Advance Your Career as a Financial Management Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you a financial expert looking for a role that combines high-level policy strategy with a profound mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Financial Management Specialist to work within the Office of Finance in Washington, D.C. This role offers the chance to influence national-level financial policies that directly support those who have served our country.

Role Responsibilities

As a Financial Management Specialist (GS-14), you will be the point person for some of the most challenging assignments in the agency. Your primary duties include:

Policy Development: Formulating and recommending Department-wide financial policies and procedures.
Audit Coordination: Managing external audit responses and addressing auditor inquiries regarding financial statements.
Fiscal Analysis: Conducting comprehensive studies to identify and resolve complex accounting issues.
Strategic Advising: Providing guidance to management on internal controls and fiscal compliance.

Comparison: Standard Financial Roles vs. VA Policy Roles

Feature	Private Sector Finance	VA Financial Policy Specialist
Primary Focus	Profitability & Growth	Compliance & Mission Support
Regulatory Scope	Industry Standards	Federal Law & Statutes
Impact Area	Corporate Stakeholders	Veterans & Their Families
Work Environment	Competitive/Fast-paced	Mission-driven/Public Service

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-14 level position, candidates must possess:

Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in a federal setting.
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of federal budget processes, accounting, and payroll systems.
Documentation: Proper submission of SF-50 forms to verify time-in-grade and federal service status.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with federal pay scales and experience.

Benefits of Federal Service

Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers:

Excellent health and retirement benefits.
Work-life balance through ad-hoc telework options.
Annual and sick leave programs.
The opportunity to earn credit for non-federal experience toward leave accrual.

Application Tips

Edit Your Resume: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Use clear, results-oriented language.
Quantify Results: Don't just list duties; explain the impact of your policies or analysis.
Double-Check Documents: Ensure your SF-50 accurately reflects your time-in-grade. Missing documentation is the most common reason for disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the cutoff for applications? A: The initial consideration cutoff is 100 applications. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as the announcement opens.

Q: Is there an assessment required? A: Yes, applicants must complete the USA Hire competency-based assessments.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned financial professional to apply their skills toward a cause that matters. If you are prepared to lead in fiscal policy and serve our nation's heroes, apply today.

Why This Financial Management Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of financial integrity at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Leverage your policy expertise to support those who have served our nation.

Financial Management Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Financial Management Specialist to join the Office of Financial Policy. This pivotal role involves leading the development and execution of complex financial policies that govern the agency's fiscal operations, including budget management, accounting standards, and regulatory compliance. You will serve as a key advisor to leadership, ensuring the VA's financial practices remain efficient, transparent, and compliant with federal mandates.

Requirements for Financial Management Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
Must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements if a current or former federal employee.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must complete an online, competency-based assessment.
Must undergo a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Financial Management Specialist

In-depth expertise in federal statutes, regulations, and policies governing financial management.
Proven experience in developing policy for appropriations, funds control, and financial reporting.
Ability to analyze fiscal systems and provide actionable recommendations for internal controls.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for executive-level advising.
Experience coordinating external audit responses and complex fiscal problem-solving.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on service time.
✓Ad-hoc telework opportunities to support work-life balance.
✓Credit for non-federal experience or military service toward leave accrual.
✓Access to comprehensive federal health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
✓Career development and mentorship within a mission-driven agency.

💡 How to Apply Financial Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Financial Management Specialist Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Prepare a concise, results-oriented resume (maximum of two pages).
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms and relevant transcripts.
Submit your application and required questionnaires by the closing date.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire online assessment upon notification.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less to ensure it is accepted by the system.
Highlight specific outcomes and metrics from your previous financial management roles.
Ensure your SF-50s clearly demonstrate the required 52 weeks of time-in-grade.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets agency standards.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessment in one sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this position?

This role focuses on developing, implementing, and overseeing financial policies within the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring compliance with federal law and optimizing fiscal operations.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. However, it does offer ad-hoc, situational telework based on agency policy.

Are there specific resume length requirements?

Yes. Effective September 2025, federal agencies under the Merit Hiring Plan require resumes to be two pages or less.

Job from Deputy Assistant Secretary For Finance

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." Working here means joining a community committed to compassionate service, innovation, and integrity. Your work in the Office of Finance ensures that the resources needed to provide this care are managed with the highest level of accountability.