Foreign Service Financial Management Officer (FS 2101)

Job Description

Specialized Experience Specialized experience demonstrates that the candidate has acquired, and is able to apply, a combination of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities appropriate to the Foreign Service Financial Management Officer position. Specialized experience must have been acquired in the past 10 years and must have been of a progressively responsible nature in one or more medium or large organizations with multimillion-dollar budgets. Specialized experience must include more than one area listed below: Budget preparation and execution. Accounting and reporting. Accounts payable. Payroll. Accounts receivable. Cash management. Disbursing. Tax reporting. Audit and internal controls. Supervisory experience, work with automated financial management systems, and evidence of working and/or living successfully in a multicultural environment or in organizations with international operations is desirable. For the FP-03 level, at least one year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to the GS-11/FP-04 level; and for the FP-04 level, at least one year must have been equivalent to the GS-9/FP-05 level. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: Experience in financial management involving the preparation, justification, or management of an organization's budget, or participation in budget hearings on appropriations for a U.S. government agency. Experience as a financial management officer in a government agency or in a business or industrial concern with responsibilities for program planning, organization, methods, and procedures. Experience in government or private sector accounting including interpretation and use of financial data for informed decision-making and the efficient and optimal use of resources. Teaching comprehensive budget, fiscal, or accounting courses in an accredited educational institution above the high school level. Experience in the development and/or implementation of internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations related to financial management, including experience in the audit and financial management review of procedures and requirements. Experience in banking, currency purchasing, or treasury operations. Experience in payroll plan development and/or administration. Note: Consumer loan management/approval and individual tax preparation are not considered to be specialized experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate's education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria. Finance: Knowledge of the fundamentals of economics, statistics, accounting, banking, and financial markets through requisite academic background in order to serve as principal financial adviser to senior management. Budgeting Requirements: Knowledge acquired through training and experience to formulate, present, justify, and execute budgets involving millions of dollars. Financial Procedures: Knowledge of financial procedures, applicable laws, regulations, and other guidance in order to prepare accurate and timely financial plans to inform post management decisions and to meet external reporting requirements. GAAP and GAAS: Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and interpretation and use of financial data for decision-making, ensuring all claims and payments are properly documented and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Accounting: Knowledge of the principles and application of cost accounting by preparing a variety of complex reports and analyses that aid management in setting priorities and allocating scarce resources to best meet objectives. Banking: Knowledge of banking, currency purchases, foreign exchange rates, as well as disbursement including cashiering in order to use an organization's financial systems to meet payment and collection obligations using the most effective means available. Fraud Detection: Knowledge of fraud detection, both in cash operations and financial systems. Management Principles: Knowledge of management principles as demonstrated by delegating responsibilities, providing guidance, leading by example, supervising subordinates, counseling employees, resolving conflicts, and effecting disciplinary measures. EEO Principles and Guidelines: Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles in order to effectively supervise staff. Management Controls: Knowledge and understanding of a strong system of management controls by using policy guidelines and generally accepted standards through checks and balances and constant monitoring of management controls to correct deficiencies and to maintain fiscal integrity and ensure resources are safeguarded aga