Forensic Accountant
What you'd do
This position is to serve as an expert in forensic accounting; particularly, its use and application to provide the greatest benefit to OIG. These responsibilities include providing support to regional offices, and Office of Investigations headquarters unit(s). The incumbent is responsible for assisting with OIG investigations by conducting forensic analysis of financial data and working with investigators to unravel various techniques for moving funds and shielding illegal or improper activity
Major duties
The incumbent serves as a forensic accountant and authority in the identification, examination, and analysis of financial data in investigations and law enforcement actions. Plans, coordinates, and leads complex financial investigations. Coordinates the examination of financial aspects of OIG investigations in cooperation with investigators, prosecuting attorneys and others. Works collaboratively 'with OIG investigators to identify the scope of investigations and the types of documents, systems, and entities that may be necessary for review. The incumbent conducts advanced financial analysis: defends, explains, and performs a variety of statistical and financial analysis techniques, as well as critical reviews of financial management plans of both corporate and government agencies. Reviews financial records to identify indicators or evidence of fraud, complex accounting-related violations, or other illegal, non-compliant, or unethical activity. Documents reviewed include accounting records, bank records, tax records, and other financial documents; contracts and other agreements; invoices and other billing records; communications, including copies of letters and email messages; corporate governance documents; federal grant- and contract-related forms and agreements; and other related documents. Conducts analysis to identify and present to investigators any indicators of illegal or non-compliant activity such as double-billing, self-dealing transactions, conflicts of interest, bribery, kickbacks, false claims, misapplication of federal funds, money laundering, or violations of appropriations laws such unauthorized reprogramming of funds. Prepares interim and comprehensive final financial reports for prosecutors, investigators, auditors and/or management officials in accordance with DOT OIG policies and procedures. Testifies before Grand Juries, courts of law, or administrative hearings in support of forensic accounting, complex expert opinions, or other technical matters. This includes producing comprehensive reports and illustrative materials for Federal, State, or Local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain forensic accounting interpretation and conclusions. Reconstructs and interprets financial records to calculate the amount of financial harm, identify available assets, and track the movement of funds. Conducts ability to pay analysis for companies and individuals and provides advice to support monetary settlements. Assists with OIG investigations regarding accounting, private sector and government financial practices; banking laws and systems; conventional and nonconventional financial institutions; and national and international businesses. Provides extensive forensic analysis of financial systems such as government accounting and budgeting records and private sector systems. Develops new and innovative forensic accounting techniques applicable to various criminal, civil, and administrative investigations. Assesses the value of financial evidence; unravels sophisticated techniques for moving funds and shielding illegal activity. Identifies key transactions that may indicate fraud or other unlawful activity and develops strategies for uncovering additional information about the parties involved. Provides financial profiles of individuals and groups. Compiles complex financial findings and conclusions to prepare in-depth forensic accounting reports which can be understood and comprehended by both accounting and lay personnel. Utilizes various information technology applications to review and interpret implications on a vast number and variety of financial transactions, and other corporate, business, and financial processes, associations, and record-keeping systems. Participates in subject and witness interviews, conducts interviews with individuals to gather financial information, and testifies as an expert witness in criminal proceedings. Assists investigators in the identification of key witnesses and subjects to interview, and using financial records and other evidence, develops questions and strategies to conduct interviews. Participates in interviews with investigators and asks key questions about financial activity to determine whether and how any unlawful or otherwise improper activity has occurred. Develops and provides forensic accounting presentations/briefings for OIG management. Applies extensive knowledge of accounting standards such as generally accepted accounting principles and is familiar with auditing requirements defined by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars and bulletins, Department of Treasury regulations and Government Accountability Office (GAO) principles and standards. Identifies and justifies instances of questionable costs and funds put to better use and develops recommendations to strengthen programs and operations based on the findings from financial analysis.
What you need to qualify
GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience: Conducting forensic accounting or financial analyses to identify fraud, waste, abuse, or financial irregularities. Examining accounting records, bank records, contracts, invoices, tax records, grants, or other financial documents to identify questionable transactions or noncompliance with laws and regulations. Preparing financial analyses, investigative reports, or audit support documentation for management, investigators, auditors, or legal proceedings. Applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), government accounting standards, auditing principles, and applicable federal laws and regulations. Collaborating with investigators, auditors, attorneys, or law enforcement personnel to support criminal, civil, or administrative investigations. GS-13: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience: Independently planning, coordinating, and conducting complex forensic accounting investigations involving fraud, financial crimes, or misuse of government funds. Reconstructing complex financial transactions; tracing the movement of funds; identifying concealed assets; and analyzing financial evidence to support criminal, civil, or administrative investigations. Providing technical expertise to investigators, prosecutors, auditors, and management officials on forensic accounting matters and developing investigative strategies. Preparing comprehensive forensic accounting reports and presenting findings through briefings, written reports, or expert testimony before judicial or administrative proceedings. Applying advanced knowledge of GAAP, government accounting, appropriations law, federal grants and contracts, OMB guidance, Treasury regulations, and GAO standards to evaluate compliance and support enforcement actions. Developing innovative forensic accounting methodologies, mentoring junior staff, or leading significant portions of complex financial investigations. All documents must be received and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Your resume must be well documented with the specialized experience, otherwise you may be deemed ineligible. To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE qualifications for the grade(s) at which you are requesting consideration. Applicants must meet qualifications and time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies: Technical Credibility Applies professional knowledge of forensic accounting, GAAP, government accounting principles, auditing standards, financial systems, and federal laws and regulations to analyze financial data, identify fraud, and support criminal, civil, and administrative investigations. Analytical Thinking Examines complex financial records, identifies trends and irregularities, reconstructs financial transactions, evaluates evidence, and develops logical, evidence-based conclusions to support investigations and enforcement actions. Problem Solving Identifies financial issues, develops innovative approaches to uncover concealed assets and fraudulent transactions, recommends investigative strategies, and resolves complex accounting and financial challenges. Oral Communication Effectively communicates complex financial information to investigators, attorneys, auditors, judges, juries, and management through interviews, briefings, expert testimony, and presentations. Written Communication Prepares accurate, well-organized forensic accounting reports, investigative summaries, financial analyses, and supporting documentation that clearly present findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legal and administrative proceedings.
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