Become a Lead Accountant for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Are you a seasoned financial professional looking to leverage your expertise for the mission-critical needs of the U.S. Department of Defense? The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is currently hiring for a Lead Accountant (GS-13) to serve at either our Whitehall, OH, or Richmond, VA locations. This is more than just a job; it is a role where your financial precision directly supports the men and women serving in our military.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Accountant, you will take on a pivotal leadership role. Your responsibilities include:

Policy Stewardship: Leading the administration of financial policies and ensuring all disclosures align with statutory requirements.
Team Management: Assigning and reviewing team tasks to ensure high-quality output within established deadlines.
Strategic Integration: Aligning team goals with the broader DLA mission and strategic plan.
Audit Support: Serving as a primary point of contact for audits, including PBC (Provided by Client) requests and Corrective Action Plans.
Mentorship: Coaching staff and collaborating with supervisors on performance management and professional development.

Requirements

This position requires a high level of specialized knowledge. To be considered, you must demonstrate:

A bachelor’s degree with 24+ semester hours in accounting.
Professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Strong analytical skills in USSGL, FASAB, and OMB standards.

Qualifications Comparison Table

Criteria	Requirement
Education	Bachelor's Degree + 24 Accounting Credits
Experience	1 Year at GS-12 or Equivalent
Security	Background Clearance Required
Drug Testing	Mandatory Pre-employment & Random

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 level, offering a highly competitive salary range.

Whitehall, Ohio: $111,065 – $144,386 per year
Richmond, Virginia: $111,183 – $144,540 per year

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:

Health and Life Insurance.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous leave accrual policy.
Opportunities for professional growth and training within the DoD.

Application Tips

Watch the Clock: Applications close on October 30, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard requirement—formatting errors or length violations will result in disqualification.
Assessments: Be prepared to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment. Check your email regularly once you apply.

The DLA offers a challenging and rewarding environment for financial leaders. If you are ready to apply your skills toward a global logistics mission, review the full announcement and prepare your application package today.

Why This Lead Accountant Job Matters

Elevate your federal career as a Lead Accountant with the Defense Logistics Agency—the heartbeat of the nation’s logistics support. Join a high-impact team in Whitehall, Ohio, or Richmond, Virginia, and lead critical financial operations for the Department of Defense.

Lead Accountant Job Overview

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking a seasoned Lead Accountant to join our Finance department. In this critical GS-13 role, you will lead the charge in managing financial policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving the operational health of one of the world's largest logistics organizations. If you possess a sharp eye for detail, a deep understanding of federal accounting standards, and the leadership capacity to guide high-performing teams, this is your opportunity to serve.

Requirements for Lead Accountant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or public administration including 24 semester hours in accounting (up to 6 hours in business law).
Alternatively, a combination of at least 4 years of professional accounting experience and education.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Proven proficiency in U.S. Standard General Ledger (USSGL) trial balance reconciliations.
Must be able to pass a rigorous background check and maintain required security clearances.
Must comply with DLA drug-free workplace policies, including mandatory testing.
Resume must not exceed the strict two-page limit.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Accountant

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
Expertise in FASAB, OMB (A-11/A-136), and GAO standards.
Demonstrated ability to remediate accounting deficiencies via Corrective Action Plans.
Experience in team leadership, including distributing tasks and quality control.
Exceptional ability to navigate complex federal financial management systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
✓Generous Retirement Plan (FERS)
✓Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Flexible Work Arrangements (Telework eligible)
✓Professional Development and Training

💡 How to Apply Lead Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Accountant Job

Prepare your resume (maximum two pages) in PDF format.
Gather college transcripts and relevant certifications.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online application and questionnaire by the closing date.
Submit all required documentation, including eligibility proof (e.g., veterans or spouse preferences).
Monitor email for potential invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
Complete any required assessments within 48 hours of notification.

💡 General Tips

Strictly follow the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Use standard, legible fonts like Lato, Arial, or Calibri at 10-point size for body text.
Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Check your spam/junk folder for automated assessment invitations.
Set aside three hours of uninterrupted time for the USA Hire assessment.
Clearly highlight your experience with USSGL and federal financial statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum resume length?

The resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with longer resumes will be removed from consideration.

Are there specific education requirements?

Yes, you must hold a degree with at least 24 semester hours in accounting or equivalent experience to qualify.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for flexibility in your work environment.

What is the most common reason for disqualification?

Exceeding the two-page resume limit is a frequent error. Always verify your page count.

Can I use foreign education?

Yes, provided you include an evaluation from a private agency stating the education is equivalent to U.S. standards.

Job from Defense Logistics Agency

The Defense Logistics Agency is the nation’s premier logistics combat support agency. We provide global support to the Military Departments and the Unified Combatant Commands. Whether in peace or during conflict, our team ensures that the military has the supplies, services, and financial guidance needed to operate effectively. Joining the DLA Finance team means joining a culture of integrity, precision, and service.