Become a Key Leader: Chief Financial Officer for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking an elite financial strategist to serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). This Senior Executive Service (SES) opportunity is designed for visionary leaders who are prepared to steer the financial operations of one of the most critical agencies in the federal government. If you are passionate about public service, fiscal integrity, and the modernization of government systems, this role offers an unparalleled platform to influence national nutrition assistance.
Job Responsibilities
As the CFO, your responsibilities are vast and encompass the high-level management of the agency’s fiscal health. Key duties include:
- Strategic Financial Direction: Formulating and executing comprehensive financial management programs.
- Policy Development: Collaborating with executive peers to create financial policies for nutrition programs.
- System Modernization: Directing the development and maintenance of corporate financial systems to align with federal standards.
- Budget Execution: Monitoring large-scale budgets to ensure alignment with agency priorities.
- Oversight: Managing 16 distinct programs with significant financial complexity.
Requirements
This position requires a high degree of technical expertise and executive maturity. Applicants must demonstrate:
- A career-focused commitment to the federal executive service.
- A condensed, two-page resume that highlights both Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Experience leading complex, multi-stream financial management environments.
- A clean record suitable for a Top Secret security clearance.
Candidate Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Security Clearance | Top Secret Required |
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 Pages |
| Salary Range | $204,122 - $216,010 |
| Work Location | Washington, D.C. |
Salary Overview
This position is a Level II SES appointment, reflecting the significant scope of responsibilities. The salary range is established between $204,122 and $216,010 per year, with potential for performance-based bonuses.
Benefits
Employees in the Senior Executive Service receive a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Robust health and life insurance options.
- Civil Service Retirement System or FERS participation.
- Flexible work arrangements including telework.
- Performance awards for achieving organizational milestones.
Application Tips
To stand out, treat your resume as a strategic document. Use every inch of your two pages to map your past accomplishments to the specific ECQs listed in the announcement. Be quantitative. Instead of saying you 'managed a budget,' detail how your leadership cut waste or improved the technological efficiency of a major federal financial system.
Serving as the CFO of the FNS is an opportunity to lead, innovate, and serve. If you possess the experience and drive required for this SES position, we encourage you to carefully prepare your application and apply before the closing date.
Why This Chief Financial Officer Job Matters
Lead the financial integrity of the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service in this high-impact Senior Executive Service role.
Chief Financial Officer Job Overview
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is seeking a dynamic Chief Financial Officer to provide executive leadership for the agency's vast financial management, budget, and grantmaking operations. This career-reserved SES position requires a visionary leader capable of overseeing complex funding streams, modernizing financial systems, and ensuring the fiscal health of programs that nourish the nation.
Requirements for Chief Financial Officer
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding 2 pages with 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font.
- Demonstrated experience in federal financial management, budget, and grantmaking.
- Ability to articulate Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume.
- Ability to articulate Technical Qualifications (TQs) within the resume.
- Must pass a Top Secret security clearance investigation.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period upon appointment.
- Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Chief Financial Officer
- Current or former career SES status.
- OPM-certified SES Candidate Development Program graduates.
- Experience managing budgets of comparable magnitude to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.
- Proven track record in technological modernization of financial systems.
- Demonstrated ability to drive a high-performance, high-accountability organizational culture.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive SES salary structure ($204,122 - $216,010).
- ✓Performance-based bonuses and awards.
- ✓Federal government health and life insurance options.
- ✓Comprehensive retirement planning (FERS).
- ✓Telework flexibility.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Senior Executive Service.
💡 How to Apply Chief Financial Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chief Financial Officer Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Draft a concise, two-page resume that explicitly addresses ECQs and TQs.
- Ensure all PII (Social Security Number, birth date) is removed from documentation.
- Apply online by selecting the 'Apply' button and following the prompts to the questionnaire.
- Attach supporting documents such as SF-50s or transcripts if applicable.
- Monitor application status through your online dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the 2-page limit; submissions exceeding this will not be fully reviewed.
- Focus on results: use quantitative examples to demonstrate your impact on budgets and systems.
- Avoid submitting separate, lengthy narrative statements for ECQs; integrate them into your resume.
- Use standard, legible formatting (11-point font, 0.8-inch margins).
- Spell out all acronyms upon first usage to ensure clarity for the review board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit separate essays for the Executive Core Qualifications?
No. The agency specifically requires that you integrate your ECQ and TQ evidence directly into your two-page resume.
Is this a remote position?
The position is based in Washington, D.C., and is not classified as a remote role, though it is telework-eligible.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Applications that exceed the two-page limit may be disqualified or ignored beyond the second page, so ensure your most impactful content is prominent.
Do I need a separate narrative for my qualifications?
No, the agency explicitly prohibits separate narratives. All information must fit within your two-page resume.
What is the significance of the Career-Reserved designation?
It implies the role requires a level of impartiality and technical expertise distinct from non-career political appointments.
Job from Food And Nutrition Service
The Food and Nutrition Service is at the heart of the USDA’s mission to end hunger and improve the health of the American public. The agency oversees 16 diverse programs with national scope, providing nutritious food to those in need. By fostering economic opportunity and ensuring an accessible, safe food supply, the agency plays a vital role in the well-being of the nation. As an SES leader here, you will contribute directly to a transformation that touches millions of lives daily.