Lead Financial Systems Specialist
- Location:
- Ohio, Cleveland
- Requires Relocation:
- Yes
- Start Date:
- 19/11/2025
- End Date:
- 03/12/2025
- Offering Type:
- Permanent
- Hiring Paths:
- The public
- Service Type:
- Competitive
- Travel Percentage:
- 25% or less
About Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DFAS’ (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) mission is to lead the DoD (Department of Defense) in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information. We take pride in serving the men and women who defend America. DFAS is seeking goal-oriented people who like a challenge and care about serving our country. We offer rewarding careers in finance, accounting, information systems, contracting services, human resources, clerical work and many other areas.
Job summary
Who may apply: United States Citizens Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply online, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
Major duties
Serve as a Lead technical expert providing operational support for accounting and finance systems through systems analysis, systems modification, data management, and enhanced business processes. Identifies problem areas and determines actions required to improve operating program effectiveness and/or maintain the integrity of financial information. Analyzes data requirements to improve system performance and reliability through the development of databases and micro-application; serving as the technical expert for the following platforms: MS Access, MS Excel, Oracle (APEX), and SQL. Establishes conditions and requirements for tests, assembles project of functional users, establishes project requirements and timetables, and provides technical advice and assistance to team members for the interpretation of system controls. Designs, develops, implements, and standardizes both internal and external reporting processes, which include data modeling, data collection, reporting procedures, and distribution.
Qualification
This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period. Applicants MUST have related financial experience AND/OR a related financial degree (examples include: Finance, Accounting, Management, Actuarial Science, or related), in addition to meeting Office of Personnel Management (OPM) minimum qualification requirements. Substitution of combination of education and experience must still, in conjunction, minimally satisfy the DHA qualification requirement. Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe this in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient. Qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: applying financial management methods, practices, and principles in planning and implementing process improvements relative to large-scale accounting and financial systems; utilizing knowledge of Oracle (APEX) and SQL to provide recommendations on appropriate use and implementation of database management systems; or performing studies on current and future information and data management systems. Volunteer 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.
Education
GS 12 and above: Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.
Evaluations
IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING. You will be evaluated on how well your qualifications, as demonstrated in your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses on the application, meet the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process, DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications. The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.