Financial Assistant

Hiring Path:

- Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:
For USEFM - FP is 05. Actual FP salary determined by Washington D.C.
Employees of Mission and USEFMs EFMs or MOHs
Post policy update: Inbound USEFM applicants DO NOT have to wait until they are within 90 days of arriving at post to apply.

Security Clearance Required:
Public Trust - Background Investigation

Appointment Type

Permanent

Appointment Type Details:
Marketing Statement:
We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.

Summary:
The European Logistics Support Office is located in the port of Antwerp: Noorderlaan 147.

The work schedule for this position is Full Time (38 hours per week)

Supervisory Position:
Yes

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:
No

**Duties**:
The European Logistics Support Office is located in the port of Antwerp: Noorderlaan 147.

In addition to supervising the Budget&Finance Section, the position serves as the Mission's principal Certifying Officer and manages/performs all functions associated with the budget preparation and accounting of the European Logistics Support Office (ELSO) and Expedited Logistics (EL) accounts.

As the principal Certifying Officer, reviews vouchers and other funding documents to confirm that obligations are documented, valid, recorded, and that sufficient funds are available. Determines whether required authorizations and approval were obtained; the intended product/service(s) were obtained as ordered when appropriate; the legality of payment; whether the payment is a duplication; if the documentation is correct and sufficient; all available discounts were taken; and whether all legal requirements are met. Assumes personal financial liability for the accuracy and legality of all documentation prior to certifying them. Conducts comprehensive research and compiles documents to resolve complex issues associated with documentation, availability of funds, appropriateness of the transaction, etc., and advises management on the problem as well as the course of action to be taken as warranted. Conducts final certification review/quality control on all vouchers prior to final approval. Advises/trains Certifying Officers locally and at other Missions. Resolves recurring and ad hoc problems that arise, regardless of the complexity or profile, and the appropriate method to certify payment or resolve issues.

Exercises direct responsibility for managing the ELSO and EL accounts’ financial operations and budgets. Manages all aspects of the budget lifecycle for these accounts, from formulation (e.g., preparation of budgetary documents, justifications, etc.) to final execution, including preparation of the financial accounts, expenditure/cost analyses, funds forecasting and control, and financial analysis, including whether the Mission is obtaining appropriate value relative to its expenditures in these areas, strategies to streamline operations for better cost-effectiveness, etc. Ensures the accounts’ financial operations and obligations fully comply with statutory and regulatory requirements as directed by Congress. Researches and drafts recurring and ad hoc financial reports on ELSO and EL account funding levels and related financial and operational issues.

Exercises the full range of supervisory responsibilities over assigned staff, including assigning and reviewing the quality of work; managing subordinates’ performance; career development; recommending selections, discipline, and other personnel management actions for the Section; and assigning leave. Recommends/ implements new approaches or business processes to enhance the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of voucher examination operations.

Performs other duties as assigned, including special projects, responding to data calls and training of staff on certification and financial management.

**Qualifications and Evaluations**:

- Requirements:
EXPERIENCE: Five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance is required. Additionally 1 year of supervisory experience is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Expert knowledge of the Standard Regulations, Department of State and associated agencies’ regulations and federal rules pertaining to compensation, allowances, leave and retirement, as well as the Department’s Financial Management System in terms of voucher processing and certification in order to serve as the principal Certifying Officer; process vouchers ranging from routine to very complex; and provide advice/training to employees, managers, and co-workers on the full range of voucher examining and funds control issues. Comprehensive knowledge of the Mission’s organizations, operations, and requirements; ELSO and EL account operations and requirements; the Department’s financial management policies and business processes; and the Comptroller General’s decisions in financial management cases in order to manage and ensure the