Job Listing: ACCOUNTANT, GS-0510-07/09, CAREER INTERN PROGRAM

Duty Locations

 3 vacancies - Kansas City Metro area, MO

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FARM SERVICE AGENCY

CAREER INTERN POSITION

PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER "HOW TO APPLY" BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:  All interested persons may apply.  You need not be a current or former Federal employee to apply.

NOTE: Applicants selected from this vacancy for a Career Intern position will be given a two year excepted service appointment, and must serve a 1-year probationary period.  After 2 years of service the applicant is eligible for conversion to career-conditional status. 

Major Duties

As a developing professional accountant, this position performs duties designed to enable the employee to achieve greater responsibility and experience in applying the knowledge of acceptable principles, procedures, and practices to program loan accounting.

How to Apply

Please read all the instructions before you begin.  You must submit a Complete Application Package, which includes all of the following:

Online Assessment Questionnaire
Online Resume
Other Required Documents if applicable (i.e., college transcripts, Veteran documents, etc).

ONLINE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:  Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by Monday, May 05, 2008

To begin, choose one of these two options:

Option 1.  If your resume is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, click the "Apply Online" button below.  Logon to USAJOBS Resume Builder and select the resume you wish to upload for this vacancy announcement.  Click "Apply to this Position Now" to attach your resume.  Your resume will only be attached to the Application Package you complete and submit immediately after you click on the Apply Online button, not to any other Application Packages you may already have created.  Once you have attached your resume, the system will take you to Application Manager to complete the Online Assessment Questionnaire and upload any other supporting documents that may be applicable.  If you do not have an account in Application Manager, you will need to establish an account to submit your Online Assessment Questionnaire.

Option 2.  If your resume is prepared outside of USAJOBS Resume Builder, click this link to begin the process: Online Questionnaire.  The system will automatically take you to Application Manager.  When you have completed the Online Assessment Questionnaire, proceed to "Upload Documents" to upload your resume or additional supporting documentation for this position:  1) Select the document type; 2) Click the "Browse" to locate a file and click "Open" to attach it; 3) Click "Upload" to upload documents for this job announcement.  When the message "Upload Successful" appears, repeat steps 1-3 to upload any other supporting documents.

Whether you have chosen Option 1 or 2, once you have completed the Online Assessment Questionnaire and uploaded your resume and any other supporting documents click "Next" to proceed to Submit My Answers.  Click "Submit My Answers".  Return to the "Main" screen to print your "Confirmation of your Submission to Application Manager powered by USA Staffing".  The Online Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on  Monday, May 05, 2008.  If you have submitted all your application materials online you have completed the application process.

If you want to "Save" an INCOMPLETE  Assessment Questionnaire, you may return to Application Manager at any time using whichever one of the links you used to begin as described above, or go to http://ApplicationManager.org.

ONLINE RESUME:  Your resume must be submitted Online.  Please make sure your resume contains the basic information required in applying for a Federal job i.e., work experience applicable to this position (include dates [m/d/y] and the total number of hours worked per week for all employment; if the position had multiple duties include percentage of time spent on each duty.  Include series and grade for all Federal employment.  If this information is not included, the experience cannot be credited.  For additional information on what is needed in your resume click here.  (Applying for a Federal Job OF-510.)

NOTE:  Applications are not screened for required forms before determining minimum qualifications.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are received in the office by the close of business on or before the closing date of this announcement.  Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, etc.

Alternative Method for Submitting Your Application Materials: You are encouraged to scan and upload your application materials as described using Application Manager; however, if you are unable to do this, you may fax your assessment questionnaire, resume and/or other required documents directly into the electronic system using the official fax cover page. The information contained on the fax cover page must match the information you provided in your Assessment Questionnaire.  The Vacancy ID UK186444, your Name and SSN should be written accurately and neatly.  If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may not receive consideration for this position. The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.

If applying online, faxing or hand delivering application materials poses a hardship, please contact the servicing human resources office during core business hours (8:00am to 4:30 pm central time) prior to the closing date.  Requests for hardship will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Make requests in a timely manner to allow enough time to obtain documents and return the completed information to our office. 

This Agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities (i.e., alternative means of communication such as Braille, large print, audiotape, etc). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact USDA Target Center at 202-720-2600, voice and TDD. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

In accordance with 39 U.S.C. Section 415, use of postage-paid government agency envelopes to file job applications or application materials is a violation of federal law and regulations. Applications submitted in postage-paid government envelopes will not be accepted.

Required Documents:

OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:  In addition to your Assessment Questionnaire and Online Resume, other documents may be required. 

WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

1. If this vacancy announcement has a basic education requirement, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., BIO101, MATH 210, etc.). This information should include course title, school name/location, date completed, grade, and number of credits earned.  Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.  You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume.  An official college transcript may be required before you can report to duty.

2.  If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (at least "fully successful" or equivalent), and proof of eligibility, i.e., a RIF separation notice or Certification of Expected Separation, and SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of 80 or above excluding veteran's preference points.

3. If you are claiming Veteran Preference, submit evidence of eligibility, such as DD-214 (Member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or Standard Form 15, Application for 10-point veteran preference, and the proof requested on the form. 

4. If you are a current or former federal employee please provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career-conditional/career status, position title, series and grade.  

Assessment Questionnaire

Social Security Number

Required.  Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is:  UK186444
This field does not appear on the online application.  You would only need to enter it if using an alternative application method.  See Item 2 under Alternative Methods for Completing FORM C.

 

1. Title of Job

ACCOUNTANT, GS-0510-07/09, CAREER INTERN PROGRAM

2. Biographic Data

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

3. E-Mail Address


4. Work Information

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

5. Employment Availability

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

Required.  Enter the lowest grade level you will accept, i.e.,07

0709
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

Required.  Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference.  To receive credit for veterans' preference, you must provide documentation (DD-214 or SF-15 and proof requested).

For items 15, 16, 17 and 18 enter date information in this format:  MM/DD/YYYY

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

Please enter your dates of active military service, unless you have claimed derived preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.)  Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

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

How did you hear about this vacancy announcement, please choose only one answer. 

1 Advertisement2 Career Fair3 College/University Career Center4 Local Job Service Center5 MANRRS6 Professional Association Conference7 USDA Agency Official8 www.usajobs.opm.gov9 Other Source

If applicable, please indicate the specific conference, career fair, and/or other source.

20. Occupational Specialties

Required. 

001 Accountant
21. Geographic Availability

Required.  Enter at least one geographic availability code.  The location code(s) for this position is:

0232 Kansas City Metro area, MO
22. Transition Assistance Plan

If you are not a displaced federal employee leave Section 22 blank.

Note:  To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation.  Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.

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:

Respond to the following questions. Mark only one response for each question. Any experience claimed in response to the following questions MUST be supported by information in your resume (OF-612 or any other written format). This information must be SPECIFIC, (i.e., duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments). Failure to provide this supporting documentation may result in receipt of a lower or ineligible rating.

1. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to meet the basic requirements for this position. (You MUST submit your college transcript to verify education, failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating).

A. I possess a degree in accounting or in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting and/or auditing. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law.

B. I possess 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. My combination of education and experience includes 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.

C. I do not possess the basic requirements to qualify for this position.

2. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes the highest level of experience and/or education you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-7, Accountant work. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour workweek. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)

A. I have Superior Academic Achievement and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, or in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting and/or auditing. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law.
B. I have successfully completed one year of graduate level education OR I possess a master's degree or higher level graduate degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, or in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting and/or auditing.
C. I have at least one full-time year (12 months) of professional accounting/auditing work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service. Experience that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. My experience demonstrates professional knowledge of the concepts and principles of accounting and, as required, auditing or examination sufficient to do entry-level work designed to meet these types of objectives: provide experience in the practical application of accounting/auditing concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques; develop familiarity with the systems, practices, regulations, and operations of a Federal program; and/or provide experience in using the specific procedures of automated systems to find, review, or change accounting data in transaction files, ledgers, accounts, summary reports and financial statements.
D. I possess a combination of graduate level education and professional accounting/auditing work experience to qualify me for this position.
E. I do not possess the required education and/or experience to qualify for this position.

3. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes the highest level of experience and/or education you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-9, Accountant work. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour workweek. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)

A. I have successfully completed 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a masters degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, or in a related field such as business administration, finance or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting and/or auditing.

B. I have at least one full-time year (12-months) of professional accounting/auditing work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Experience that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. My experience demonstrates professional knowledge of accounting theories, practices, methods and techniques to accomplish a variety of assignments as well as skill in developing, installing and maintaining accounting systems; developing and promulgating accounting policies and standards.
C. I possess a combination of graduate level education and professional accounting/auditing work experience to qualify me for this position. Only graduate education in excess of the first year (i.e., 18 semester hours) may be combined with experience under this standard.
D. I do not possess the required education and/or experience to qualify for this position.

Please answer YES or NO to questions 4 and 5. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Your experience must be demonstrated and documented by a position listed within your resume.

A- Yes.
B- No.

4. Do you have working knowledge of and experience using Treasury Reporting Systems such as but not limited to Report on Transactions, Treasury Report on Receivables, Report on Budget Execution and Budgetary Resources, Federal Agencies Trial-Balance Systems II, and Federal Agencies Centralized Trial Balance System?

5. Do you have working knowledge of and experience using United States Standard General Ledger (USSGL) accounts and transaction codes to develop appropriate policy guidance for implementation in an agency organization core accounting systems?

You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted.

6. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge of and skill in applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as accounting concepts and standards to manage accounting activities and financial analysis.

A. I have performed general ledger, financial statements and credit reform functions.

B. I have worked with one segment of an accounting operation and/or accounting system in which program operations are stable and system requirements are established and well-documented.

C. I have verified data and compared transactions or reports to source documents to ensure their acceptability for further processing.

D. I have successfully completed a bachelor's or higher level graduate degree in accounting, business administration, finance or public administration.
E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please describe your knowledge of and skill in applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as accounting concepts and standards to manage accounting activities and financial analysis.

7. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to research, interpret and apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), practices, procedures and regulations.

A. I have researched, interpreted, and applied GAAP to recommend new or changes to the existing policies, general ledger system, account analysis and reporting procedures/requirements.

B. I have assisted in researching accounting regulations, procedures, handbooks, or manuals to recommend solutions to improve efficiency in accounting operations.

C. I have researched a variety of handbooks to determine proper operating and/or accounting procedures.

D. I have working knowledge of and experience using United States Standard General Ledger (USSGL) accounts and transaction codes to develop appropriate policy guidance for implementation in agency/organization core accounting systems.

E. None of the above.

8. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to research, interpret and apply financial and/or accounting principles, practices, procedures and regulations.

A. I have reviewed financial documents to ensure documents are complete and in compliance with procedural requirements.

B. I have exercised judgment in selecting, interpreting and applying policies and procedures to ensure program requirements are met.

C. I have prepared research papers on topics related to an agricultural or financial/business management field.

D. I have applied and ensured conformance with GAAP in day-to-day accounting/financial operations.

E. None of the above.

9. From the descriptions below,choose the response that best describes your ability to use automated financial management systems to gather, analyze, organize, process, and present information.

A. I have used automated financial management systems to find, review, or change accounting data in transaction files, ledgers, accounts, summary reports, and financial statements.

B. I have retrieved information from Federal Financial Systems tables to prepare reports.

C. I have utilized automated financial management system software such as Oracle, Brio, Access, Excel, Lotus 123, and/or Crystal Reports to create and/or maintain databases, spreadsheets and reports.

D. I have participated in the design, development and maintenance of computerized accounting systems.

E. None of the above.

10. From the descriptions below,choose the response that best describes your ability to use automation equipment to enter, format, transmit and retrieve materials.

A. I have used various software packages to complete work assignments.

B. I have utilized a personal computer (windows, MS word, excel, power point) to perform automated functions.

C. I have evaluated the current status of accounting or reporting systems or operating procedures and recommended improvements and/or modifications.

D. I have prepared and maintained automated ledgers, files, records and reports/data for transmission to higher level office.

E. None of the above.

11. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to identify accounting system problems and recommend solutions.

A. I have analyzed specific problem areas arising within the accounting system or program operations and devised solutions.

B. I have analyzed moderately complex or difficult accounting problems and made recommendations for correction or changes to internal control procedures.

C. I have analyzed program operations for impact on the accounting or financial management system(s).

D. I have analyzed trends or anomalies in accounting system transactions and their significance to ongoing agency/organization programs or commercial operations.

E. None of the above.

12. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to identify problems in accounting data, records, and/or reports and take appropriate corrective action.

A. I have reconciled payroll system, general ledger accounts and accounts receivable.

B. I have identified accounting problems such as inadequate maintenance of fund controls, inaccurate records and reports, and improper method for document control.

C. I have reconciled subsidiary account detail via the feeder systems to related general ledger control accounts.

D. I have identified, analyzed, and resolved accounting data problems, records and reports pertaining to multiple accounts within one or more accounting systems, subsystems or feeder systems.

E. None of the above.

13. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience presenting training, procedures, techniques and trends.

A. I have conducted on-the-job training to employees on new processes and procedures.

B. I have presented formal training sessions or development workshops to management and employees describing new procedures, techniques and trends in the financial management/accounting field.

C. I have made oral presentations on financial management/accounting topics to large groups.

D. I have conducted informal briefings to peers and lower grade employees on topics related to accounting and/or financial reporting.

E. None of the above.

14. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best demonstrates your ability to communicate technical and non-technical information to a variety of audiences.

A. I have participated as a member of a team or task force to recommend changes in current procedures.

B. I have provided advice or assistance to other accountants and/or auditors on the application of accounting and/or auditing principles and practices.

C. I have kept employees informed of changing program requirements and system modifications through on-the-job, informal training meetings and/or written instructions.

D. I have successfully completed college level course work in speech/communication.

E. None of the above.

15. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience writing technical information that is logical, precise, innovative, and well organized for various audiences.

A. I have prepared written materials of a technical nature containing complex recommendations in a clear and concise manner for senior management or high-level officials.

B. I have prepared written materials of a technical nature containing complex recommendations in a clear and concise manner for supervisors review.

C. I have drafted written material in a clear, concise and well-organized manner.

D. I have prepared written materials of a technical nature in a clear and concise manner.

E. None of the above.

16. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience developing written documentation.

A. I have composed complex technical correspondence such as financial statements and audit reports, accounting requirements and position papers.

B. I have written accounting software user requirements for financial systems.

C. I have prepared and provided financial reports and statements to advise managers on program operations.

D. I have written standard operating procedures, user manuals, handbooks and/or training guides.

E. None of the above.

17. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes the working environment in which you feel most comfortable and perform at your best.

A. I have worked alone and believe my ability to maintain a clear focus on the work at hand permitted me to achieve consistently excellent results.

B. I have worked in small, close-knit groups having common interests and goals, contributed to the accomplishments of assigned tasks.

C. I have worked in large, complex groups where my facilitation skills contributed directly to successful completion of assigned tasks.

D. I have led small, close-knit groups where I ensured that everyone in the group is doing his or her fair share of the work, thereby contributing to successful completion of assigned tasks.

E. None of the above

18. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience in delivering quality work products that satisfy organizational priorities and deadlines.

A. I normally work on projects, or assignments, that are high priority to the organization. My work assignments are most generally completed within assigned deadlines and milestones. When additional time is needed, I am normally able to obtain it from senior management.

B. I am proficient at managing multiple tasks/assignments within a common time period. I am skilled at adjusting my use of time to meet changes in priorities and meet the requirements of new and/or unexpected work. When priorities conflict, I normally resolve the conflicts independently, or involve senior management.

C. I am proficient at negotiating deadlines, changes and adjustments in priorities with senior management on my own behalf as well as my work group. I have assisted others to determine how best to use their time and reprioritize their work when situations warrant.

D. I am able to stay on task during periods of ambiguity and flux in the organization. Should changes in my work assignments, deadlines, or priorities become necessary, I am capable of making adjustment with a minimum of supervisory direction or involvement.

E. None of the above

19. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best demonstrates your commitment to customer service.

A. I have been highly responsive to requests for help, information and services.

B. I have listened to the concerns of customers and resolved complaints and concerns effectively and promptly.
C. I have gone beyond what the customer requests and done something extra to be helpful.
D. I have assisted customers in making informed decisions.

E. None of the above.

20. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience responding to new or changing situations.

A. I have handled multiple inputs and tasks simultaneously, prioritizing as needed.

B. I have demonstrated resilience in the face of setbacks.

C. I have been willing to learn new procedures and technology.

D. I have looked for better alternatives to the way we have always done it.
E. None of the above.

Please answer YES or NO to questions 21 thru 23. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. If you are nearing completion of the required education, please answer YES.

A- Yes.
B- No.

21. Have you obtained special accreditations (i.e., Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), etc.)?

22. Have you successfully completed a bachelor's degree in accounting, or in a related field such as business administration, finance or public administration?

23. Have you successfully completed a master's degree or higher level graduate degree in accounting, business administration, finance or public administration?

Contact Information:
FARM SERVICE AGENCY

Phone: (816)926-6781

TDD: 800-735-2966

Email: exam1@kcc.usda.gov


Or write:
Farm Service Agency
Please do not send mail
Apply On-Line
Thank You, MO 00000

USA


What To Expect Next:

Once your online assessment questionnaire and resume has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.  After a qualification review of your complete application package has been made, you will be notified as to the status of your application.  If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.  

You can track the progress of your application package in Application Manager,  http://ApplicationManager.org. 

After selection, applicants may be required to submit the official college transcript, OF-306 "Declaration for Federal Employment", original social security card, birth certificate, state driver's license or state issued identification card with photograph.  In addition, to be eligible for federal employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify at the time of appointment that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law.