Job Listing: Financial Accounts Technician

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Togus, ME

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

VBA DELEGATED EXAMINING UNIT - DETROIT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Vacancy Identification Number:  VB183121

Opening Date: Thursday, April 03, 2008

Closing Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2008

ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Tuesday, April 08, 2008. 

Position: Financial Accounts Technician-GS-0503-05-06-07

Promotion Potential: GS-07

Salary: $29,726.00 - $47,864.00

Location: Togus, ME 1 vacancy

Relocation Expenses:  Not Authorized

Employing Agency: Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is responsible for providing comprehensive benefits and services to America's veterans and their families, including compensation and pension, education, vocational rehabilitation, loan guaranty, and insurance benefits.  A position at the VBA may find you working one-on-one with veterans and their families, or developing systems and procedures that manage benefits and services for veterans.

Major Duties

MAJOR DUTIES:
The incumbent will perform a variety of financial services (accounts receivable, government travel, and agent cashier) as well as other support service functions such as mailroom and reproduction. Specific duties include but are not limited to: serves as a liaison to the Veterans Administration (VA) Debt Management Center (DMC) concerning benefit related duties; explains reasons for debt, answers questions regarding the debt, and provides assistance to the debtor to arrive at a satisfactory repayment plan; establishes and maintains deductions for the Survivor Benefit Plan; prepares finance transactions to effect offset of debt from VA benefits or to repay veterans and beneficiaries and set up a lesser withholding where it is determined collection has created a hardship; establishes deductions for amounts due to other federal agencies; audits retroactive benefits awards and manually calculates and processes a one-time payment; issues month-of-death payments when proper to do so; monitors, controls, validates, and maintains accounting transactions and accounting records for multiple accounts; and maintains control accounts and subsidiary accounts and processes accounting transactions for a wide variety of functions including obligations, accrued expenditures, disbursements, appropriation refunds, reimbursable orders, earnings, collections, expenditure vouchers, cost transfers, rejected transactions, interfund bills, and other accounts in connection with the general ledger.

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Before applying, please ensure you read the following 5 points to ensure consideration:

Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.  Please refer to instructions below regarding uploading (scanning) and/or faxing.  If you are unable to upload your documents after you have completed the Occupational Questionnaire Online, you may FAX your documents (resume, OF-612, etc.) to 1-478-757-3144.  If you choose to fax, you are required to use the approved Cover Page.  To print a copy of the Cover Page, please insert this URL into your browser, http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and refer to the instructions below for complete details.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you will not receive consideration. 
If you claim veterans preference (VP) and fail to provide supporting documentation such as a DD-214 and/or VA Disability Letter/SF-15, VP will not be granted.  You must submit this proof each time you apply.  If you are currently in the service and do not yet possess a DD-214, you may submit any document to support your 5-point claim, such as Separation or Retirement Papers.  If you are selected, a DD-214 will be required prior to appointment date.  Please refer to instructions below for complete details.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application, if applicable.  If you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to appointment date.
If you have questions that are not answered within this announcement, please email your detailed question, including the Vacancy Number to:  HRMDEU@VA.GOV. 
You may check the status of your documents once you set up your Application Manager Account at the Application Manager login  URL (https://applicationmanager.org).   In Application Manager, the Checklist and Details tabs on the Application Package Status page for each VIN show the status of each assessment and document.   For Technical System Problems, please email: applicationmanagerhelpdesk@opm.gov         

For this job announcement the following materials are required:

Current Resume or the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612)

College Transcripts (when applicable), if you are using education to qualify

Veterans Preference documentation, if you are claiming veterans preference

Responses to the Occupational Questionnaire

 

FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT BEING CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.    IF YOU ARE CLAIMING VETERANS PREFERENCE, PLEASE SUBMIT THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK. IF YOU ARE USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY, PLEASE SUBMIT THE NECESSARY TRANSCRIPTS.  IF WE CANNOT VERIFY YOUR VETERANS PREFERENCE CLAIM OR YOUR EDUCATION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR YOUR CLAIM. 

 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION MATERIAL FOR PREVIOUS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS TO OUR OFFICE IS NOT SUFFICIENT PROOF.  YOU MUST ALWAYS RE-SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION EVERYTIME YOU APPLY FOR A DIFFERENT VACANCY.

If you submit a resume, your resume should include the following information:

    Job Information:
            -        Vacancy Identification Number, title and grade(s) for which you
                   are applying.
          Personal Information:
            -        Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening
                   telephone numbers (with area code).
          -        Social Security Number. Giving your Social Security Number
                   is voluntary.  However, we cannot process your application
                   without it.
          -        Country of Citizenship.
          -        If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the
                   highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of
                   employment in grade.
          Education:
            -        High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or
                   GED.
          -        Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.
          -        Major field(s) of study.
          -        Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree
                    received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter
                    hours.
         Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held
            related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide
            copies of job descriptions):
            -        Job title.
          -        Duties and accomplishments.
          -        Number of hours per week.
          -        Employer's name and address.
          -        Supervisor's name and phone number.
          -        Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).
          -        Salary.
          -        Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.
          Other Qualifications:
          -        Job-related training courses (title and year).
          -        Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer
                   software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)
          -        Job-related certificates and licenses.
          -        Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments 
                   (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies,
                    leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)

You can submit your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire and resume (and any supporting documentation) via the ONLINE process or by fax.  We do encourage the ONLINE process as it is the most efficient way to receive and process your application materials. 

 

Online Process:  This process allows you to respond to the Occupational Questionnaire.  After submitting the responses, you will have the opportunity to upload your documents (resume, transcripts, DD214, VA Letter).  If you wish to use this process to upload all of your documents, you need to make sure your documents are in JPG, PDF, TXT, RTF, DOC, WPD, XFD, FDF, XFDF, or HTMM/HTML file format and not exceed 1 megabyte.  These files must not include macros or script of any kind.  Again this is the most efficient way of sending your application materials.

Application Manager:  

To begin, choose one of these options:

·        If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·        If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process:  Online Questionnaire.

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever one of the links you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org.  

You must submit your on-line questionnaire by midnight, Eastern Time, on the closing date of the announcement.

 

FAX Method: 

1.   If you are unable to upload your documents after you have completed the Occupational Questionnaire Online, you may fax your documents (resume, OF-612, etc.).  See below for further instructions.  To do so you will need to print the Cover Page found in the Document Upload Screen.  This cover page is used to match your documents with the record you established when you submitted the occupational questionnaire. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may not receive consideration for this position if we cannot match up the documents. To print a copy of the Cover Page, click on this link Cover Page or insert this URL into your browser http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf. 

The Fax number to submit your documents is 1-478-757-3144.    Be sure when faxing in your documents to use the Cover Page and to feed all documents into the fax machine with the top of the page going in first.  This will ensure your forms will be processed accurately and promptly.

2.  If you are unable to use a personal computer (PC) to enter your responses to the occupational questionnaire and need to submit hard copies of the occupational responses and required materials, you will first need to obtain a Form 1203-FX. You can obtain this form two ways.

A.       Click this link to print a copy of the OPM Form1203-FX or insert or type this URL into your browser http://www.opm.gov./Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf;

or
B.       Call USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850. After the introduction Press 1 and follow the instructions. 

 

NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Your application materials will not be returned. Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future. Please follow the directions very carefully.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Tuesday, April 08, 2008. 

Required Documents:

Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire:

Please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double-check your application before submission.

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.


Vacancy Identification Number

Enter the Vacancy Identification Number:  VB183121

1. Title of Job

Position Title: Financial Accounts Technician

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for telephone number and the contact time.

3. E-Mail Address

If you have an E-mail address, please enter it in the space provided.


4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

Answer questions A through D with Y for Yes or N for No. Please leave Section E blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level you will accept. The lowest grade/grades for this position is/are:


050607
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference. A response to this question is required. If you claim 5-point preference, you MUST provide a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of entitlement. If you claim 10-point preference, you MUST submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed Veterans' Preference unless you have claimed derived Preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.).

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date, if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.


17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

Enter at least one occupational specialty code. The specialty code(s) for this position is/are:


001 NONE
21. Geographic Availability

Select the geographic location code(s) in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code(s) for this position:


0191 Togus, ME
22. Transition Assistance Plan

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. Choose the response below that best describes your education\experience for the GS-5 grade level.

A. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service as outlined in the vacancy announcement.
B. I have four years (120 semester hours) of education above the high school level from an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.
C. I have a combination of education and experience as outlined in the vacancy announcement.
D. None of the above.

2. Choose the response below that best describes your experience for the GS-6 grade level.

A. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service as outlined in the vacancy announcement.
B. I have one year of general clerical experience.
C. None of the above.

3. Choose the response below that best describes your experience for the GS-7 grade level.

A. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service as outlined in the vacancy announcement.
B. I have one year of general clerical experience.
C. None of the above.

4. Do you have the ability to interpret output data and prepare input?

A. Yes
B. No

5. Are you familiar with computerized payment systems?

A. Yes
B. No

6. Do you have knowledge of adjudication procedures relating to the preparation of various awards, adjustments in rates authorized by previous laws, stop payments and suspensions?

A. Yes
B. No

7. Do you have knowledge of due process relating to notice of overpayment, appeals, and hearing procedures?

A. Yes
B. No

8. Do you have good working knowledge of debt collection laws, policies and procedures?

A. Yes
B. No

9. Do you have knowledge of various fiscal and accounting regulations?

A. Yes
B. No

10. Do you have the ability to audit payments and decide the cause for the overpayment?

A. Yes
B. No

11. Do you have knowledge of the automated systems to reconcile errors that require an understanding of nonstandard procedures?

A. Yes
B. No

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

12. Provides assistance to others in person or over the telephone.

13. Answers questions at an information booth.

14. Coordinates work activities with others.

15. Answers the office phone.

16. Handles customer complaints or problems.

17. Develops working relationships with other project team members.

18. Interviews or surveys people in person or over the telephone to elicit information.

19. Ensures that outgoing mail is delivered to mailroom to meet postal deadlines.

20. Verifies that supplies and equipment needed for an off-site presentation are in working order.

21. Sets personal daily and weekly goals.

22. Helps co-workers to complete project.

23. Works overtime when needed.

24. Learns and teaches co-workers advanced features of wordprocessing and graphing software that improve existing work procedures.

25. Assumes work of staff during their absence.

26. Volunteers to help and cover for other staff members to complete their work.

27. Expends extra effort to assist with special projects.

28. Reclassifies documents based on a new filing system.

29. Uses a new version of word processing software adopted by the office.

30. Takes on added workload for staff member who is absent for a short period.

31. Works overtime to meet shortened or revised deadlines.

32. Receives different assignments to complete on short notice.

33. Works at a different location or for a different supervisor on a special detail or temporary assignment.

34. Distributes appropriate forms upon request (e.g., applications).

35. Assists customer in completing a form or application.

36. Gathers and provides information to a customer rather than referring customer to someone else.

37. Responds to a one-time customer complaint about service and follows through until the problem is resolved.

38. Conducts fact-finding inquiry over telephone to identify customer needs.

39. Develops action plans for meeting the customer's needs.

40. Conducts quality checks on products or services provided to customers.

41. Recommends changes to improve customer service.

42. Teaches customers how to use a product or service.

43. Reads and follows written instructions to complete work assignments.

44. Reads operating manuals and instructional manuals.

45. Follows directions in a software manual to create a macro to automate repetitive steps.

46. Finds answers to questions raised by the public by consulting relevant material.

47. Reads and interprets applicable regulations.

48. Takes phone messages.

49. Listens to verify information on a form.

50. Listens and asks questions to verify the spelling of names and accuracy of phone numbers.

51. Listens to and applies supervisor's instructions for developing and assembling materials for a conference.

52. Listens and responds to a sensitive problem described by a person.

53. Follows daily schedule prepared by supervisor.

54. Asks supervisor to set priorities for work assignments.

55. Informs supervisor when unable to meet a deadline.

56. Completes a small-scale project on time with minimal supervision.

57. When assigned to a task, asks supervisor for its priority and schedule.

58. Maintains a to-do list.

59. Sets priorities for own work after consulting with supervisor.

60. Completes a long-term project on time with minimal supervision.

61. Sets priorities among assignments from several different people.

62. Juggles several assignments simultaneously.

63. Initiates opportunities to learn new skills or acquire new work experience.

64. Volunteers for a detail in a new environment.

65. Completes all assignments quickly and volunteers for additional work.

66. Answers and redirects incoming phone calls.

67. Relays messages, status reports, or problems.

68. Talks to other staff members to arrange phone coverage duties.

69. Makes arrangements for meetings or travel.

70. Represents clerical staff at office meetings.

71. Gives short presentation to a group.

72. Briefs staff on operation of new telephone system.

Contact Information:
Detroit DEU

Phone: (313)226-3319

Email: hrmdeu@vba.va.gov


Or write:
HRC Baltimore
477 Michigan Ave Room 1100
Detroit, MI 48226-2614


What To Expect Next:

What To Expect Next: Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgment email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.