Budget Analyst, GS-0560-13/14, FPL GS-14 (DH)

Summary

This position is located in the Finance Directorate, Budget Group (BG), Budget Formulation Division (BFD). The BG formulates and executes the FSA administrative budget; produces financial analysis; processes travel, reimbursements, invoices, and administrative payments; and produces budget reports and forecasts.

Duties

• You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. If you are a current federal employee, you must meet all time-in-grade and time-after competitive appointment qualifications within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. To verify that you meet these requirements, we will review your responses to the core eligibility questions on the occupational questionnaire, as well as your submitted resume and required documents. To make an accurate determination, you will need to include on your resume your federal position title, pay plan, occupational series, grade level, agency, dates for which you held the grade level (stated as MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY, OR MM/YYYY to PRESENT), and total hours worked per week. 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). APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a Budget Analyst, GS-0560-13, you will be responsible for: Liaising with project managers and agency budget contacts to assist, review, and evaluate budget requests. Assists in analyzing contract costs to develop cost-benefit analyses of proposed budgetary and program actions to advise Department officials and program managers of the most advantageous course of action. Working closely on budget execution activities and analyzes trend data to inform budget formulation decisions. Reviews and analyzes complex data to effectively defend budgetary needs in communications and presentations to senior leaders. Advising management to emerging issues and potential problems related to budgets, financing, legislation, and internal controls. Ensures Federal Student Aid staff is kept up to date on budget plans, legislative issues, appropriation actions, progress in achieving budgetary goals, and other related issues. Providing advice and assistance to managers in the development and presentation of budget requests; drafting and issuing interpretations of Departmental and Office of Budget and Management (OMB) budgetary guidance; and providing budgetary adjustments and assist with developing strategies, narratives and statistical materials for the federal budget and programs used by senior management officials. Identifying potential contractual funding shortfalls and prepares appropriate supporting documentation. Interfaces with business units to research and communicate information on potential contractual funding issues and problems. Develops findings and reports to senior managers. As a Budget Analyst, GS-0560-14, you will be responsible for: Providing recommendations for budgetary actions in formulating budget estimates for a multi-year appropriation, tracking progress of POC appropriations through Congress and provides account scenarios based on congressional action. Providing guidance and data calls which contain specific, detailed instructions for completion and coordinates with leadership and external offices, developing detailed background documentation for presenting and defending budget requests. Developing cost factors, ratios, tests, and other mathematical modules to evaluate the current financial status, and to determine the cost-benefit of alternative budget and program actions; and integrating data from both justification and execution elements to build detailed analysis for leadership decisions. Reviewing proposed circulars, handbook notices, regulation and other directives and makes recommendations consistent with budget policies and procedures and management practices. Providing subject matter expertise on contract and inter-agency agreement funding requirements, resources, and allocations. Tracks, monitors, and advises on the legal and technical sufficiency of contract and procurement funds.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements Specialized Experience for the GS-13 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience in supporting multi-million dollar budgets for federal program offices or business corporations. 2. Experience supporting program managers and CORs in managing large, complex contracts include developing budget requests, tracking burn rates, revising budgets, answering Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or private sector equivalent, responding to audit requests and acquisition planning. 3. Experience supporting project managers creating and tracking life cycle costs for the development, implementation and operation of federal or private sector equivalent technology systems supporting civilian program operations (not just financial or accounting systems). Specialized Experience for the GS-14 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-13 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience in managing multi-million dollar budgets for federal program offices or business corporations. 2. Experience leading program managers and CORs in large, complex contracts including developing budget requests, tracking burn rates, revising budgets, answering Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or private sector equivalent data calls, responding to audit requests and acquisition planning. 3. Experience leading the creation and tracking of life cycle costs for the development, implementation and operation of federal or private sector equivalent technology systems supporting civilian program operations (not just financial or accounting systems). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) GS-13 The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). 1. Ability to compile and analyze datasets to create alternative budget scenarios and program actions. 2. Ability to effectively and efficiently communicating verbally and in writing when developing recommendations. 3. Knowledge of a range of laws, regulations, principles, precedents, and internal practices of an organization to develop budgetary recommendations and assist in setting and implementing program goals. 4. Knowledge of the federal budget process to provide recommendations and interpretations of legislation, policies, and precedents. 5. Skill in performing analytical and evaluative work associated with contracts and budget activities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) GS-14 The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). 1. Knowledge of governing budgetary policies, precedent setting decisions, procedures, and regulations issued by higher authority to assure budget forecasts, estimates, and submissions conform to requirements, guidelines, and financial objectives. 2. Ability to exercise independent judgment along with planning, organizing, and directing the work of programs/projects requiring substantial personnel and financial resources. 3. Skill in compiling and analyzing datasets to create alternative budget scenarios and program actions. 4. Knowledge of the federal budget process to provide recommendations and interpretations of legislation, policies, and precedents. 5. Ability to perform analytical and evaluative work associated with contracts and budget activities, such as contract procurement, budget execution, and budget forecasts.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, please click Foreign Education.

Requirements

Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial 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 OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Key Requirements: Must be a US Citizen. Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service. Must complete a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check. Must be determined suitable for federal employment. Relocation expenses will not be paid. You may be subject to serve a one-year probationary period. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. 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. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.

Evaluations

We will review your application and documentation submitted to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications and competencies listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and the result of the USA Hires Assessment(s) required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Non-Supervisory: Accountability, Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork Based on the outcome of this evaluation, your application data may be further assessed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. If your qualifications are not substantiated by your submitted resume, you may be eliminated from receiving further consideration.If you are found to be amongst the most highly qualified applicants, you will be referred to the selecting official. As part of the assessment and selection process, the selecting official may invite you to participate in a structured interview, check your references, and/or request that you submit a writing sample or complete a written assessment or exercise to further evaluate your qualifications for this position. Based on the outcome of this evaluation, your application data may be further assessed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. If your qualifications are not substantiated by your submitted resume, you may be eliminated from receiving further consideration. If you are found to be amongst the most highly qualified applicants, you will be referred to the selecting official. As part of the assessment and selection process, the selecting official may invite you to participate in a structured interview, check your references, and/or request that you submit a writing sample or complete a written assessment or exercise to further evaluate your qualifications for this position.

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: 1. Click the Apply Online button. 2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. 3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. 4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. 5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. 6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. 7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. 8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

What to expect next

As an applicant, you may check your application status through your USAJOBS account at any time. We will also notify you via email of your application status at three key stages in the recruitment process.1. Once the vacancy announcement closes, we will inform you that your application has been received.2. After we review your submitted resume and supporting documentation, we will inform you if you are eligible and qualified, if your application was referred to a subject matter expert or panel of subject matter experts for further evaluation, and if you were amongst the most highly qualified candidates referred to the selecting official.3. Finally, we will inform you of your final disposition for this announcement (e.g., if/when a selection is made, if/when the announcement is cancelled).

Required documents

You must submit (REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS): A resume demonstrating your education, experience, training, and accomplishments as it relates to the qualifications for this position and substantiating your responses to the occupational questionnaire. Please limit your resume to 2 pages with the font size no smaller than 10 points. If your resume is more than 2 pages, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed and considered for the qualifications determination. If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, you must submit: A copy of your DD-214 that shows active service and character of discharge, OR A certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days from the date of application (Current Active Duty Members only); AND/OR The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) AND all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference; AND/OR Proof of Sole Survivorship Preference (e.g., certificate of death or 100% disability as a result of serving in the armed forces). Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP)? If you are a current or former Federal employee who was displaced (for example, due to a Reduction-in-Force) and want priority consideration, you must submit the documents listed below. Required documents for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration (All are required): 1. Proof that you were displaced, such as Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notice or notice of proposed removal 2. SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) showing RIF as the Nature of Action (Box 5B) Career or career-conditional status (Box 24 must be 1 or 2) Competitive status (Box 34 must be 1) Promotion potential or full performance level of the position from which you were or are being displaced. This is likely your appointment SF-50 for that position. Duty location 3. Your most recent performance appraisal showing a rating of Fully Successful or higher. Your Federal position at the time you were displaced must be within the local commuting area for a location listed in this announcement. The definition of local commuting area varies based on duty location and hiring agency policy. To receive priority consideration, you must also be found well-qualified, which means you score 75 or higher based on this announcement's assessment rating criteria.

Benefits

As an ED employee, you will also benefit from our family-friendly work environment. As part of our commitment to maintain a work life balance, we offer excused leave for Parent/Teacher Conferences (3 hours); excused leave for annual health screenings (4 hours); and matching leave for community volunteer service. Other flexibilities that may be available to you include alternative work schedules. You may be eligible to receive a recruitment incentive for this position. To receive this incentive payment, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon. You may be eligible to receive a relocation incentive for this position. To receive this incentive payment, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon. You may be eligible to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program as a recruitment incentive for this position. To receive student loan repayments, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon.

Other information

Veterans' Career Counseling: If you are a veteran interested in receiving tips on preparing a Federal resume and/or how to prepare for an interview, you may email [email protected] to schedule a session with a career counselor ("Veterans Counseling Session" should be placed in the subject line of the email). Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are found to be in default, we will contact you to make arrangements for repayment prior to making an official offer of employment. Suitability and Investigation: If selected for this position, you will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and successfully complete a pre-appointment investigation/background check. Essential/Non-Essential: This position is considered non-essential for purposes of reporting to work during federal government closures. Financial Disclosure: This position does not require a financial disclosure. Bargaining Unit: This position is included in the bargaining unit American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Selections: Agencies have broad authority under law to hire from any appropriate source of eligibles and may fill a vacancy in the competitive service by any method authorized. We may make additional selections from this vacancy announcement within 90 days from the date the selection certificates are issued, should vacancies occur. We may also share selection certificates amongst program offices across the agency. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.