Financial Management Analyst: Build Your Career with the Air National Guard at Forbes AFB

Finding a professional path that blends specialized financial administration with meaningful national service is a rare opportunity. The Air National Guard is currently recruiting for a Financial Management Analyst (GS-0501-07/09) to join the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes AFB in Kansas. This Title 32 Excepted Service position represents an ideal balance for military service members or qualifying recruits seeking stable, highly rewarding federal employment.

Operating in a critical support capacity, the selected analyst will tackle complex accounting issues, coordinate fiscal reconciliation efforts, and ensure the operational readiness of military and civilian personnel. This career pathway provides not only a competitive salary ($51,283 to $81,553 annually) but also a structured work environment designed to foster career advancement and professional military development.

Whether you are an experienced finance specialist looking to bring your skills to the federal sector or an active service member ready to transition your career toward budget management, this role offers an engaging, mission-focused work environment.

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About the Agency: 190th Air Refueling Wing

The National Guard stands as the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces, boasting a proud tradition of local, national, and global service. From defending colonial borders to responding to localized environmental disasters, Guard members are unique in their dual mission to support both state governors and national defense command networks.

Based at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, the 190th Air Refueling Wing (widely known as the "Coyotes") plays a fundamental role in global military reach. Flying a fleet of KC-135R Stratotankers, the 190th provides essential aerial refueling support to US and allied aircraft worldwide.

As a Title 32 Excepted Service member within this unit, you will operate as part of a highly disciplined team. Title 32 technicians are federal civilian employees who are also required to serve as military members of the Guard. This integrated approach ensures that the wing maintains unparalleled administrative excellence during daily civilian operations while remaining ready to mobilize at a moment's notice.

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Job Responsibilities: GS-07 vs. GS-09

This position is structured as a career-ladder opportunity, meaning selected candidates can enter at either the developmental GS-07 stage or the fully proficient GS-09 level. Responsibilities scale in difficulty and independence as you progress.

GS-07: Developmental Financial Analyst

At the GS-07 grade, the position focuses on building professional capability. Analysts at this level perform recurring duties designed to develop specialized financial expertise. Responsibilities include:

• Guided Reconciliations: Performing basic ledger reviews, verifying transaction receipts, and identifying simple account variances.
• Applying Regulatory Guides: Selecting and utilizing the most appropriate financial regulations, federal instructions, and policies to handle standard cases.
• Process Familiarization: Learning the structure of military and civilian pay, accounts payable, travel vouchers, and civilian benefit deductions.
• Collaborative Support: Working alongside senior analysts to address billing questions and draft routine financial updates.

GS-09: Proficient Financial Analyst

At the GS-09 grade, the incumbent works with a high degree of independence. You will perform detailed analytical and evaluative operations across complex systems, including:

• Systemic Auditing: Processing, verifying, and analyzing complex data structures across multiple accounting systems to locate out-of-balance conditions.
• Broad Reconciliation: Conducting detailed fiscal reconciliations of Resource Center Manager (RCM) accounts to ensure accuracy and overall integrity.
• System Communication: Partnering directly with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and submitting validated ledger entries to the federal General Ledger.
• Entitlement Analysis: Reviewing, examining, and interpreting pay entitlements, incentive payouts, tax structures, travel regulations, and contractor vendor invoices.

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Key Requirements and Military Compatibility

To maintain compliance with Title 32 statutory mandates, applicants must meet specific military and administrative criteria prior to and during their employment.

• Military Membership: Active participation in the Kansas Air National Guard as an enlisted member is mandatory.
• Grade Limitations: This position is open to military grades E1 through E7. Applicants holding the grade of E8 are welcome to apply but must provide a written waiver stating their willingness to accept an administrative reduction to E7 upon selection.
• Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC): The compatible military assignment for this position is 6F0X1 (Financial Management and Comptroller). If you do not currently hold this AFSC, you must be fully willing and eligible to complete the required cross-training.
• Security Clearance: Candidates must possess or be capable of successfully securing a Secret security clearance.
• Drug Testing: Continued employment is contingent upon passing pre-employment and random drug screening programs.
• Professional Certification: Under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), this position is designated as a Financial Management Level 2 Certified role. Hired employees must successfully attain this certification within 24 months of placement.

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Salary Overview and Grade Comparison Table

Compensation for this position is governed by the General Schedule (GS) federal pay scale. Progression through the grades is based on experience, performance, and training benchmarks.

Criteria / Feature	GS-07 Level	GS-09 Level
Annual Salary Range	$51,283 to $66,664 (Estimate)	$62,725 to $81,553 (Estimate)
Minimum Experience	1 year equivalent to the GS-05 level	1 year equivalent to the GS-07 level
Education Alternative	1 full year of graduate-level study OR Superior Academic Achievement	Master's degree OR 2 full years of progressive graduate study OR LL.B. / J.D.
Level of Independence	Developmental; relies on supervisor guidelines	Fully independent; resolves complex balancing errors
DFAS Coordination	Minimal; works primarily within internal systems	High; directly coordinates and reconciles with DFAS
Entitlement Focus	Learning pay regulations and basic eligibility rules	Reviewing tax laws, bonus pay, and complex travel entitlements

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Federal Benefits and Work-Life Balance

Working for the Air National Guard provides premium quality-of-life benefits that rival top-tier private-sector corporations. Key perks include:

The 5/4/9 Compressed Work Schedule

This role utilizes an innovative compressed schedule designed to maximize personal time off while maintaining operational excellence. Within a standard 80-hour biweekly pay period, employees work:

• Week One: Four 9-hour days and one 8-hour day.
• Week Two: Four 9-hour days and enjoy one Scheduled Day Off (SDO).

This structure rewards you with a three-day weekend every other week, drastically reducing commuting costs and boosting work-life balance.

Situational Telework

While this role relies on on-base operations, it is eligible for situational telework. This allows personnel to execute their duties remotely during extreme weather, facility emergencies, or pre-approved unscheduled telework windows.

Retirement and Medical Coverage

Federal employees enjoy access to robust retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching. You will also have access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options, alongside life insurance plans and generous paid time off (annual and sick leave).

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Application Tips and Best Practices

To ensure your application is referred to the hiring manager, avoid common federal hiring mistakes by following these strategies:

1. Refine Your Resume Format: Federal resumes require precise details. For every job listed, include your exact title, starting and ending dates (e.g., MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY), average hours worked per week, your supervisor's name and contact number, and your salary.
2. Avoid Plagiarism: Do not copy the text of this announcement directly into your resume. Staffing specialists look for original, detailed accounts of your specific duties and accomplishments written in your own words.
3. Provide Transcripts: If you are substituting college education for specialized experience, you must upload clean, legible copies of your transcripts showing your major area of study (Accounting, Finance, Business, etc.).
4. Check Grade Requirements: If you are an E8 applicant, do not forget to draft and sign your willingness-to-reduce statement to prevent administrative disqualification.
5. Review Before Submitting: Ensure your documents are completely uploaded and clear of corruption. A corrupted PDF or missing file will lead to an immediate non-referral.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can civilian financial analysts with no military background apply?

To qualify for this Title 32 Excepted Service position, you must be a member of the Air National Guard or be willing and eligible to enlist. If you are a civilian willing to enlist and meet all military requirements (including age, fitness, and aptitude), you can apply.

Q: Is there relocation financial assistance available?

While relocation assistance is not guaranteed, highly qualified applicants selected for this position may be considered for a specialized recruiting or relocation financial incentive.

Q: What academic degrees are acceptable for education substitution?

Eligible fields of study include Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Management, Marketing, Quantitative Methods, or Organizational Management.

Q: Who can I contact for questions regarding the application process?

For direct inquiries, you can reach out to the Human Resources point of contact, Jamie M. Jackson, via email at [email protected] or by calling 785-646-0510.

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The Financial Management Analyst position at Forbes AFB offers an exceptional career path for detail-oriented professionals who wish to support the mission of the 190th Air Refueling Wing. With a competitive salary, an innovative 5/4/9 compressed schedule, and pathways toward recognized professional certifications, this role is a premier opportunity within the Kansas Air National Guard. Review your eligibility, gather your transcripts, tailor your resume, and submit your application package before the closing date on July 23, 2026.