Chief Accountant
What you'd do
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employee Benefits Security Administration. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. The Required Documents section of this announcement identifies all documents that must be uploaded in order to be considered a complete application package. Applicants that do not submit a complete application will not receive further consideration.
Major duties
Serve as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary and other EBSA executives on accounting and auditing issues, and act as the primary liaison with outside accounting organizations such as AICPA and FASB, as well as other federal and state agencies including the OIG, GAO, and state boards of accountancy. Provide executive-level management of two major program components, the Division of Accounting Services and the Division of Reporting and Compliance, ensuring effective implementation of policies, efficient work procedures, and coordination across the office. Direct substantive reviews of independent accountants' opinions submitted with ERISA annual financial reports (Form 5500 series), administer a quality control program for audit work performed by independent public accountants, and oversee a reporting compliance program that includes rejecting deficient filings and assessing civil penalties under ERISA Section 502(c)(2). Formulate and present specific program plans, such as the FERSA strategic compliance audit plan, to administer the provisions of law governing fiduciary conduct for the Thrift Savings Plan. Direct a staff of auditors and reporting compliance specialists, determining staffing and resource allocation, defining budget requirements, and selecting or approving office personnel. Coordinate inter-office and inter-agency studies, policy proposals, and task forces, and personally respond to inquiries from Congress, special interest groups, and employee benefit plan industry representatives.
What you need to qualify
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. Candidates will be hired based on merit and competence. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes must use a font size no smaller than 10-point, and margins no smaller than one inch. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ 1: Employee Benefit Plan Accounting, Auditing, and Reporting Compliance Demonstrated executive-level knowledge of accounting and auditing principles, standards, and practices as they apply to employee benefit plans, including experience overseeing or evaluating financial reporting, audit quality, accountant workpapers, and compliance with reporting and disclosure requirements under ERISA and related laws. This includes the ability to identify deficiencies, develop corrective strategies, assess civil penalty implications, and provide authoritative technical guidance on complex accounting and audit matters. TQ 2: Executive Leadership in ERISA/FERSA Program Oversight and Policy Implementation Demonstrated experience leading, directing, or advising on major regulatory, compliance, or oversight programs involving ERISA, FERSA, the Thrift Savings Plan, or comparable employee benefit programs. This includes experience developing strategic program plans, implementing policies and procedures, managing multidisciplinary staff and resources, coordinating with Federal agencies and external stakeholders, and advising senior officials on complex accounting, fiduciary, reporting, and compliance issues. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.