Launch Your Federal Finance Career with the USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a unique landscape for professionals seeking to combine financial expertise with a mission-driven career. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is currently seeking a highly motivated Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator to join their team in Urbandale, Iowa. This role is essential to the agency’s mission of ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply by managing the intricate financial operations that keep the agency functioning.
Job Responsibilities
As a Financial Technician/Coordinator, you will be responsible for a wide array of fiscal tasks. Your daily duties will include:
- Processing and verifying financial documents for accuracy.
- Supporting the lifecycle of financial transactions, including travel, Government Credit Cards, and achievement awards.
- Providing first-line support to internal and external partners regarding billing, vendor payments, and reimbursement inquiries.
- Generating and analyzing financial reports to identify and rectify discrepancies.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Experience: Specialized experience at the equivalent GS level (GS-4 for GS-5, GS-5 for GS-6, etc.).
- Documentation: A maximum two-page resume detailing relevant work history, hours worked, and specific financial duties.
- Assessments: Successful completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
- Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship.
| Grade Level | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | 60+ semester hours or qualifying experience |
| GS-6 | Specialized experience at GS-5 level |
| GS-7 | Specialized experience at GS-6 level |
| GS-8 | Specialized experience at GS-7 level |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position ranges from $41,066 to $73,233 per year, depending on the specific grade level achieved based on your qualifications and professional experience.
Benefits
Federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits, including:
- Health and Life Insurance options.
- Retirement planning (FERS).
- Telework and flexible schedule opportunities.
- Career progression and promotion potential up to the GS-8 grade level.
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume must be strictly under two pages. Exceeding this limit leads to automatic disqualification.
- Assessment Prep: Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice before taking your formal assessment.
- File Types: Ensure your uploads are standard formats (PDF, Word) and not encrypted to avoid technical issues.
This Financial Technician position represents an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their career within the federal government. With competitive benefits and a clear path for professional development, the USDA is the perfect place to grow your financial skill set. Apply now to contribute to the important work of the FSIS.
Why This Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator Job Matters
Launch your career in federal finance with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and make a tangible impact on national public health operations.
Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator Job Overview
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking a detail-oriented Financial Technician/Coordinator to join the Accounts Payable Management Branch in Urbandale, Iowa. This pivotal role involves managing millions of dollars in financial transactions, ensuring the accuracy of complex data, and providing high-level customer support to both internal staff and external stakeholders. You will support essential financial functions, including travel reimbursements, government credit card management, and vendor payment processing, while maintaining strict adherence to federal financial policies.
Requirements for Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator
- U.S. Citizenship eligibility.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for the specific grade level (GS-5 through GS-8) by the closing date.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; submissions longer than two pages will be disqualified.
- Ability to complete mandatory USA Hire Assessments within designated timeframes.
- Submission of all required supporting documentation, including transcripts and veteran preference forms, if applicable.
- Compliance with federal application deadlines and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications for Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator
- Strong proficiency in financial reporting systems and automated ledger maintenance.
- Experience providing technical procedural guidance on travel, payroll, or procurement issues.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex financial discrepancies through research and verification.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for handling internal and external customer inquiries.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure with promotion potential up to GS-8.
- ✓Telework eligibility (subject to agency policy).
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health, life, and retirement programs.
- ✓Opportunities for career development and professional growth within the USDA.
💡 How to Apply Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Financial Technician/Financial Coordinator Job
- Review the full job announcement and gather necessary documentation.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Apply online via the USAJOBS portal before the September 8, 2026, deadline.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted after application submission.
- Monitor your application status and email notifications through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Tailor your resume to reflect the specific financial duties outlined in the announcement.
- Check your USAJOBS email notifications regularly, as time-sensitive assessment links will be sent there.
- Upload documents as non-encrypted files under 5MB to ensure they successfully transfer to the agency system.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the assessment format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to qualify for all grade levels?
No. Education can only be used as a substitute for specialized experience for GS-5 positions, and only for credit hours beyond the first 60 semester hours.
What happens if I forget to submit my transcripts?
Failure to submit required documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify, may result in an incomplete application and loss of consideration.
Are there specific document formatting requirements?
Yes. Documents must be under 5MB and in supported formats like PDF, TXT, or Word. Do not use Adobe Portfolio or encrypted files.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation expenses are not covered for this position.
Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes, you can return to your USAJOBS account to edit your application until the closing date of September 8, 2026.
Job from Food Safety And Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service is the public health regulatory arm of the USDA. By regulating meat, poultry, and processed egg products, FSIS protects consumers and ensures that the highest safety standards are met. Working within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), the Accounts Payable Management Branch handles millions of dollars in payments, revenue collections, and billings, making this department the financial backbone of the agency.