Lead Accountant: Shaping Financial Integrity at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Accountant to support the Finance and Accounting Branch in Baltimore, Maryland. This role is essential for ensuring that the fiscal operations of the District remain accurate, compliant, and mission-ready. If you are an experienced finance professional looking to leverage your skills in a high-impact government environment, this could be your next career milestone.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Accountant, you will serve as a key advisor to the Finance and Accounting Officer. Your daily duties will include:

Financial Analysis: Performing and auditing Army financial transactions while applying established fiscal policies.
Reporting: Preparing detailed reports on accounting, budgeting, and manpower utilization.
Systems Oversight: Managing the enterprise Financial Management System (FMS) within a revolving fund environment.
Auditing: Leading District CFO, internal, and external audit programs to ensure policy compliance.
Communication: Drafting and presenting briefings on policy changes and their financial impact to leadership.

Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must demonstrate a specific blend of education and professional experience:

Requirement Type	Criteria
Education	Bachelor's in Accounting or related field with 24+ accounting credits
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level
Clearance	Ability to obtain Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk status
Documentation	Must submit transcripts and job-related certifications

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. The salary includes locality pay for the Baltimore region, ensuring compensation remains aligned with the cost of living and local market trends.

Benefits

Health and Wellness: Access to federal health insurance programs.
Retirement: Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and federal pension systems.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus federal holidays.
Growth: Structured professional development and opportunities for career advancement.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Excessive length results in rejection.
Detail Your History: Clearly define your hours per week, specific dates (Month/Year), and employer details.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready for the USA Hire assessment. These are competency-based and mandatory for final consideration.

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply high-level accounting skills to projects that impact the nation’s infrastructure. If you possess the experience, leadership qualities, and analytical rigor required to excel, apply today to join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Baltimore.

Why This Lead Accountant Job Matters

Advance your career in financial leadership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a pivotal role in engineering the nation's future.

Lead Accountant Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a highly skilled Lead Accountant to join the Finance and Accounting Branch in Baltimore, Maryland. In this critical role, you will provide technical leadership and operational expertise in supporting the Finance and Accounting Officer. You will navigate complex revolving fund environments, analyze financial statements, and ensure organizational compliance within the enterprise Financial Management System (FMS) to drive mission-critical projects.

Requirements for Lead Accountant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet specialized experience requirements at the GS-12 level.
Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field with at least 24 semester hours in accounting (including up to 6 hours in business law).
Alternatively, a combination of education and four years of professional accounting experience.
Must maintain a valid license or certification as required by the position.
Must be able to pass a background check for a Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) / Moderate Risk designation.
Registration with the Selective Service for male applicants born after 1959.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Accountant

Experience in formulating District plans, policies, and procedures regarding accounting systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead CFO, internal, and external audit programs.
Proficiency in analyzing revolving fund accounts, balance sheets, and cost reconciliations.
Experience executing financial work involving direct, reimbursable, and non-federal funding sources.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance packages.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible telework opportunities for eligible employees.
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous career growth within a federal agency.

💡 How to Apply Lead Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Accountant Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Prepare a concise resume (two pages or less) highlighting your specialized experience and relevant work history.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts, SF-50 forms for federal employees, and proof of license.
Submit your application, required questionnaires, and supporting documents via the online portal.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Assessments if required.
Complete the online competency assessments within 48 hours of notification.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
Use plain language and avoid jargon or acronyms that the hiring panel may not immediately recognize.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the number of hours worked per week and specific month/year dates for each role.
Verify that your uploaded transcripts and certifications are clearly legible.
Set aside roughly two hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the required work experience?

No, this specific position requires that you meet the qualification requirements using experience alone.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote position and requires being based in Baltimore, Maryland.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Resumes that exceed the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration for this vacancy.

What is the closing date for this application?

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on August 10, 2026.

Can I request reasonable accommodation?

Yes. If you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act, you can request an accommodation through the application portal before starting your assessments.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates at the intersection of engineering and public service. From maintaining water resources and restoring ecosystems to designing facilities for the armed forces, USACE is a foundational institution. Working here means more than managing spreadsheets—it means contributing to national resilience and safeguarding our local communities. Employees are part of a diverse, professional network that values integrity, innovation, and mission accomplishment.