Launch Your Career as a Financial Management Specialist with the DEA

Are you looking for a career that combines technical financial expertise with a mission-critical purpose? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently hiring for a Financial Management Specialist to work within its San Diego Field Division. This role is essential for ensuring that the organization maintains the highest standards of financial integrity while combating drug-related threats.

Job Responsibilities

As a Financial Management Specialist, you will be embedded in the Domestic Division Financial Procurement Unit. Your daily duties will include:

Reviewing and processing complex accounting transactions.
Reconciling financial data to ensure validity.
Analyzing budget performance and reporting findings to leadership.
Resolving discrepancies in financial systems and invoices.
Providing expert guidance on accounting procedures.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09	GS-11
Required Experience	1 Year at GS-07 level	1 Year at GS-09 level
Primary Focus	Assistance & Review	Management & Analysis
Education Path	Master's Degree	Ph.D. or 3 years Grad work

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent federal standards. You must be a U.S. citizen, clear a background investigation, and participate in drug testing. Experience must be documented with specific duties such as monitoring financial transactions and ensuring funds are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $70,507 to $110,905 annually. Beyond the paycheck, employees enjoy federal benefits including robust health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave.

How to Apply

Prepare a two-page resume.
Apply through the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the assessment and upload your transcripts.
Monitor your status in the USAJOBS system.

Serving the DEA as a Financial Management Specialist offers a stable, high-impact career path for accounting and finance professionals. If you possess the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Financial Management Specialist Job Matters

Launch a mission-driven career in financial management while directly supporting the DEA's vital efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

Financial Management Specialist Job Overview

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking a detail-oriented Financial Management Specialist to join the San Diego Field Division. In this role, you will be the backbone of financial integrity for the Domestic Division Financial Procurement Unit, managing accounting transactions, budget analysis, and internal controls to ensure taxpayer funds are protected against fraud, waste, and abuse.

Requirements for Financial Management Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements by the closing date.
Must undergo a thorough background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
Participation in mandatory drug testing.
For GS-09: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level OR a Master's degree/two years of graduate education OR a qualifying combination of both.
For GS-11: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level OR a Ph.D./three years of graduate education OR a qualifying combination of both.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s, by the application deadline.
Resume must not exceed the strict two-page limit.

Preferred Qualifications for Financial Management Specialist

Experience using automated financial systems, such as the Unified Financial Management System (UFMS).
Proven track record of interpreting and explaining complex financial regulations to internal stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to perform financial trend analysis using data queries and reports.
Excellence in identifying and resolving recurring accounting transaction discrepancies.
Strong communication skills for explaining budgetary procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Structured career advancement opportunities within the GS pay scale.
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Access to a wide array of federal employee benefits and work-life programs.

💡 How to Apply Financial Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Financial Management Specialist Job

Register or log in to your account on the official USAJOBS platform.
Draft and upload your federal resume, ensuring it is no longer than two pages.
Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required documentation, including college transcripts and relevant SF-50 forms.
Submit your final application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; over-length resumes are automatically rejected.
Clearly outline your work schedule (hours per week), specific job duties, and employment dates.
Use the free-response questions in the assessment to highlight your passion for public service.
Submit all documents well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Review your application carefully to ensure all financial experience is clearly mapped to the requirements listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration during the screening process.

Do I need to submit my college transcripts?

Yes, if you are using education to qualify for this position, you must submit an official or unofficial transcript.

What happens after I apply?

You will receive notifications via USAJOBS regarding your qualification status and referral status. You can track these updates directly through your account dashboard.

Job from Drug Enforcement Administration

The Drug Enforcement Administration is a premier law enforcement agency under the Department of Justice. Our mission is to enforce the controlled substance laws and regulations of the United States. While our special agents are on the front lines, it is the dedicated support staff—including financial management experts—who keep our operations running smoothly, ensuring that resources are available to keep the American public safe.