Chief Accountant - U.S. Department of Labor

Nevadacpa; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Employee Benefits Security Administration in Washington, DC seeks a senior advisor to counsel EBSA executives on accounting and auditing issues and to coordinate with external bodies such as AICPA, FASB, OIG, GAO, and state boards of accountancy.

The role oversees two major program components, the Division of Accounting Services and the Division of Reporting and Compliance, ensuring policy implementation and efficient procedures across the office.

Responsibilities

• Advise EBSA executives on accounting and auditing issues; liaison with AICPA, FASB, and agencies
• Manage two program components: Accounting Services and Reporting and Compliance
• Direct reviews of independent accountants’ ERISA Form 5500 opinions; oversee audit quality control
• Develop program plans (e.g., FERSA) to govern fiduciary conduct for the Thrift Savings Plan
• Direct staff of auditors; decide staffing, budget, and resource needs
• Coordinate inter-office and inter-agency studies; respond to Congress and industry inquiries

Job description

• Serve as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary and other EBSA executives on accounting and auditing issues, and act as the primary liaison with outside accounting organizations such as AICPA and FASB, as well as other federal and state agencies including the OIG, GAO, and state boards of accountancy.
• Provide executive-level management of two major program components, the Division of Accounting Services and the Division of Reporting and Compliance, ensuring effective implementation of policies, efficient work procedures, and coordination across the office.
• Direct substantive reviews of independent accountants’ opinions submitted with ERISA annual financial reports (Form 5500 series), administer a quality control program for audit work performed by independent public accountants, and oversee a reporting compliance program that includes rejecting deficient filings and assessing civil penalties under ERISA Section 502(c)(2).
• Formulate and present specific program plans, such as the FERSA strategic compliance audit plan, to administer the provisions of law governing fiduciary conduct for the Thrift Savings Plan.
• Direct a staff of auditors and reporting compliance specialists, determining staffing and resource allocation, defining budget requirements, and selecting or approving office personnel.
• Coordinate inter-office and inter-agency studies, policy proposals, and task forces, and personally respond to inquiries from Congress, special interest groups, and employee benefit plan industry representatives.

Organization

Employee Benefits Security Administration