Auditor

Summary

The Auditor will be assigned to the Northwest Health Network Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 20) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and may be located in White City, OR, Vancouver, WA or Seattle, WA. The Auditor assists the Financial Quality Assurance Manager in conducting audits in the areas of finance, acquisition, logistics, and capital asset management quality control of the VISN.

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Duties

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This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-11, however, a selection can be made at any of the following grade levels: GS-7, GS-9 or GS-11. At the GS-7 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. At the GS-9 grade level, you will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.

The primary purpose of this position is to improve the business practices in finance, acquisition, contracting, procurement, and capital asset management. The Finance Quality Assurance Network Office will maintain a library of financial, logistic and capital asset management VA and VHA policies and procedures, CAP, VA OIG and SOARS reports from across the country that site problem areas. The Finance Quality Assurance Network Office will provide oversight over finance, logistics and capital asset management; and serves as an important liaison to the Network Compliance Officer. external auditors, the VA OIG and the Office of Management.

Major duties include but is not limited to:

• Provides advice and performs assistance work for the Chief Accounting Officer. The duties may include ad hoc facility-level data validation for Network level reporting purposes.
• Performs financial audits by examining accounts and financial records for the purpose of certifying financial statements.
• Performs program reviews of logistics, contracting, purchase cards, fee basis, limited MCCF program, and capital asset management operational functions and ensure these reviews are performed in compliance with internal audit programs.
• Performs a variety of duties to carry out, administer, or advise on facility financial works concerned with assuring the quality of work transactions, business processes, and delivery of services needed to carry out federal government programs and functions.
• Develops and plans programs for achieving and maintaining total quality transaction processing and customer service throughout the business cycle.
• Conduct some of the audits and may be responsible to form audit teams made up of medical center staff with appropriate expertise;
• Assists in the development of the audit protocols used by the teams, will train the teams if necessary, will review their findings for compliance.
• Determines/recommends areas in need of improvement and provides the appropriate tools for improvement.
• Actively participates as a quality assurance advisor.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, either 7:00am - 3:30pm, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm PST. Details to be discussed during the interview process.

Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized.

Telework: Not authorized.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Auditor/ PD10151A, PD10164A, and PD10163A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• 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.
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• 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 ( 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 or 2-year 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet Time-In-Grade and Specialized Experience requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 07/02/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement : Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

• For a GS-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5.
• For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7.
• For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11.

The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Basic Requirement : All applicants, regardless of grade level must meet the following minimum education or experience requirements.

1. Degree: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's or higher degree with a major in accounting, auditing; or a degree including auditing courses 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. OR,
2. 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:
   1. Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
   2. A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
   3. 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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must also meet the below grade specific requirements in order to qualify:

Minimum Qualifications, GS-7:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-5) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting with audits in areas such as finance, acquisition, logistics, and capital asset management; applying basic knowledge of auditing concepts, principles, and techniques under supervision; preparing audit reports or supporting documentation; managing multiple assignments or tasks at once; and using financial systems and IT software to collect and organize data. OR,
• Education or Combination: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience or combine education and experience to qualify. Please see Education section for details. OR,
• Superior Academic Achievement: This provision recognizes students who have achieved superior academic standing as evidenced by one of the three methods described below. It is to be used to determine eligibility for applicable GS-7 level positions of persons who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum related to the position. Please see Education section for details.

Minimum Qualifications, GS-9:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Independently conducting audits in areas such as finance, acquisition, logistics, capital asset management, or quality control; applying comprehensive knowledge of auditing theories, principles, and techniques to various assignments; recommending ways to improve work processes, increase cost-effectiveness, or enhance productivity; managing multiple audit assignments simultaneously with limited supervision; using financial systems and IT software to analyze and interpret financial data. OR,
• Education or Combination: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience or combine education and experience to qualify. Please see Education section for details.

Minimum Qualifications, GS-11:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-9) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Independently performing complex and difficult audits in areas such as finance, acquisition, logistics, and capital asset management; applying a thorough knowledge of advanced auditing theories, principles, and methodologies to develop audit guidelines and procedures; creating and implementing a wide range of auditing techniques and methodologies; providing consultative services and training on financial processes to other staff members; reviewing audit reports to ensure accurate recommendations and compliance with relevant standards and regulations; making recommendations to improve productivity, cost-effectiveness, and quality of work processes; and utilizing and advising on the use of financial systems for complex audit procedures. OR,
• Education or Combination: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience or combine education and experience to qualify. Please see Education section for details.

Preferred Experience:

• Proficiency in VA Systems: Knowledge and hands-on experience with key VA systems, including Financial Management System (FMS), Integrated Funds Distribution, Control Point Activity Accounting & Procurement (IFCAP/VISTA), Online Treasury Collections (OTC.net), Enterprise Output Solutions (EOS) reports, and G-Invoicing.
• Knowledge of VA Financial Policies and Procedures: Well-versed with VA Financial Policies and Procedures, ensuring compliance and accurate financial management.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Education, GS-7:

• Education: To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of one (1) year of graduate-level education that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of Auditor.
• Superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) : This provision recognizes students who have achieved superior academic standing as evidenced by one of the three methods described below. It is to be used to determine eligibility for applicable GS-7 level positions of persons who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum related to the position.
  • Class standing Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  • Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
    1. 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
    2. 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
  • Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies . OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have possess equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (in excess of a bachelor's degree) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements.

Education, GS-9:

• Education: To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the Auditor position.
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education to qualify for GS-9.

Education, GS-11:

• Education: To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the Auditor position.
• Combination: Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must possess an equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level (beyond 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) education with a major appropriate to the position and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) 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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at

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; religions; 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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