Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Accountant with the U.S. Department of Labor

Are you a senior accounting professional looking to make a significant impact on national financial policy? The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Accountant for its Division of Central Accounting Operations in Washington, D.C. This GS-15 leadership role is designed for individuals who thrive on complexity and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of fiscal integrity within the federal government.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will oversee the integrity of the Department’s general ledger and centralized accounting programs. Key responsibilities include:

Financial Oversight: Ensuring Departmental subsidiary records are accurately maintained on an accrual basis.
Audit Readiness: Serving as the lead representative for sensitive audit findings with the OIG, GAO, and external accounting firms.
Team Leadership: Planning, prioritizing, and managing the performance of a professional accounting team.
Policy Implementation: Developing and refining internal operating controls to enhance operational efficiency.

Comparison: Standard Accountant vs. Supervisory Accountant

Feature	Standard Accountant	Supervisory Accountant (GS-15)
Scope	Project-based	Agency-wide impact
Leadership	Individual contributor	Manages personnel & complex policy
Audits	Participates as needed	Leads strategy & resolution
Authority	Technical execution	Approval authority for journal entries

Requirements

To qualify for this high-level position, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field (business/finance) including at least 24 semester hours of accounting coursework.
Professional Experience: 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal Service.
Competencies: Strong demonstration of decision-making, interpersonal communication, and complex problem-solving skills.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 annually, commensurate with the level of responsibility and the professional standards required for this GS-15 role.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Labor benefit from an comprehensive rewards package, including:

Robust health and life insurance programs.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Access to work-life balance initiatives, including telework options.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be no more than two pages. Overly long resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
Quantify Experience: Be specific about your roles. State clearly how you contributed to financial reconciliations, audit results, or policy development.
Use the Questionnaire: The vacancy-specific questionnaire is a major component of your evaluation. Ensure your resume provides evidence for all claims made in these questions.

This role is a unique opportunity to serve as a steward of federal funds in one of the most important departments in the government. If you meet the qualifications and are prepared to lead with integrity, we encourage you to submit your application through the official portal before the closing date.

Why This Supervisory Accountant Job Matters

Shape the future of federal financial integrity as a Supervisory Accountant with the U.S. Department of Labor. Lead a mission-critical team in Washington, D.C., where your expertise ensures the highest standards of fiscal stewardship for the American workforce.

Supervisory Accountant Job Overview

The Division of Central Accounting Operations at the Department of Labor is seeking a high-level Supervisory Accountant (GS-15) to oversee core financial systems and reporting. This role is pivotal in maintaining the Department's general ledger, ensuring compliance with federal mandates, and guiding the organization through complex fiscal audits. As a leader in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, you will direct reconciliations, manage financial close processes, and serve as a senior authority on accounting policies that impact the entire agency.

Requirements for Supervisory Accountant

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet the basic requirement of a degree in accounting or a related field (business administration, finance, or public administration) with at least 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing.
Alternatively, a combination of education and experience totaling at least four years of professional accounting work.
Must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-14 level or equivalent.
Strong proficiency in federal financial reporting, GAAP, and internal controls.
Completion of a one-year probationary period is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Accountant

Demonstrated experience managing month-end and year-end financial close processes.
Proven track record in leading teams through internal and external audits.
Expertise in developing and implementing agency-wide accounting policies.
Strong ability to resolve complex, precedent-setting accounting issues.
Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual adjustments.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Potential for telework opportunities.
✓Professional development and training programs.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Accountant Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your specialized accounting experience, including dates and weekly hours.
Complete the initial application via the USAJOBS portal.
Proceed to the Department of Labor (DOL) site to answer vacancy-specific questions and upload supporting documentation.
Submit your final application package and monitor your status in the Talent Acquisition System.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages per the merit hiring plan.
Ensure your resume includes month/year and hours worked for every employment entry to verify your qualifications.
Preview the assessment questions before applying to ensure your resume demonstrates the required competencies.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays or system timeouts.
If claiming veteran preference, ensure your DD214 and supporting documents are included at the time of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The Supervisory Accountant ensures the integrity of the Department of Labor's financial records, maintains general ledger systems, and ensures compliance with Treasury guidance and federal accounting standards.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for flexibility in work location depending on agency policy.

What is the required specialized experience?

Applicants must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level, including supervising staff, managing financial reporting, and conducting complex reconciliations.

What is the security level for this position?

*A: This position is designated as High Risk (HR), and candidates must successfully pass suitability and credentialing checks.*

Is a degree required if I have significant experience?

*A: Yes, the basic educational requirement is non-negotiable, though it can be met through a combination of education and experience as defined by federal standards.*

Job from Office Of The Chief Financial Officer

The Department of Labor is dedicated to fostering the welfare of American workers. By joining the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), you become a vital part of a team that ensures the agency's resources are managed with precision, transparency, and accountability. This role provides the unique opportunity to oversee central accounting systems that support the DOL’s critical mission.