Accountant

The Accountant is a member of the VISN 2, HSA 2.1, Centralized Finance Service (CFS) performing the full range of professional accounting work requiring the application of sound accounting principles, theories, concepts and practices. Major duties: The Accountant establishes and maintains liaison between operating and management officials at the medical centers and the CFS. Remains in close liaison with medical Center operating officials to ensure timely and accurate reporting of cost and transaction information. The Accountant is responsible for compilation of cost data to develop reports, the accuracy of which has a major impact on the budgetary process for the Medical Centers, and which are used as a main tool by the agency to allocate resources within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The Accountant maintains and performs monthly reconciliation of various general ledger accounts with related subsidiaries for various independent appropriations, including, but limited to, revolving funds, fund accounts, construction and grant accounts. Assures that all accounting data, computerized cost accounting reports and trial balances are in balance. This includes preparation of internal audit reports for operating officials and other segments of management VISN staff as requested. Performs monthly and year-end accruals for the general ledger accounts that are required for proper financial statements. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Reviews multiple and a variety of transactions recorded throughout the system from multiple sources to assure accuracy and uniformity of appropriation charges and accounting concepts applied. Interprets and executes at appropriate time all accounting manual changes of VA Handbooks, Directives, and other written policies affecting accounting operations. Uses sound judgment in establishing local procedures to insure accounting principles are adhered to. Participates In decision making sessions and advises a number of program managers on regulatory requirements, financial policies, the interpretation of data, and program improvements through analysis or program operations, monthly reports, and special system edits. Provides accounting expertise and fiscal services to subordinates as well as department, top management and VA Central Office (VACO) financial management. Performs a variety of duties in connection with the maintenance, reconciliation and auditing of accounts in a general ledger covering the full range of assets, liabilities, income, expense, cost accounting and budgeting. Maintains the overall controls for expenditure accounting. Determines that all transactions are properly processed. Monitors funds balances to ensure availability of resources for the processing and recommends action to correct shortcomings. Analyzes and views reports to assure they are in balance, that the data is valid and that they adhere to prescribed regulatory manuals and procedures. Classifies erroneous conditions and recommends changes in procedures to prevent recurrence of the problem. Performs directly related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday - Friday; 7:45a.m. - 4:30p.m. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Accountant/PD01741A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work is mostly of a sedentary nature. Some walking, stooping, or bending is required. The employee often carries files, folders, or boxes. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.