Accountant

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is seeking a qualified accounting professional to join the Office of Finance and Accounting. The role requires preparation and analysis of government financial reports, including GTAS and SF-133, with emphasis on accurate fund balance reconciliation.

Applicants should demonstrate 24 semester hours in accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and may present CPA or CIA credentials.

Qualifications

• Submit unofficial college transcripts, certificate as CPA or CIA for verification.
• Specialized experience must include GTAS analysis/reconciliation and advising on financial reports (FASB-based).
• Resume must be two pages and clearly show how experience meets responsibilities and specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and reconcile fund balance within Government Treasury Account Symbol (GTAS).
• Review and analyze recurring and special accounting/auditing reports.
• Brief organizational management on findings and required actions; provide guidance on GTAS, SF-133, balance sheets, and general ledger reconciliations.

Education

Accounting degree with 24 semester hours in accounting

4+ years accounting experience

CPA or CIA certification

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Office of Finance and Accounting (OF&A). The Office of Finance and Accounting is responsible for the integrity of the SI's internal controls; financial policies and procedures; and the planning, directing, and managing of its accounting and financial services programs.

A. Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor") OR B. Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following: Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law; or A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.

You must submit a copy of your unofficial college transcripts, certificate as a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor for verification in order to be considered. In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the specialized experience as described below: GS-13 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as experience analyzing and reconciling fund balance working in Government Treasury Account Symbol (GTAS) ensuring accounts are in alignment with the US Department of Treasury records; reviewing and analyzing recurring and special accounting/auditing reports and briefing organizational management regarding findings and required actions; providing advice and guidance regarding controversial or sensitive accounting reporting issues and financial reports such as the Governmentwide Treasury Account Symbol system (GTAS) and SF-133, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and general ledger account reconciliations based on Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual 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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part‑time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provid