Become a Supervisory Accountant at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you looking to pivot your financial expertise into a role that serves a greater purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Supervisory Accountant (GS-13) in Austin, Texas. This position is a perfect match for seasoned financial professionals who are ready to lead, mentor, and ensure fiscal integrity for the organization that serves those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As the Supervisory Accountant for the Accounting Classification Section (ACS), your primary responsibilities will include:

Validating Financial Data: Overseeing general ledger accounts, trial balances, and complex transactions.
Financial Reporting: Preparing and reviewing reports for operating program officials.
Expert Consultation: Providing authoritative advice on the interpretation of accounting regulations.
Team Leadership: Mentoring and providing technical guidance to accounting staff.
Process Improvement: Analyzing trends and budget data to optimize financial internal controls.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 role, you must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal positions.
Education: A degree in accounting or a related field (finance/business) with at least 24 semester hours in accounting.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Documentation: A maximum two-page resume that clearly outlines your experience and skills.

Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Accounting Role

Feature	Standard Accounting	Federal (VA) Accounting
Objective	Profitability	Compliance & Mission Support
Reporting	Generally Accepted Accounting Principles	Federal Accounting Standards
Work Focus	Bottom Line	Public Interest & Accountability
Leadership	Corporate Hierarchy	Mentorship & Technical Guidance

Salary Overview

The position offers a highly competitive salary range between $109,428 and $142,259 annually, reflecting the high level of technical proficiency and leadership expected of the incumbent.

Benefits

Joining the VA provides more than just a paycheck. You will benefit from:

Flexible and compressed work schedules to support work-life balance.
Opportunities for situational telework.
Access to federal health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
The intrinsic reward of supporting the VA's mission.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Be Specific: Document every duty with the number of hours worked per week.
Use Available Resources: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder if you need help meeting the structural requirements.
Prioritize the Assessment: Set aside three hours to complete the USA Hire Assessment once prompted.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an accounting leader to transition into the federal sector. If you possess the drive to lead and the commitment to excellence, apply today to start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Supervisory Accountant Job Matters

Advance your career in financial leadership while supporting those who served our nation at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Supervisory Accountant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Accountant to join the Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas. In this vital role, you will lead the Accounting Classification Section (ACS), overseeing the accuracy of financial data and ensuring rigorous compliance with federal accounting standards. You will serve as a technical expert, providing mentorship to staff and guidance to program officials, directly contributing to the VA's mission of providing compassionate service to Veterans and their families.

Requirements for Supervisory Accountant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Completion of the online application and questionnaire.
Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement: Degree in accounting or a related field with 24 semester hours in accounting/auditing.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
Submission of a maximum two-page resume.
Successful completion of required USA Hire Assessments.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
Ability to serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Accountant

Experience independently leading complex accounting activities.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve intricate accounting discrepancies.
Proven track record of mentoring or providing technical guidance to staff.
Strong proficiency in federal accounting principles, policies, and regulations.
Experience utilizing budget data to identify trends and improve internal controls.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Flexible and compressed work schedule options.
✓Ad hoc telework eligibility.
✓Career growth and professional development opportunities.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health and retirement options.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Accountant Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full job announcement and required document list.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Submit your application and required documents (transcripts, SF-50, etc.) via the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the designated timeframe.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS profile.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly documents your experience, including hours worked per week and specific duties performed.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve the formatting and page limit.
Complete your assessments promptly; you will be notified after your application submission.
Use the 'Track this application' feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your status.
Be specific in your responses to the online questionnaire as they are used to determine your qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. It is located at the Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas, though situational telework may be available.

Are relocation expenses covered?

No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

What is the resume length limit?

In compliance with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.

Is prior supervisory experience required?

No, formal supervisory experience is not required to apply, though the role involves leading others.

Can I use my military service to earn leave?

Yes, the VA may offer newly-appointed federal employees credit for prior active duty military service to determine annual leave accrual rates.

Job from Deputy Assistant Secretary For Finance

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA's Financial Services Center in Austin, you will be part of a mission-critical team that manages the financial backbone of programs designed to honor and support our military Veterans.