Financial Specialist

Summary The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.  This position is located at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is responsible for ecological and environmental research and education. Duties The Financial Specialist is responsible for providing expert accounting advice and analysis to unit personnel, SI central management, and federal oversight agencies regarding accounting programs, financial transactions, systems, and operations. This role supports the resolution of the most technically complex accounting and financial issues. In this position, you will: Provides expert technical advice and guidance for very complex and systemic problems pertaining to unit financial/accounting systems and to ensure unit adherence to federal and professional accounting standards. Coordinates the preparation and execution of the unit’s entire federal budget request in accordance with Office of Planning, Management and Budget (OPMB) guidelines and SI policy. Tracks and analyzes federal funds, including Salaries and Expenses, No-Year, Design and Construction and various Trust accounts established as gifts, grants and contracts. Supervises a staff that carries out the unit’s budgetary, financial, and accounting functions. Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates. Serves as senior procurement officer responsible for approving orders up to established dollar limits for that role. Prepares advance procurement plans. Monitors and approves travel authorizations and vouchers. ATTENTION: Due to the large number of qualified applicants for positions of this type, this job announcement will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on either: (A) The closing date listed above or (B) The date that 300 applications are received; whichever occurs first. If the announcement closes on the date that 300 applications are received, all applications submitted by 11:59pm that day will be given consideration, including those in excess of 300. Requirements Conditions of employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website. Qualifications GS-13 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as formulating and executing a budget for an organization; utilizing analytical methods to create financial reports; reviewing and approving purchases; preparing advanced spending plans; approving official travel; and providing guidance on budgetary and financial matters to staff and management. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Education There is no substitution for education Additional information This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position.  However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description. Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/