Financial Management Specialist - DIRECT HIRE/SME

Summary This position is established to provide budget and financial management and program performance activities relating to the programs and operations of USMMA. The employee provides senior-level advice relative to financial management. The employee independently performs assignments requiring the application of fundamental principles, concepts, techniques, and guidance relative to financial management. Learn more about this agency Duties The Financial Management Specialist: Assists in providing leadership in Academy financial management initiatives, including USMMA management and accountability requirements of OMB Circular A-123; Academy responses to Government Accounting Office (GAO0 recommendations; and other management challenges.  Certifies funds availability and evaluate obligations to ensure that they are appropriate and consistent with authorization and regulations providing recommendations to management on potential funds, surpluses, deficits, and realignments. Serves as Funds Control Officer (FCO) for USMMA accounts. Provides comprehensive reviews of operating and cost accounting functions requiring the application of professional financial and accounting principles, theories, concepts, and practices to the USMMA financial management program, including Appropriated, Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentality (NAFI), and Gift and Bequest Funds. Recommends standards, criteria, and procedures for preparing budget estimates, developing, and issuing apportionments, allotting funds, and meeting requirements for reporting in support of financial management of federal funds. Provides expert guidance on maintenance of internal control of available funds for the USMMA. Reviews and monitors USMMA program performance effectiveness and efficiency working with Academy management and program staff to assess how program budgets are developed, justified, and executed; and develops recommendations for improved budget formulation, performance justification and presentation, policies, and procedures. The ideal candidate is a senior federal financial management professional with combined advanced analytical and financial-systems skills with a track record of integrating performance measures into budget formulation, leading internal-control improvements, and delivering concise, decision-quality briefings to senior leaders. A strong collaborator and change agent building consensus across program and administrative partners to implement process improvements and ensure timely, compliant budget execution. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 the 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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience in managing and overseeing financial operations across multiple funding sources, including reviewing and approving funding availability and expenditures to ensure compliance with federal regulations, policies, and financial plans; and analyzing accounting and cost data to ensure accuracy, proper execution, and effective stewardship of funds. Experience in providing financial analysis and advisory services to leadership, including evaluating budget performance, identifying variances, developing forecasts, and recommending resource reallocations; and preparing and presenting comprehensive financial reports and briefings to support strategic decision-making. Experience in developing and improving budgeting processes, financial policies, and performance frameworks, including assessing program and operational effectiveness from a financial perspective and collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen forecasting, enhance internal controls, and align financial management with organizational goals and performance metrics. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Financial Management: Knowledge of financial management principles, practices, and systems, including budgeting, accounting, funds control, and internal controls to ensure proper stewardship of federal funds and compliance with fiscal law and regulations. - Financial Analysis: Ability to analyze financial data, evaluate budget execution, identify trends and variances, and develop forecast and recommendations to support organizational decision-making and resource allocation. - Planning and Evaluating: Ability to assess program effectiveness and efficiency, develop and improve budgeting and financial processes, and integrate financial data with performance metrics to support strategic goals and continuous improvement. For all types of consideration, 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.For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation  This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager. Expand Hide  additional information 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 A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.