The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) regulates Farm Credit System (System) institutions including banks, associations, and related entities, as well as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). Accounting Specialists participate in and support the examinations of these System institutions in a variety of capacities. Our desirable candidate has experience as a bank examiner/auditor or banking accounting manager and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Duties

As an Accounting Specialist, your duties will include: Evaluating the implications of complex accounting standards and practices on System institution financial performance and reporting. Typical areas of focus include accounting for financial assets, leases, derivatives, and defined benefit pension programs. Analyzing accounting practices and financial reporting at System institutions for adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and compliance with accounting-related regulatory requirements. Evaluating internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and internal audit programs, making recommendations, and ensuring System institutions take corrective action when weaknesses are identified. Monitoring, interpreting, and communicating the effects of emerging changes in GAAP, SEC rules, and industry practices on the examination of regulated financial institutions. Conducting meetings with public accounting firms, internal auditors, and regulated institutions to exchange information and discuss emerging accounting and financial reporting issues. Researching and responding to accounting and financial reporting questions, providing on-site assistance on examinations requiring specialized expertise, and establishing formal agency accounting opinions. Developing reports and other written products that summarize examination conclusions, results of research and analysis, and responses to technical questions. Presenting verbal briefings, reports, and other presentations to executive management, staff, and regulated institutions. Developing guidance for examiners and informational letters to regulated institutions; analyzing systemic risks and accounting practices; ensuring accounting policy is employed consistently; and participating in task forces that develop policy and regulations. Duties and expectations vary by grade level. For example, at the lowest grade level (VH-38), the specialist demonstrates sound competencies and understanding of applicable concepts and processes, and applies those competencies to moderately complex situations with only occasional guidance. At the highest grade and performance level of this position (VH-39), the specialist (1) demonstrates advanced competencies in the above subject matter; (2) applies those competencies in highly complex situations with generally limited or no guidance; (3) serves as a resource and advisor for complex technical accounting questions; and (4) participates in developing FCA examination guidance and policy positions.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• One year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Submission of a financial disclosure report may be required.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required

Qualifications

You may qualify at the VH-38 (GS-12) band level if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-37 (GS-11) band level. Experience may have been gained in Federal service or in equivalent public or private service and included activities similar to the following examples: Evaluating or applying the accounting standards and practices commonly related to banks, such as accounting for loans, investments, other property owned, asset impairment, fair value measurement, purchase premiums and discounts, gains and losses on sales, leases, debts, derivatives, hedges, dividends, expense capitalization, pensions and benefits, securitization, mergers and acquisitions, and other bank-related areas; Evaluating or developing financial reporting to shareholders or the SEC; Evaluating or administering internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR); Evaluating the impact of accounting practices on financial reporting and performance measures (e.g., the impact of accounting practices on earnings); Evaluating defined-benefit pension plans and internal audit programs. This experience is typically associated with serving as a bank examiner, accountant, auditor, controller, accounting manager, or accounting-related analyst at a bank or similar financial institution. You may qualify at the VH-39 (GS-13) band level if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-38 (GS-12) band level. This experience may have been gained in Federal service or in equivalent public or private service and included activities similar to the following examples: Delivering briefings, reports, and other presentations to management. Evaluating or applying the accounting standards and practices commonly related to banks, such as accounting for loans, investments, other property owned, asset impairment, fair value measurement, purchase premiums and discounts, gains and losses on sales, leases, debts, derivatives, hedges, dividends, expense capitalization, pensions and benefits, securitization, mergers and acquisitions, and other bank-related areas; Evaluating or developing financial reporting to shareholders or the SEC; Evaluating or administering internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR); Evaluating the impact of accounting practices on financial reporting and performance measures (e.g., the impact of accounting practices on earnings); Evaluating defined-benefit pension plans and internal audit program. This experience is typically associated with serving as a bank examiner, accountant, auditor, controller, accounting manager, or accounting-related analyst at a bank or similar financial institution. 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; religious; 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. You must meet all qualification requirements and submit all required supporting documentation by the closing date of this announcement. If you are found to be among the most highly qualified candidates you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Current and former Federal employees (including VEOA eligibles) must have served one-year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade in the Federal service to meet time-in-grade restrictions per 5 CFR 300, Subpart F, by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience at the VH-38 or VH-39 band level.

Contacts

• Address Office of Agency Services, Human Resources Division 1501 Farm Credit Drive McLean, VA 22102 US
• Name: FCA HR Division
• Phone: 703-883-4135
• Email: [email protected]