Launch Your Accounting Career with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Are you a dedicated accounting professional seeking to apply your skills toward a mission that saves lives and supports the public good? The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Program Support Center (PSC), is currently recruiting for Accountant positions that offer both professional growth and the chance to contribute to the nation’s health infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

As an Accountant, you will be more than just a numbers expert. Your day-to-day duties will involve:

Financial Operations: Recording, verifying, and adjusting financial entries within complex systems like Oracle Federal Financial.
Audit Support: Serving as a primary point of contact for internal and external audits, including preparing financial statement assertions and providing auditor walkthroughs.
Data Reconciliation: Tracing transactions across multiple systems, identifying discrepancies, and implementing long-term corrective actions.
Process Improvement: Analyzing current workflows to identify inefficiencies and recommending strategies that enhance operational effectiveness.
Mentorship: Providing technical leadership and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence and staff development.

Requirements

To be considered for these GS-12 and GS-13 positions, candidates must possess a solid foundation in accounting theory and practical application.

Requirement Type	Criteria
Education	Accounting degree or related field with 24+ semester hours in accounting.
Experience	Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 (for GS-12) or GS-12 (for GS-13) levels.
Documentation	Two-page limit on resumes, must include start/end dates and hours per week.
Assessments	Mandatory completion of USA Hire assessments within 48 hours of invitation.

Salary Overview

The compensation for these roles ranges from $102,415 to $158,322 per year, depending on the specific grade level and geographic location. This salary is part of a comprehensive federal compensation package that includes locality pay adjustments to ensure competitive wages in high-cost areas.

Benefits

Working for HHS offers a suite of benefits that promote long-term financial security and work-life balance:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to multiple high-quality health insurance plans.
Retirement Security: Eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Leave: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Flexibility: Telework options are available, allowing for a modern approach to balancing professional and personal commitments.

Application Tips

Competition for federal accounting roles is high. Follow these tips to stand out:

Tailor Your Resume: Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure your experience maps directly to the specialized requirements listed.
Be Quantitative: When describing your accomplishments, use data to show the scope of your reconciliations or the impact of your process improvements.
Monitor Your Email: Since assessments are time-sensitive, keep a close watch on your inbox after submitting your application.
Apply Promptly: With a 150-application limit, these positions can fill up quickly. Do not wait until the final deadline.

A career with the Department of Health and Human Services is a commitment to public service and excellence. If you are ready to apply your technical accounting skills to a role that truly makes a difference, we encourage you to review the full job announcement and submit your application today.

Why This Accountant Job Matters

Launch a high-impact financial career with the Department of Health and Human Services. Help secure the resources that protect the health and safety of every American citizen.

Accountant Job Overview

The Program Support Center (PSC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking talented Accountants to join our Financial Management Portfolio. In this role, you will perform critical financial operations, support audit readiness, and implement process improvements that ensure the integrity of federal funds. We are hiring for positions ranging from GS-12 to GS-13, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization across multiple nationwide locations.

Requirements for Accountant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Degree in accounting, or a related field (business, finance, public administration) with at least 24 semester hours in accounting (may include up to 6 hours of business law).
Alternative: Combination of education and experience equivalent to 4 years of accounting experience.
Specialized experience at the GS-11 level for GS-12 applicants, or GS-12 level for GS-13 applicants.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Successful completion of the USA Hire assessment.
Must provide precise employment dates (MM/YY) and hours worked per week.

Preferred Qualifications for Accountant

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
Advanced experience with Oracle Federal Financial or similar enterprise platforms.
Strong background in audit readiness and internal control documentation.
Proven ability to mentor junior staff and lead complex financial reconciliation projects.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health and life insurance options.
✓Competitive federal retirement system including pension and 401(k)-style TSP.
✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual/sick leave accrual.
✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
✓Potential for student loan repayment or relocation incentives (contingent on funding).

💡 How to Apply Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Accountant Job

Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare a focused, two-page federal resume highlighting relevant accomplishments and specific dates.
Review the job announcement and note the 150-application cap; apply early.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and monitor your email for the USA Hire assessment link.
Complete the required assessments within the provided timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Use the built-in resume builder tool to ensure you include all required federal formatting details.
Do not copy and paste the job duties directly into your resume; customize your entries to show how you achieved results.
Be explicit with your dates (month and year) and hours worked to avoid disqualification.
Prepare for the USA Hire assessments by reviewing general competency materials.
Submit your documents as soon as possible, as the application window may close early once 150 submissions are reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The announcement is scheduled to close on November 2, 2026; however, it may close earlier if 150 applications are received.

Can I work remotely?

The position offers telework eligibility, but it is not classified as a fully remote position. Please check specific location requirements.

What is the length limit for my resume?

Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit may result in removal from consideration.

What is the benefit of using the USAJOBS Resume Builder?

It ensures that you capture all necessary information required by federal HR specialists, such as exact dates and hours per week, which reduces the chance of disqualification.

Are there relocation incentives?

Relocation incentives may be authorized based on funding availability and organizational needs, though they are not guaranteed.

Can I apply if I am a recent graduate?

Qualifications depend on meeting specific education or experience thresholds. If you do not meet the experience requirements, verify if your education meets the Basic Qualification standards.

Job from Program Support Center

The Department of Health and Human Services is the primary federal agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans. From conducting medical research to coordinating resources for global public health emergencies, HHS operates at the cutting edge of science and policy. Within the agency, the Program Support Center provides critical shared services that keep HHS functioning effectively. Joining the Financial Management Portfolio means you are the backbone of this critical mission, ensuring that resources are managed with precision, integrity, and transparency.