally or from other fiscal stations or VA activities. The data is used to prepare expenditure and status report listings for submission to higher reporting levels. The incumbent assigns and prioritizes daily work for the Accounting Team, monitors completion of workloads and deadlines, and reports progress, problems, training needs, and employee performance matters to the supervisor. The lead trains staff, answers procedural questions, helps resolve accounting problems, and assists with the duties of the Accountant and other accounting staff during absences, peak periods, and special projects. The position also helps establish procedures and monitoring and reporting systems to ensure daily accounting work is completed, and identifies areas for improvement in accounting processes and systems at the Medical Center. The role requires thorough familiarity with staff duties and deeper knowledge of the relevant accounting computer systems. The position is not virtual. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST. Recruitment and relocation incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements; for GS-08, 52 weeks at GS-07 in Federal service, when applicable.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07), including accounting analysis and application of accounting principles; validating transactions and researching inconsistencies; using computerized accounting systems; processing payments to vendors, employees, inter-agencies, or other federal organizations; reconciling accounts; using general post fund accounts; maintaining subsidiary ledgers; and balancing general ledger accounts.
Submit an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade eligibility when applicable.
Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
Register with Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
Complete background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements; provide acceptable identification.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel requirement.
Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
Have thorough knowledge of accounting systems and tools including IFCAP, DSS, AR, FAP, OLCS, CAPP, Outlook, Excel, Internet Explorer, VISTA, and FMS.
Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade level.

Responsibilities

Identify, distribute, and balance team workload and tasks according to established workflow; adjust daily assignments to meet priorities and deadlines.
Report team and individual accomplishments, problems, progress, training needs, and employee performance or behavior concerns to the supervisor.
Provide individual and team training, including on-the-job training, and answer questions about work processes, procedures, policies, and directives.
Resolve simple informal employee complaints and refer other complaints to the supervisor.
Provide the supervisor with information concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition, outstanding performance, and personnel needs.
Perform Accounting Team duties and assist with Accountant duties when the Accountant is absent; substitute for accounting staff positions as designated.
Assist staff during peak periods and special accounting projects.
Respond to accounting questions and resolve problems experienced by Accounting Team staff, including processing accounting rejects from FMS or IFCAP systems.
Assess accounting problem areas and suggest changes to improve the Medical Center's accounting system and structure.
Assist in establishing procedures, processes, and monitoring and reporting systems to ensure day-to-day accounting workloads are completed.
Serve as the primary contact for the Chief of Accounting in assigning daily workload and prioritizing Accounting Technician assignments.
Assist in training new accounting staff and maintain familiarity with staff duties and accounting computer systems.
Assist technicians in following proper procedures to maintain General Ledger Accounts.