Leading Financial Excellence: Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education is seeking a seasoned financial executive to fill the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary within the Office of Financial Management. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence the fiscal integrity and strategic direction of the Department, ensuring that billions of dollars are managed with transparency, accountability, and precision.

Job Responsibilities

As the Deputy Assistant Secretary, you will:

Provide executive oversight for accounting, financial reporting, and payment integrity.
Manage high-stakes engagements with the OIG, OMB, and Treasury regarding audit readiness.
Lead departmental initiatives to strengthen internal controls and mitigate systemic financial risks.
Advise the CFO on complex financial policy developments.

Qualifications Comparison

Requirement Type	Focus Area	Impact
Executive	Leadership, Strategy, Results	Sets organizational vision
Technical	Accounting, Audit, Controls	Ensures fiscal compliance

Requirements

Success in this role requires a candidate who can master both the human and technical elements of federal leadership. You must address the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs) within your two-page resume to be considered.

Salary Overview

This position is compensated under the Senior Executive Service (SES) scale, ranging from $151,661 to $228,000 per year, commensurate with experience and executive qualifications.

Benefits

Employees in this role gain access to a world-class benefits package, including federal health, retirement, and life insurance programs, alongside the potential for telework and the opportunity to impact national education policy.

Application Tips

Focus on the 2-page limit: Use concise, high-impact language.
Evidence-based writing: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your ECQ responses.
Double-check your SF-50s: If you are a federal employee, ensuring your tenure and grade are clearly visible prevents processing delays.

This role is not just a job; it is a chance to define the financial standard for the U.S. Department of Education. If you possess the executive vision and technical depth required, submit your application today.

Why This Deputy Assistant Secretary Job Matters

Shape the future of national education finance as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Job Overview

The Department of Education is seeking a high-level executive to lead the Office of Financial Management. This critical role oversees the agency's enterprise-wide financial operations, including auditing, payment integrity, and fiscal accountability. The successful candidate will serve as a key advisor to the Chief Financial Officer, driving strategic financial initiatives and ensuring rigorous adherence to internal controls, federal regulations, and transparency standards.

Requirements for Deputy Assistant Secretary

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Completion of a two-page resume that explicitly addresses five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Submission of a financial disclosure statement (OGE-278).
Successful certification by OPM's SES Qualification Review Board.
Academic requirement: Degree in accounting or a related business/public administration field with at least 24 semester hours in accounting.

Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Assistant Secretary

Current or former SES status.
Graduation from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
Recent performance appraisal records.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Senior Executive Service (SES) salary range.
✓Opportunity to lead large-scale, enterprise-level financial operations.
✓Collaborative work environment with federal oversight bodies and executive leadership.
✓Eligible for telework.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.

💡 How to Apply Deputy Assistant Secretary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Deputy Assistant Secretary Job

Prepare a two-page resume (minimum 10-point font) that integrates specific examples for all 5 ECQs and 2 TQs.
Compile supporting documents, including SF-50s if currently or previously a federal employee.
Gather proof of professional certifications (CPA/CIA) if applicable.
Submit your application through the official federal portal by the closing date.
Complete the automated vacancy questionnaire included in the online submission process.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; content beyond page two will not be reviewed.
Do not submit separate narrative documents for your qualifications; embed your ECQ/TQ accomplishments directly into your resume.
Ensure your SF-50 accurately reflects your tenure and grade levels for verification purposes.
Clearly link your experience to the specific federal regulations mentioned, such as OMB Circular A-123 and the Payment Integrity Information Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific format required for the resume?

Yes, the resume must be no longer than two pages using at least a 10-point font. It must combine your professional experience with clear, evidenced-based responses to the five ECQs and two TQs.

What is the security clearance level for this role?

This position is designated as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk, requiring the candidate to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Are relocation expenses covered?

No, relocation expenses will not be paid for this position.

How soon can I expect an update?

You can expect a response regarding your status within 80 days of the closing date.

Is a CPA required?

While not mandatory, possession of a CPA or CIA certification significantly strengthens your application.

Job from Department Of Education - Agency Wide

The Office of Finance and Operations (OFO) is the backbone of the Department of Education’s administrative and financial health. Their mission is to transform the agency into a high-performance organization, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and audit readiness. By joining this team, you will work alongside senior leaders to align fiscal resources with the Department's core mission.