Financial Analyst (GS-11/12) - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Embark on a rewarding career path with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a vital component of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). We are actively seeking talented and dedicated Financial Analysts for a direct-hire opportunity to join our team. If you possess a strong understanding of financial principles and are passionate about contributing to the safety and efficiency of our nation's transportation infrastructure, this role offers a significant opportunity to make a difference. This position is open to the public and utilizes a direct-hire authority, streamlining the hiring process for qualified candidates.

About the Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is at the forefront of modernizing America's infrastructure, ensuring safety, and fostering innovation. The FMCSA specifically focuses on improving the safety of commercial motor vehicles and preventing related injuries, deaths, and property damage. Within the FMCSA, the Division of Financial Responsibility Filings plays a critical role in overseeing the financial solvency and compliance of entities operating within the commercial transportation sector. This includes monitoring trust funds, surety bonds, and self-insurance programs to guarantee that carriers can meet their financial obligations and that the public is protected.

The DOT is recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government, emphasizing a results-oriented culture, operational excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Joining the DOT means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to delivering tangible results that benefit American families, workers, and businesses for generations to come.

Job Responsibilities

As a Financial Analyst at the FMCSA, you will be an integral part of the Division of Financial Responsibility Filings, contributing directly to the agency's mission. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Investigating Compliance Issues: Assisting in the thorough investigation of stakeholder complaints concerning non-compliant trusts, unpaid claims by trust providers, and financial failures of brokers or freight forwarders. This also involves examining the financial stability of institutions issuing trust fund agreements and surety bonds.
• Developing Procedures: Creating and refining procedures for surety bond and trust fund providers to promptly report financial failures or insolvencies of brokers/freight forwarders, and to manage the cancellation of associated financial responsibility.
• Executing Suspension Procedures: Implementing surety suspension and civil penalty procedures to halt the authority of non-compliant surety or trust fund providers.
• Budget Analysis and Reconciliation: Conducting detailed budget analysis and reconciliations for the Licensing & Insurance fee-based account. This involves managing general ledger entries, account reconciliations, adjustments, accounts receivable, credit and collections, and accruals, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping.
• Supporting Self-Insurance Programs: Playing a key role in the Self-Insurance Program by evaluating the financial, operational, and economic soundness of motor carriers seeking to self-insure. This includes analyzing applications, reviewing financial statements, and assessing the adequacy of collateral coverages and Adjusted Tangible Net Worth (ATNW) to claims ratios.
• Reviewing Municipal Risk Pools: Examining applications from states, cities, and municipalities that wish to allow motor carriers to self-insure under their risk pools, assessing the pool's financial health, claims exposure, and claims handling practices.
• Process Agent Oversight: Assisting in the oversight and management of the Designation of Process Agents (Form BOC-3) program, ensuring it aligns with regulatory guidelines and operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Support: Providing effective customer service and guidance to a diverse range of stakeholders, including motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, insurance companies, financial institutions, and the general public, regarding FMCSA registration and financial responsibility requirements.

Requirements

To be considered for this Financial Analyst position, candidates must meet specific qualifications. This role is designated as a Direct Hire, simplifying the process for eligible applicants. The position is open to U.S. citizens and is available at the GS-11 and GS-12 grade levels, with promotion potential to GS-12.

Basic Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Background Investigation: Successful completion of a background security investigation is mandatory.
• Probationary Period: A one-year probationary period may be required upon appointment, during which performance and conduct will be evaluated.

Specialized Experience:

To qualify at the GS-11 level based on experience, you must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 level. This experience should include:

• Applying public accounting principles and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to assess the financial health of commercial companies.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: analyzing cash flow, insurance claims, adjusted tangible net worth, liabilities, or financial statements.
• Assisting in the oversight, guidance, or analysis of financial institutions that issue trust fund agreements, or insurance companies that issue surety bonds or commercial insurance policies.

To qualify at the GS-11 level based on education alone, you must have:

• Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
• A combination of graduate education and experience can also satisfy the GS-11 requirements, provided it is fully supported by your resume and transcripts.

To qualify at the GS-12 level based on experience, you must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. This experience should include:

• Applying accounting principles and GAAP to assess the financial health of commercial companies.
• Experience in two or more of the following areas: analyzing cash flow, insurance claims, adjusted tangible net worth, liabilities, or financial statements.
• Providing oversight, guidance, or analysis of financial institutions that issue trust fund agreements, or insurance companies that issue surety bonds or commercial insurance policies.

Note: Qualification solely based on education is not permitted at the GS-12 level; relevant experience is required.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Principles of Accounting: Deep understanding of GAAP, including the full accounting cycle and financial statement preparation.
• Information Management: Ability to identify information needs, gather, organize, and maintain data effectively.
• Problem Solving: Skill in identifying issues, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Written Communication: Capacity to convey information clearly, concisely, and effectively in writing.

Salary Overview

The Financial Analyst position is graded under the General Schedule (GS) pay system. The salary ranges are as follows:

• GS-11: Approximately $74,678 - $97,080 per year
• GS-12: Approximately $89,314 - $116,107 per year

(Note: Actual salary may vary based on locality pay adjustments if applicable. The provided range reflects the potential maximum for the GS-12 grade without locality pay.)

Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Transportation, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial security. These typically include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a wide range of plan options.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit plan, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k).
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Other Insurance: Options for long-term care insurance (FLTCIP).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Potential for flexible work schedules and telework arrangements, depending on position and agency policy.

Application Process and Tips

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted electronically through the USAJOBS website by the closing date of September 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Announcement: Locate the specific job announcement on USAJOBS.gov.
2. Create/Log In: Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
3. Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button and follow the prompts.
4. Complete Questionnaire: Thoroughly answer all assessment questions. Honesty and accuracy are crucial.
5. Upload Documents: Submit all required documents, including your resume, transcripts (if qualifying by education), and proof of eligibility (if applicable, e.g., for CTAP/ICTAP).

Application Tips:

• Resume Detail: Ensure your resume is detailed, up-to-date, and highlights experience directly relevant to the job description. Limit your resume to two pages. Include specific dates of employment (MM/YYYY–MM/YYYY), hours worked per week, and series/grade if applicable for federal positions.
• Address KSAs: Your resume and application responses must clearly demonstrate your proficiency in the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) outlined. HR specialists cannot make assumptions about your experience; explicitly state your duties, actions, tools used, and results.
• Eligibility Documentation: If applying under special hiring authorities (like CTAP/ICTAP), ensure all required documents (e.g., performance appraisal, eligibility letter, SF-50) are submitted by the deadline.
• Review and Submit: Before final submission, carefully review your entire application package for completeness and accuracy. Once submitted, you can verify its status and uploaded documents within your USAJOBS account.
• Contact: If you encounter technical difficulties during the application process, contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The salary ranges from approximately $74,678 to $116,107 per year, depending on the grade level (GS-11 or GS-12) and locality pay.

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| Is this a remote or telework position? | This is a direct-hire position located in one of the specified physical locations. While telework may be an option based on agency policy and individual circumstances, the position is not advertised as fully remote. | | What are the minimum qualifications? | Minimum qualifications include U.S. citizenship and meeting the specialized experience or education requirements for the GS-11 or GS-12 grade level, as detailed in the announcement. A background investigation is also required. | | How long is the application period? | The application period closes on September 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). | | What documents are required for the application? | A resume (max two pages), answers to the occupational questionnaire, and any supporting documentation such as transcripts (if qualifying by education) or proof of eligibility (if applicable) are required. | | Can I qualify based on education alone? | You can qualify for the GS-11 grade based on education alone if you have three years of graduate study beyond a bachelor's degree or a Ph.D. However, for the GS-12 grade, relevant experience is mandatory. | | What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)? | The FMCSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation dedicated to ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicles and preventing accidents. This role supports their mission by verifying the financial responsibility of industry players. | | What does 'Direct Hire' mean? | 'Direct Hire' authority allows agencies to expedite the hiring process for certain positions by hiring candidates directly from a list of highly qualified applicants, often bypassing traditional competitive rating and ranking procedures. |

This Financial Analyst position with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration presents a significant opportunity for professionals seeking to apply their financial expertise in a role that directly impacts national transportation safety and economic stability. The FMCSA offers a stable, rewarding career with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth. If you are a qualified individual looking to serve the public and contribute to a critical federal mission, we encourage you to apply by the September 24, 2026 deadline. Join the Department of Transportation and help build the future of transportation.