Advance Your Financial Leadership Career at the EPA

Are you a financial expert with a passion for public service? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently looking for a motivated and strategic leader to join their team as a Supervisory Accountant in Chicago, Illinois. This role is a vital component of the Region 5 Comptroller Branch, where you will play a significant part in the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Accountant, you will wear many hats. Your core duties include:

Strategic Leadership: Plan, organize, and direct your unit to ensure efficient and compliant financial operations.
Budget Management: Lead complex planning and budget cycles while ensuring full audit readiness.
Personnel Oversight: Manage a high-performing, diverse workforce and foster an equitable environment.
Collaboration: Represent the EPA at high levels, cultivating partnerships to support policy clarity and informed decision-making.

Role Comparison Table

Feature	GS-13 Level Requirement	GS-14 Level Requirement
Scope	Reporting on organization-wide resources	Assessing organization-wide financial controls
Systems	Operating financial/reporting systems	Operating automated financial/reporting systems
Advisor Role	Providing solutions to managers	Providing alternative solutions for complex issues

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must:

Possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field with 24 semester hours in accounting.
Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Clear a background investigation for a Moderate Risk position.
Be willing to complete a supervisory probationary period.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $118,984 to $182,790 per year, commensurate with experience and the specific grade level (GS-13 or GS-14).

Benefits

Flexible situational telework options.
Access to the EPA Successful Leaders Program.
Federal pension and retirement options.
Extensive health insurance and benefits packages.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be 2 pages maximum. Exceeding this limit leads to automatic disqualification.
Be Specific: Include clear dates (MM/DD/YY) for every position mentioned.
Use Official Records: Ensure your SF-50s clearly indicate your tenure and grade.

The EPA is not just a workplace; it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. If you have the financial expertise and leadership skills, we invite you to apply. This role offers the perfect blend of technical accounting and high-level management within one of the most important agencies in the United States.

Why This Supervisory Accountant Job Matters

Shape the future of environmental stewardship and manage high-level financial operations at the EPA. Join our mission-driven team in Chicago as a Supervisory Accountant.

Supervisory Accountant Job Overview

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking a seasoned financial professional for the role of Supervisory Accountant within the Region 5 Mission Support Division in Chicago, Illinois. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic financial guidance. As a critical member of the Comptroller Branch, you will manage organizational resources, ensure audit readiness, and cultivate high-level partnerships to drive the EPA’s environmental mission forward.

Requirements for Supervisory Accountant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, or a related field (with 24+ semester hours in accounting/auditing).
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-12 for GS-13 roles; GS-13 for GS-14 roles).
Must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
Must successfully complete a 1-year supervisory or managerial probationary period.
Required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure form annually.
Must undergo a Moderate Risk background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Accountant

Extensive experience in organization-wide financial reporting and system management.
Strong leadership background with experience building high-performing, equitable teams.
Demonstrated ability to lead integrated planning and budget cycles.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation.
Proven ability to provide alternative solutions for complex financial challenges.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Retirement savings plans (FERS)
✓Situational telework eligibility
✓Professional development through the EPA Successful Leaders Program

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Accountant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Accountant Job

Log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume not exceeding 2 pages.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation (transcripts, SF-50s, performance appraisals).
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages to avoid disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates (MM/DD/YY) for all experience.
Clearly list your federal grade or pay band for past government positions.
Double-check your SF-50s to ensure they support your time-in-grade and eligibility claims.
Use the 'Edit my application' feature in USAJOBS to update documents before the window closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an office-centered position located in Chicago, Illinois. You are required to report to the physical duty station regularly.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than 2 pages?

Your application will be rejected. The agency strictly adheres to a 2-page limit for resumes.

Can I use AI tools to help with the application?

No. The use of AI tools or consultants to assist with the required assessments is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from consideration.

Job from Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is a premier federal agency dedicated to crafting a cleaner, healthier future for all. Our workforce comprises scientists, engineers, communicators, and financial experts who collaborate to address the nation's most urgent environmental challenges. Joining the EPA means contributing to work that has a tangible, global impact.