Advance Your Career as a Financial Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution
Are you a detail-oriented financial professional looking to leverage your expertise in a world-class institution? The Smithsonian Institution is currently seeking a Financial Specialist to join the Archives of American Art in Washington, D.C. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine your fiscal acumen with the mission of preserving American cultural history. If you are ready for a challenging and rewarding position at the GS-12 level, this may be the perfect fit for your career trajectory.
Job Responsibilities
The Financial Specialist serves as a key advisor to department heads and leadership. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Financial Oversight: Monitoring expenditures, obligations, and budget execution.
- Procurement: Coordinating with Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives to manage vendor relationships and fund verification.
- Property Accountability: Acting as the Accountable Property Officer (APO) to oversee inventories and asset management.
- Operational Analysis: Producing financial reports, trend analyses, and budget projections to inform management decisions.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
- Compliance: Ability to adhere to federal regulations and internal Smithsonian policies.
- Registration: Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $102,415 - $133,142 |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Permanent |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Grade | GS-12 |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $102,415 to $133,142 per year. Compensation is commensurate with your level of federal experience and the complexity of your background in financial administration.
Benefits
Employees of the Smithsonian enjoy a comprehensive benefits package typical of federal employment, including:
- Health and Life Insurance coverage options.
- Retirement planning through federal programs.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, ensure that your resume is detailed. Clearly define the duties performed in each role, and do not forget to include the number of hours worked per week. For current federal employees, failing to include an appropriate SF-50 is a common cause for disqualification.
This is a unique opportunity to provide fiscal leadership within an iconic institution. If you possess the required skills and are driven to support the mission of the Smithsonian, we encourage you to submit your application by the September 17, 2026, deadline.
Why This Financial Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career at the heart of American culture—help shape the financial foundation of the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art.
Financial Specialist Job Overview
The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a dedicated Financial Specialist to join the Archives of American Art in Washington, D.C. This role is pivotal in ensuring the fiscal integrity and operational efficiency of one of the world's most significant research archives. You will manage complex financial operations, provide budgetary oversight, and collaborate across departments to support the mission of preserving American artistic heritage. This is a permanent, full-time position offering a competitive federal salary and a robust benefits package.
Requirements for Financial Specialist
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in federal service.
- Proven track record in financial management, including budgeting, procurement, and property management.
- Ability to reconcile financial reports and maintain high standards of data accuracy.
- Experience in human resources administrative support, including time and attendance.
- Must be able to pass suitability and fitness credentialing.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Financial Specialist
- Expertise in Congressional, OMB, and OPMB budget processes.
- Proficiency in analyzing data within ERP accounting systems.
- Strong understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Smithsonian contracting policies.
- Demonstrated ability to produce executive summaries and financial trend analyses.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- âś“Federal Retirement Program options
- âś“Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
- âś“Paid Federal Holidays
- âś“Flexible Spending Accounts
- âś“Long-term care insurance eligibility
- âś“Opportunities for telework
đź’ˇ How to Apply Financial Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Financial Specialist Job
- Review the full job announcement on the official portal.
- Prepare your resume detailing relevant work experience, including hours worked per week.
- Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms for current or former federal employees.
- Click the Apply Online button to access the application dashboard.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your complete package by the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions dates (month/year) and hours worked to prove your GS-11 equivalency.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder if you are unsure about formatting requirements.
- For current federal employees, include all relevant SF-50s that demonstrate your time-in-grade eligibility.
- Double-check that your self-assessment ratings are clearly supported by the specific examples in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary for this Financial Specialist role ranges from $102,415 to $133,142 per year.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, providing flexibility in balancing your professional and personal life.
What does the Smithsonian look for in terms of specialized experience?
They are looking for experience in financial management studies, budget execution, procurement, property management, and financial reconciliation consistent with the GS-11 grade level.
Job from Smithsonian Institution
As the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Working within the Archives of American Art, you will play a critical role behind the scenes, ensuring that the financial operations that sustain our national treasures remain transparent, efficient, and compliant.