Salary: $55,128.00 - $89,577.00 AnnuallyLocation : Raleigh, NCJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 25-02PAgency: Consolidated UnitUnit: FinanceOpening Date: 11/08/2024Position Overview The United States District Court and United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina are seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Financial Specialist. This position is responsible for providing support to the budget and financial operations of the court. Financial responsibilities include preparing, updating, and analyzing a variety of accounting records, financial statements, and reports; processing payment vouchers and budget preparation.This position is being advertised at the CL 26 with promotional potential to the CL 27. Applications that are received by the initial cut-off date of November 24, 2024, will be given first consideration. Representative Duties The Financial Specialist performs duties and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develops and/or assists in budget estimates to fund all operating costs of the court unit. Reports information to the Financial Administrator for review and approval.
- Monitors and analyzes spending plans for budget allotments. Executes approved budget plans. Recommends programming actions to cover projected shortfalls. Ensures allotment levels are not exceeded and obligations are not made in advance of an appropriation, allotment, or reprogramming transaction. Participates in advanced review and approval of major purchases.
- Prepares recurring reports of obligations and expenditures for court unit executives and the Financial Administrator. Utilizes financial software and systems to record, store, and track information.
- Reviews invoices and prepares payment vouchers for Pretrial Services and Probation, drug treatment and testing vendors. Reviews invoices received; enters data into automated check writing/accounting system and client record system.
- Receives, reviews, and processes travel vouchers and travel advance requests from court units. Ensures figures, postings, and documents are accurate and properly coded and entered. Communicates with individuals in court units to respond to questions, problems, or insufficiencies with voucher submissions and the status of payment of vouchers.
- Scans vouchers into filing system.
- Performs monthly posting and reconciliation of earned interest to commercial registry accounts.
- Performs internal audit of cash receipts mail logs.
- Performs reconciliation of Criminal Justice Act panel attorney payments.
- Assists with, as needed, receipt import and reconciliation process in financial accounting software.
- Assists with, as needed, criminal and civil financial account establishment in financial software. Additionally, assists with review and correction of established accounts and receipt-posting errors.
- Serves as Property Custodial officer for the court for non-IT inventory. Maintains, reconciles, and tracks accountable property. Conducts physical sightings of property.
- May serve as a liaison for the Chief U.S. Probation Officer and Clerk of Court with other agencies, outside vendors, and local building management.
- Attends conferences, training, and meetings as directed.
- Ensures adherence to the Guide to Judiciary Policy on budgetary and financial practices.
- Adheres to the court units' internal control procedures.
- Works closely with other members of the finance team.
- Assists the financial administrator with other assignments.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications To qualify for the position, an individual must have a four-year college degree in accounting, finance, or related field, and at least one year of progressively responsible financial experience that provided knowledge of the rules, regulations and terminology of financial administration. The incumbent must also be versatile and detail-oriented, present a professional demeanor and possess strong organizational, analytical, and oral/written communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate proficiency in word processing, web-based environments, data entry, and the use of spreadsheets; and have prior experience in the federal court environment. Conditions of EmploymentApplicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents actively seeking citizenship. Judicial Branch employees are considered at will employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. Salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required.Applicants will be required to submit to a background investigation (including references, criminal history, and credit history) prior to an offer of employment being made. The person selected for this position will also be required to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year background investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter.Application Procedures:All interested persons should apply online by visiting and submit an application package which is to include: the completed application, a cover letter, resume, and three (3) employment references. Travel and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available for review upon request. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates in consideration for this position will be contacted.-THE COURT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-General questions may be sent via email to The Federal Judiciary offers a wide range of benefits and choices so employees can create a package that best suits their individual needs. Health InsuranceThe Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) offers employees more than ten (10) health plan options to choose from that provide comprehensive medical benefits including preventative care, doctor's office visits, hospitalization, surgery, and prescription drugs with no pre-existing condition limitations. FEHB has a few plan types with several health carriers in each plan: Fee-for-Service (FSS- equivalent to a PPO), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Consumer Driven Plans and High-Deductible Plans.On average, the federal government pays 70% of health plan premiums while employees pay the remaining premium through payroll deductions.Supplemental Dental & Vision InsuranceEmployees are eligible to participate in dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The supplemental dental and vision program provides a selection of dental and/or vision plans for federal employees and their families at a group rate. Employees are responsible for the full group rate premium which is paid through pre-tax payroll deductions.Life InsuranceLife Insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for employees and their loved ones. By way of the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, employees are offered Basic Life Insurance with options to increase coverage and elect coverage for eligible dependents. The federal government pays approximately 1/3 of the Basic Life premium and employees are responsible for paying the remaining 2/3, which is paid via post-tax payroll deductions.Long Term Care InsuranceLong-term care insurance (LTC) can protect an employee's financial future by helping to pay the high cost of long-term care. Long-term care insurance programs include coverage for nursing home care (all levels received in a licensed facility), community-based care (assisted living facilities, adult daycare and home health services), hospice center, caregiver support and alternative plans of care.Flexible Benefits ProgramThe Flexible Benefits Program allows employees to increase their take home pay by using the Judiciary's pre-tax options for health care, dependent care, and health insurance premiums. The program has three key components: the Healthcare Reimbursement Account, the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account and the Premium Payment Plan.Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)Recognizing the importance of an employee's future, the federal government provides its employees a retirement program called the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). It is a three-tiered retirement plan that enables employees to take an active role in securing a strong financial foundation for their retirement. All federal employees are automatically enrolled and may file for retirement once they meet the eligibility requirements. The three components of the plan are the FERS Basic Benefit, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan.Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)TSP is a savings and investment program designed to provide retirement income. It is an important component to the FERS Retirement Plan. It is comparable to a private-sector tax-deferred 401(k) plan, which offers both a traditional and a Roth contribution option, tax deferral on traditional contributions, agency matching, a choice of 5 investment funds, a loan program and a choice of post-separation withdrawal options.Vacation/Sick/Other LeaveTo assist eligible employees with maintaining a healthy work/life balance, the Judiciary offers a generous amount of leave through a combination of federal holidays, annual (vacation) leave and sick leave. Full time employees with less than three (3) years of service accrue approximately 2.5 weeks of annual leave per year. This increases to 4 weeks from years 3-14, and up to 5 weeks each year when an employee has reached 15 years or more of service. In addition to annual (vacation) leave, full time employees also accrue approximately 2.5 weeks of sick leave each year and are given ten (10) paid federal holidays.Wellness ProgramThe Judiciary recognizes that a positive sense of well-being amongst its employees is a key component of a healthy and productive employee. Wellness activities may include on-site fitness facility, wellness challenges and incentives, annual health fair, stress reduction and health eating programs.Worker's CompensationEmployees are covered by the provisions of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C. § 8101 et seq., which allows compensation for injuries sustained while in the performance of duty or to employment-related disease.Employee Assistance Program The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential benefit that offers professional counseling and referral services that can help employees and their families successfully deal with life's challenges. The program offers assessments, short-term counseling, referral and follow-up for employees confronted with family and marital problems, financial challenges, legal obstacles, or symptoms of stress and other emotional conditions.01 What is the highest level of education obtained?
- High School/GED
- Some College (at least 1 year completed)
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate or Juris Doctorate
02 How many years of progressively responsible financial and/or accounting work experience do you have which includes a demonstrated ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives or principles?
- No Experience
- Less than 1 Year
- 1 Year to Less than 3 Years
- 3 Years to Less than 5 Years
- 5 or More Years
03 Are you currently or have you previously been employed by the federal Judiciary?
04 Which best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel?
- No Experience
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
05 Please indicate your salary expectations. Required Question