Accountant

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.



Job Summary
The National Security Agency is seeking highly skilled and experienced accountants to lead critical financial management operations within a dynamic and mission-focused environment. In this pivotal role, you will manage a professional accounting team while overseeing the preparation of the Agency's annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with federal accounting standards and regulations including OMB Circular A-123 and A-136. As a subject matter expert in Federal Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) pronouncements, particularly in Property, Plant & Equipment standards, you will provide authoritative guidance on complex accounting matters, lead audit support efforts, and drive the development and completion of corrective action plans to strengthen internal controls. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge financial systems, leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence tools, and directly contribute to the financial integrity and mission success of one of the nation's most vital intelligence organizations. The ideal candidate will combine technical accounting expertise with strong leadership abilities, critical thinking and analysis, and a commitment to excellence in federal financial management.




Qualifications
Degree must be in accounting or in any field with at least 24 semester credit hours of accounting. Relevant experience must be working within the accounting career field (for example, using financial data to plan for future opportunities and minimize risk, recording and analyzing financial data and transactions, monitoring financial systems operations for legal compliance and internal control purposes). FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.




Competencies
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
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 [email protected]. 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, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.