Job Description
Responsibilities:
As an Accountant at the NSA, you will be instrumental in administering and remediating a wide array of critical accounting work streams, using the PeopleSoft financial system.
Responsibilities of an Accountant include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting in the preparation of and ensuring the accuracy of components of the Agency's annual financial statements, including all required supplementary information and disclosures, in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-136.
- Providing subject matter expertise on Federal Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and have knowledge of Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) pronouncements.
- Supporting the Agency with requirements from internal and external auditors for financial statement audits. Leading the development and implementation of comprehensive corrective action plans to resolve audit findings and enhance internal controls.
- Overseeing the design, implementation, and assessment of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with OMB Circular A-123. Ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulations governing federal financial management.
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining Agency-wide accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistent and compliant financial operations across all programs.
Note: 24 semester credit hours in accounting is REQUIRED to be considered for this position and will be validated during the hiring process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload their transcripts.
Skills:
The ideal candidate should have a desire for continual learning and possess strong communication, problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Candidates will be required to:
- Leverage Federal accounting experience (strongly preferred for experienced-level positions), including familiarity with federal financial management regulations, systems, and reporting requirements.
- Authorize, record, classify, and summarize economic events to maintain accurate financial records and support decision-making processes.
- Apply critical thinking to analyze and record complex, non-routine transactions requiring specialized accounting treatment and professional judgment.
- Perform comprehensive reconciliations of reporting and accounting entries to ensure data integrity and accuracy across financial systems and statements.
- Utilize specialized software packages for tasks such as inventory management, financial management (PeopleSoft), equipment diagnostics, and other specialized functions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in spreadsheet and relational database software, such as Microsoft Excel and Access, to manipulate and analyze financial data.
- Apply advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, complex formulas, data validation, and financial modeling.
- Incorporate Artificial Intelligence tools to support data analysis, enhance efficiency, and streamline accounting processes.
- Collaborate effectively as part of a team and provide assistance to coworkers, subordinates, and other employees when needed.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $85,447 - $133,142 (Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; 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.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \
As an Accountant at the NSA, you will be instrumental in administering and remediating a wide array of critical accounting work streams, using the PeopleSoft financial system.
Responsibilities of an Accountant include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting in the preparation of and ensuring the accuracy of components of the Agency's annual financial statements, including all required supplementary information and disclosures, in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-136.
- Providing subject matter expertise on Federal Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and have knowledge of Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) pronouncements.
- Supporting the Agency with requirements from internal and external auditors for financial statement audits. Leading the development and implementation of comprehensive corrective action plans to resolve audit findings and enhance internal controls.
- Overseeing the design, implementation, and assessment of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with OMB Circular A-123. Ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulations governing federal financial management.
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining Agency-wide accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistent and compliant financial operations across all programs.
Note: 24 semester credit hours in accounting is REQUIRED to be considered for this position and will be validated during the hiring process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload their transcripts.
Skills:
The ideal candidate should have a desire for continual learning and possess strong communication, problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Candidates will be required to:
- Leverage Federal accounting experience (strongly preferred for experienced-level positions), including familiarity with federal financial management regulations, systems, and reporting requirements.
- Authorize, record, classify, and summarize economic events to maintain accurate financial records and support decision-making processes.
- Apply critical thinking to analyze and record complex, non-routine transactions requiring specialized accounting treatment and professional judgment.
- Perform comprehensive reconciliations of reporting and accounting entries to ensure data integrity and accuracy across financial systems and statements.
- Utilize specialized software packages for tasks such as inventory management, financial management (PeopleSoft), equipment diagnostics, and other specialized functions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in spreadsheet and relational database software, such as Microsoft Excel and Access, to manipulate and analyze financial data.
- Apply advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, complex formulas, data validation, and financial modeling.
- Incorporate Artificial Intelligence tools to support data analysis, enhance efficiency, and streamline accounting processes.
- Collaborate effectively as part of a team and provide assistance to coworkers, subordinates, and other employees when needed.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $85,447 - $133,142 (Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; 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.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \
About U. S. National Security Agency
NSA is at the forefront of U.S. government cryptology, integrating signals intelligence (SIGINT)
and cybersecurity to enhance national and allied advantages. Our mission encompasses
computer network operations aimed at securing critical insights and services, ensuring decisive
advantages for the nation and our allies.
NSA's cybersecurity initiatives are pivotal in safeguarding U.S. national security systems,
particularly within the Defense Industrial Base and enhancing the security of U.S. weaponry. We are committed to advancing cybersecurity through education, research, and career development.
Through foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT), NSA delivers crucial intelligence to U.S.
policymakers and military forces. This intelligence, derived from electronic signals and systems
used by foreign entities, provides essential insights into the capabilities, actions, and intentions
of adversaries worldwide. It supports our efforts to defend the nation, save lives, and advance
U.S. objectives and alliances globally.