About This Position
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a COST ACCOUNTANT, Position Description Number T5137P01 and is part of the NE USPFO Accounting, National Guard.
Qualifications
This position is open to applicants Area X applicants ONLY. AREA 1: Currently employed T32/T5 full-time permanent, indefinite and term personnel of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard AREA 2: All current Career Conditional/Career Status Federal Employees and Reinstatement Eligibles AREA 3: Open to Public (Nationwide) - United States Citizens AREA 4: Exception Area: All On-board T5 in the USPF&O Security Clearance/Background Check requirements: In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work. Failure to obtain, within one year of appointment, and maintain the designated type of security clearance/background check required for the respective work may result in a job offer being rescinded, separations of employment, or other actions as may be deemed in the best interest of the agency. Prior to appointment individuals must meet the security clearance requirements for the position or submit the required documents of the Nebraska National Guard, Personnel Security Manager for processing the appropriate investigation. Required forms: SF86, PSIP Initiation Form, Fingerprints, OF306 and Application/Resume. Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - Please send all inquires to [email protected] GENERAL EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, evaluate applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities for: - Skill in collecting and analyzing data effectively, efficiently, and accurately; - Skill in applying procedures and directives by reading and interpreting program material; - Skill in presenting formal training presentations and briefings; - Ability to prepare reports and presentation formats. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11: Must Possess at least least 1 year experience at the previous lower grade or equivalent experience and education in accounting experiences and competencies that provided knowledge of principles and procedures. Candidate must have an excellent understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the accounting business program requirements. Experiences and training that demonstrate the ability to conduct accounting business in accordance with directives and policies; the ability to study and evaluate the existing internal control systems to determine the level of reliability; and, the skills to determine the appropriate procedures needed to validate system reliability. Must have the ability to obtain sufficient reliable evidence through inspection, observation, inquiries, and confirmation to provide a reasonable basis for an opinion regarding the activity under examination. Experiences and education must demonstrate his or her ability to follow directions, to read, retain, and understand a variety of instructions, regulations, policies and procedures. As a condition of continued employment in the GS-0510-11 position, dependent on the position's certification level, the employee must complete the financial management requirements for certification within 24 months of appointment to the position.
Major Duties
As a COST ACCOUNTANT, GS-0510-9/11, duties include: 1. Cost Accounting: The incumbent will analyze, examine, and interpret accounting data, records, and reports to determine past costs, identify improperly recorded costs, and reallocate cost to ensure they are recorded in proper cost structure. Incumbent will utilize GFEBS to inform managers of the cost of performing various functions associate with Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Service Support Programs (SSP) and assist them in using their funds in a more cost efficient and cost-effective manner in support of their goals. Incumbent furnishes advice and assistance to management on accounting and financial management matters, analyzes information, resolves conflicting data, and formulates recommendations for management decisions. Coordinates and integrates analytical activities related to cost accounting and management. Using appropriate costing methodologies, the incumbent develops cost accounting data to provide accurate and timely financial information to satisfy command information requirements and to document full costs of installation activities. Accounting theories, concepts, principles, and standards are used to in internal matters involving regulatory requirements, statutory provisions, in internal matters involving regulatory requirements, statutory provisions, procedures, systems, or problems arising from changes in mission, programs or organizational structure. Monitors and assists in implementation of approved and directed procedural and cost management changes. Evaluates proposed regulatory changes and employee suggestions referred by the USPFO and provides comments and recommendations. 2. Managerial Accounting: Provides accounting advice and recommendations to program managers and the installation staff. Determines, selects, organizes, and analyzes appropriate data for the effectiveness and/or efficiency of operations for use in executing performance measurements. Interprets financial management policy and provides guidance to staff elements. Identifies, monitors and reports trends and performance measurements that will aid managers in making financial management decisions. Manages the General Ledger to ensure the reconciliation of all General Ledger Tie Point issues and taking corrective action to input or reverse spending chain transaction or coordination with the DFAS Tie Point team for GFEBS Tier 2 corrections. Reviews and analyzes General Ledge Abnormal Balances, and takes corrective action to correct, or coordinates with the DFAS General Ledger team for correction. Participates in formal briefings and meetings to provide advice and assistance. 3. Plans, coordinates, and performs comprehensive reviews, special studies, and selective internal examinations of USPFO functions pertaining to cost management environment under the General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS) and its interfacing feeder systems (STANFINS/AFCOS, SPS, DTS, DCPS, GCSS-A, ODS, FCM, IATS). Conducts detailed analysis on Interfacing System Information Documents (IDOCs) and takes corrective action to ensure proper system master data allows for proper interfacing. Manages the Interfund process to ensure all transactions are appropriately cleared from the Interfund Uncleared List. Corrective action includes detailed analysis and collaboration with the DFAS Defense Cash Accounting Ability System team and the DFAS del Mar team. Applies a knowledge of military and civilian pay entitlements and allowances and military and civilian travel entitlements; knowledge of the USPFO organization, mission, and functions; a thorough understanding of management, organization, and resources utilization policies and principles, and knowledge of review and analysis techniques including statistical sampling techniques and procedures. Identifies such problems as document flow and controls, inaccurate records and reports, regulatory compliance, conflicts with regulatory guidance, and correctness of payment and accounting for public funds. Analyzes and evaluates findings, determines types of corrective/improvement actions needed, and develops formal reports for submission to the Financial Manager. Recommends changes to procedures and practices covering all functional areas, additional training, and changes in the utilization of resources. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.") *You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.*
How You Will Be Evaluated
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. Your answers to the assessment questionnaire will be verified against information provided in your resume and other supporting documentation. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific, we will not make assumptions regarding your experience. If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experiences, your rating will be adjusted or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated against general and specialized experience under the "Qualifications" section.
Additional Information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx). Individuals with military incentive bonuses may be subject to recoupment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES: 1. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position. 2. May be required to travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments 3. Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day. 4. This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your resume showing: Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you. Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade. Education, certifications or licensures. 2. Other supporting documents (optional) Cover Letter DD-214 Other (to include Veterans' Preference Claims) SF-50
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the COST ACCOUNTANT position at Army National Guard Units?
The salary range for this position is $61,722 - $97,087/yr. This is a GS-9/11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the COST ACCOUNTANT job located?
This position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
This position is open to applicants Area X applicants ONLY. AREA 1: Currently employed T32/T5 full-time permanent, indefinite and term personnel of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard AREA 2: All current Career Conditional/Career Status Federal Employees and Reinstatement Eligibles AREA 3: Open to Public (Nationwide) - United States Citizens...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 18, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-9/11 mean?
GS-9/11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.