Launch Your Career as a Staff Accountant with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking to transition your accounting career into a mission-driven environment? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Portland, Oregon, is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our Fiscal Service team. This role is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills while directly supporting the healthcare needs of our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Accountant, your work will be foundational to our operations. Your core responsibilities include:

Financial Reporting: Formulating accurate financial reports and devising accounting structures.
Regulatory Compliance: Advising management on regulatory changes and ensuring adherence to federal laws.
System Management: Developing and maintaining segments of automated accounting systems.
Auditing: Assisting in financial audits and quality assurance evaluations for various fiscal programs.
Data Analysis: Reconciling general ledger accounts and analyzing complex financial and statistical data.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09	GS-11
Experience Level	Entry/Mid-Level	Full Performance Level
Scope	Developing skills	Independent expert analysis
Autonomy	Progressive training	Strategic decision-making support

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet specific education and experience benchmarks. Applicants must hold a degree in accounting or a related field with at least 24 semester hours in accounting. Alternatively, a combination of experience and education may be considered. Additionally, all applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a background check.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $66,505 to $104,610 per year, depending on your qualifications and grade level (GS-09 or GS-11). Federal employees enjoy competitive pay scales with opportunities for step increases based on performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
Federal holidays and work-life balance

Application Tips

Format Your Resume: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system will reject longer files.
Detail Your Experience: Be explicit about your duties and hours worked per week. We cannot make assumptions about your past experience.
Use the Resume Builder: The official USAJOBS resume builder is the best way to ensure your document meets all agency requirements.

Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a way to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are a dedicated accounting professional ready for a new challenge in the Portland area, we encourage you to apply before the July 20, 2026, deadline.

Why This Staff Accountant Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career supporting our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Staff Accountant in Portland.

Staff Accountant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Accountant to join the Fiscal Service team at the Portland VA Medical Center. In this role, you will provide critical financial support, ensuring that budget, accounting, and auditing functions are managed with precision. This position is vital to the VAPORHCS mission of delivering world-class healthcare to Veterans, offering a professional environment where your financial expertise directly impacts the operational success of our medical facilities.

Requirements for Staff Accountant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/1959).
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must meet specialized experience or education requirements as outlined for GS-09/11 grades.
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages in length.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Accountant

At least one year of professional Federal accounting experience.
Degree in accounting, finance, business, or public administration with 24+ semester hours in accounting.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
Proficiency in analyzing complex financial subsystems and automated accounting systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Generous retirement packages including FERS
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Career advancement and training opportunities
✓Work-life balance with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule

💡 How to Apply Staff Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Accountant Job

Log in or create an account at the official federal employment portal.
Review the full job announcement for detailed documentation requirements.
Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting relevant experience.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit all required documents including transcripts and SF-50s (if applicable).
Complete the required USA Hire competency assessment if prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through the portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
Clearly list start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
Use the resume builder to ensure your formatting meets agency standards.
If claiming Veterans Preference, provide all necessary documentation like your DD-214 upfront.
Check your email frequently for assessment invitations and status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

No, this position is not eligible for telework and is not a virtual position.

What is the promotion potential?

This position offers promotion potential up to the GS-11 grade level, contingent upon performance and regulatory requirements.

Are there physical requirements?

The role is primarily sedentary but requires occasional physical activity to retrieve records and travel between local divisions.

What is the work schedule?

The schedule is standard, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST.

Is a degree required?

Yes, you must have an accounting degree or significant coursework in accounting (24 semester hours) to qualify.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate care to those who have served in our military. The VA Portland Health Care System is a premier Level 1A teaching facility, serving patients across Oregon and Southwestern Washington. Joining our team means becoming part of an interdisciplinary organization that values service, excellence, and integrity.