This position is located in the Support Services Division (SSD) at a Regional Office (RO). The Division provides accounting and financial reporting on behalf of the RO. The division also implements VA accounting policy, performs financial management system and general ledger operations, prepares financial statements, and other reports. Notably, the division audits and adjusts Veteran benefit payments, provides employee payroll and travel support, and performs budget analysis and development.

Duties

MAJOR DUTIES: Examines, certifies and audit vouchers submitted for payment, while assessing compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains internal controls systems with a special emphasis on the operational areas identified as having a high risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Ability to communicate either by phone or correspondence with veterans, fiduciary, other offices with inquiry results. Prepares fiscal, administrative, and other statistical reports as deemed appropriate and/or as required and serves on such other projects as directed. Responds to inquiries from Congressional Offices, Regional Counsel and Office of Inspector General. Must have a thorough understanding of the various benefit programs and the payment procedures and regulations applicable to each program administered by the Department. Independently performs reviews for accuracy and consistency of data such as audits, debts and reimbursement. Ensures that recurring reports are accurately complied and completed on time. Provides technical advice to all Regional Office employees on complex and unusual benefit award adjustments, special payment issues, and accounts receivable actions on the applicable computer applications. Ability to use specific VA computer applications, in additions to Microsoft Excel, Word and other electronic database applications. Performs accounting reviews and payment function checks for discrepancies and advises management with proposes plans to prevent future unassociated funds situations. Provides administration support to management staff for personnel management, budget administration, procurement and other financial related activities. Serve as subject matter expert in all areas of the Financial Operations section. Oversee the work of the Financial Administrative Specialist and ensures appropriate separations of duties are in place and the financial integrity of the regional office is maintain and upheld. Develops procedures and coordinates activities across functional lines with other divisions, Regional Offices, service organization, and with other government departments or agencies. Establishes and maintains internal controls systems with a special emphasis on the operational areas identified as having a high risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Responsible for planning, organizing, assigning and reviewing the work performed within the Operations area. Must be well versed in all facets of the financial and general operating procedures for the Regional Office, which requires substantial technical and managerial expertise Serves as a Certifying Official authorizing all financial transactions, adjustments, and Collections. Ability to conduct the most detailed audits and analysis. Skilled in completing oral and written presentations that are clear, concise and logical.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A probationary period may be required for employees and supervisors

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Time-in-grade: Applicants who are/were federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information. And Specialized Experience: To qualify, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as work that involves (1) Compiling or analyzing an organization's budgetary or financial data to ensure accuracy and identify problems under the pressure of quickly changing priorities and time constraints; (2) Auditing and certifying reimbursement vouchers resulting in payment to claimants or other businesses or agencies; (3) Interpreting and applying laws or regulations related to financial analyses and organizational improvement initiatives; (4) Providing senior level technical advice to employees and management on the principles, practices, and laws pertaining to finance programs and operations; and (5) Analyzing financial information for the purpose of recommending efficient use of resources. Or Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D., if related OR A combination of the required experience and education for the GS-09 grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Office of Personnel Management's group coverage qualification standards, associated individual occupational requirements (IOR), and individual qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found here.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for federal employment. You can verify your education here. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

Contacts

• Address Philadelphia VBA Regional Office 5000 Wissahickon Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144 US
• Name: Janelle Phillips
• Phone: (313) 471-3888
• Email: [email protected]