Become an Associate Chief Financial Officer with the USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking a highly skilled financial executive to join its Senior Executive Service (SES) team. As an Associate Chief Financial Officer, you will serve as a cornerstone for financial accountability and strategic policy development. This role is ideal for experienced leaders ready to influence the fiscal health of significant rural development programs that affect millions of Americans.
Job Responsibilities
As an Associate Chief Financial Officer, your primary duties include:
- Strategic Leadership: Providing authoritative advice to the CFO and senior leadership on complex accounting issues.
- Operational Oversight: Managing internal controls for a multi-hundred-billion-dollar loan portfolio.
- Compliance & Audit: Designing and executing test strategies for audit readiness and remediation of financial deficiencies.
- Policy Development: Formulating methods and procedures to ensure loan and grant functions align with OMB Circular A-123.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a candidate who embodies both technical mastery and executive vision. You must demonstrate competence in:
- Rule of Law: A deep commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the American system of government.
- Driving Efficiency: Experience in cutting waste and leveraging technology to improve financial processes.
- Leading People: Proven ability to inspire a high-performance culture.
Comparison of SES Requirements
| Qualification Type | Focus Area | Requirement Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ECQ | Leadership | Broad executive potential and management |
| TQ | Technical | Mastery of Federal accounting & loan oversight |
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: $204,122 – $216,010 per year.
- Additional Compensation: SES employees are eligible for performance-based awards and bonuses.
- Benefits: Includes standard Federal retirement, insurance, and leave programs.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, remember that this is a resume-only application process. Do not submit separate narrative forms. Ensure your 2-page resume is formatted precisely as requested (11-point font, 0.8-inch margins) and clearly articulates your achievements in relation to the ECQs and TQs.
This role offers a unique intersection of high-level financial oversight and public service. If you are prepared to lead with integrity and drive results for the American people, we encourage you to review the full announcement and prepare your application package today.
Why This Associate Chief Financial Officer Job Matters
Shape the future of rural development and financial integrity as an Associate Chief Financial Officer within the USDA Senior Executive Service.
Associate Chief Financial Officer Job Overview
The USDA Office of Compliance is seeking a visionary leader to serve as an Associate Chief Financial Officer. In this Senior Executive Service (SES) role, you will lead complex financial operations, oversee multi-hundred-billion-dollar loan portfolios, and drive strategic policy for agency-wide accounting, internal controls, and audit readiness. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an expert committed to the principles of the American republic and the rigorous stewardship of government resources.
Requirements for Associate Chief Financial Officer
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Submission of a concise 2-page resume adhering to 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font.
- Demonstration of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume text.
- Demonstration of Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) within the resume text.
- Successful completion of a probationary period if applicable.
- Must be able to pass a moderate risk background investigation.
- Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Associate Chief Financial Officer
- Current or former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility.
- Graduates of an OPM-certified SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP).
- Expertise in Federal accounting principles and OMB Circular A-123 internal control objectives.
- Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale loan and grant program portfolios.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Executive Service compensation package.
- ✓Performance-based bonuses and awards.
- ✓Federal health, life, and retirement benefit programs.
- ✓Telework opportunities.
- ✓Contribution to impactful national agricultural and rural development missions.
💡 How to Apply Associate Chief Financial Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Associate Chief Financial Officer Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Draft a 2-page resume specifically addressing ECQs and TQs.
- Attach supporting documents including current/former SF-50s or SES certification if applicable.
- Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire via the application link.
- Review application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly follow the 2-page limit; content beyond page 2 will not be reviewed.
- Do not write separate narrative statements for ECQs; integrate them directly into your resume.
- Use 11-point font and 0.8-inch margins to ensure your formatting is compliant.
- Spell out all acronyms upon their first use.
- Ensure all PII (Social Security Numbers, DOB) is removed from your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit a separate document for my Executive Core Qualifications?
No. The vacancy requires that you integrate your ECQ and TQ accomplishments directly into your 2-page resume. Separate narrative documents will not be accepted.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Your application may be disqualified, or reviewers will stop reading after the second page, which could result in a failure to demonstrate required qualifications.
Job from Agriculture, Rural Development
The Office of Compliance at the USDA plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the agency's programs. By supporting production agriculture and ensuring the accessibility of food supplies, the USDA relies on sound financial management to achieve its vision. As an SES leader, you will be part of a group charged with the continuing transformation and stewardship of government operations.