Advance Your Career: Financial Management Specialist at the DEA

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stands as the front line against international and domestic drug trafficking. To sustain these vital operations, the agency requires top-tier financial expertise. We are currently seeking a Financial Management Specialist to join the Special Operations Division in Chantilly, Virginia. This role is a unique intersection of fiscal strategy and national security.

Job Responsibilities

As a Financial Management Specialist, you will act as the primary financial advisor to high-level division leadership. Your daily duties will include:

Constructing quarterly continuing resolution models.
Managing restricted spending plans when appropriations are delayed.
Overseeing the distribution of funds in the Unified Financial Management System (UFMS).
Exercising delegated approval authority for high-level financial transactions.
Identifying fiscal risks and resource shortfalls before they impact mission objectives.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 position, applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level. This includes proven experience in budget development, fund allocation, financial transaction oversight, and stakeholder advisement.

Comparison Table: Qualifications and Skills

Competency	Requirement Level	Impact on Success
Budgeting	Advanced	Critical for mission continuity
Financial Systems (UFMS)	Proficient	Required for fund control
Analytical Reasoning	High	Necessary for identifying trends
Communication	Professional	Key for stakeholder advisement

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. This salary reflects the responsibility of the role and the critical nature of the financial oversight required for the Special Operations Division.

Benefits

Working with the DEA provides access to the robust benefits package available to all federal employees, including:

Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Health: Flexible options for health, dental, and vision insurance.
Work-Life: Potential for telework and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Respect the Resume Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Longer resumes will be removed from consideration.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade.
Assessments Matter: The USA Hire assessment is a pass/fail requirement; prepare by utilizing the resources in the OPM applicant portal.

If you have the financial acumen to support federal law enforcement at the highest level, the DEA offers a career path that is both intellectually challenging and deeply impactful. Apply today to contribute to our vital mission.

Why This Financial Management Specialist Job Matters

Shape the fiscal future of high-stakes national security operations at the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Financial Management Specialist Job Overview

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking a dedicated Financial Management Specialist to join the Special Operations Division in Chantilly, Virginia. In this vital role, you will serve as the primary advisor to division leadership, guiding the formulation, execution, and control of critical financial resources that support our nation's drug enforcement mission. This is a high-impact position where your fiscal expertise directly enables the success of law enforcement operations.

Requirements for Financial Management Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Demonstrated ability to develop operating budgets.
Experience in allocating appropriations and establishing funding controls in Unified Financial Management Systems (UFMS).
Ability to approve financial transactions and implement corrective actions.
Capacity to advise stakeholders on fiscal requirements.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Subject to a drug test and high-risk background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Financial Management Specialist

Extensive knowledge of federal budget execution processes.
Proficiency in advanced financial modeling and forecasting.
Strong analytical skills regarding funding trends and resource allocation.
Proven track record of managing financial operations during continuing resolutions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Federal holiday leave.
✓Telework opportunities (subject to approval).
✓Opportunities for professional development.

💡 How to Apply Financial Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Financial Management Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Click the Apply Online button to initiate your application.
Complete the required questionnaires and assessments.
Submit all necessary supporting documentation (SF-50s, transcripts, etc.).
Monitor your email for access links to the USA Hire assessment.
Complete all assessments within the designated deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Be precise with your work history, including start/end dates and hours worked.
Provide clear documentation for any veteran preference or special hiring authorities you claim.
Complete your assessments as soon as possible after receiving the link.
Save a copy of your application status and confirmation number for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this role?

This position requires a Top Secret clearance and is designated as a Critical-Sensitive/High-Risk role.

Is telework allowed for this position?

Yes, telework may be permitted based on supervisory approval and organizational needs.

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

You may update your application documents and certain personal information until the closing date via your USAJOBS account, but you cannot change responses related to qualification assessments.

What is the probation period?

You will be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which your performance and conduct will be evaluated.

Is a drug test required?

Yes, due to the high-risk and sensitive nature of this position, a drug test is mandatory.

Job from Drug Enforcement Administration

The DEA, a component of the Department of Justice, works tirelessly to enforce controlled substance laws while enhancing national safety. Employees at the DEA are part of a mission-driven team where every role—from law enforcement to administrative support—contributes to the safety of the American public. You will find a challenging, rewarding, and collaborative environment here.