Operating Forces Operating Forces Basic Careers in the Federal Government Department of Defense Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) January 22, 2002 IU POOPs Program

2 Federal Government Accounting Provide responsive, professional finance and accounting services for the people who defend America

World’s Largest Finance and Accounting Operation!  5.5M military, civilians, retirees, annuitants paid  $299B in disbursements  $13B in Foreign Military Sales  $171B Retirement Trust Fund manager  100M accounting transactions  11M invoices paid  6.7M travel payments  231 active DoD appropriations Annual Figures

When we reduce finance and accounting support costs by $5.3 million... …the Army can buy a Bradley fighting vehicle

Types of Financial Management Positions and Requirements  Typical Entry-level Assignments: Financial Specialist, Accountant, Auditor, Budget Analyst, Systems Analyst  Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business- related field, 3.0+ GPA, 24 hours of accounting for accountant/auditor. Future executive development emphasis placed on Master’s Degree and one certification.  Personal Characteristics: Leadership, Initiative, Customer-relation skills

Salary and Advancement  Entry level: Start at GS 7, approx. $40,000/year, one year later promoted to GS 9, $43K/year, one year later promoted to GS 11, $46K/year.  Typical Career progression: GS 7 (in training), 9 (in training), 11 (subject matter expert on team), 12 (team supervisor), 13 (branch chief supervisor), 14 (division chief supervisor), 15 (director), SES (top business line executive)  Performance reviews: Quarterly feedback with annual appraisals given by supervisors

Two-Year Training Program for Entry- Level Professional Accountants (ELPA)  Goal: Recruit quality talent. Challenge them. Prepare them to become future leaders. Retain them.  Keys to Success:  Caring & nurturing relationships with supervisor and mentor  Networking/social activities with fellow ELPAs  Providing meaningful work assignments  Involvement by senior managers

Two-Year ELPA Program Specifics  Developed program to master 8 competencies  Coursework (Budgeting, Appropriation Law, Web)  Assignments (Select a mentor, review certification requirements, role play, submit a Bright Idea and peer award, flowchart a process, prepare a briefing and brief senior manager, network with senior managers)  Rotations (required and optional)  Misc. (monthly meetings/breakfasts/social events and annual business trip/conference)

Tangible Benefits  5% matching retirement plan + medical benefits  Within grade increases and COLAs  10 Federal holidays  40 hour work weeks  Comp and flex time (limited overtime pay)  Earn 4 hours sick time every two weeks - can be used for family care  Years 1-3, earn 4 hours vacation time every two weeks years 4-14, earn 6 hours vacation time every two weeks years 15+, earn 8 hours vacation time every two weeks  Travel

Intangible Benefits  Federal workforce is aging creating fast upward mobility.  Prestigious awards, performance bonuses, and exciting training opportunities.  Opportunity to make a difference.  Wide variety of locations to transfer internally and externally (within DoD or other Federal agency).

11 DFAS Centers and Field Sites Columbus Accounting Services DFAS Arlington Arlington, VA Sustaining Forces Indianapolis Denver Center Dayton, OH Limestone, ME Omaha, NE San Antonio, TX * San Bernardino, CA Cleveland Center Charleston, SC Japan * Norfolk, VA * Oakland, CA Pacific (HI) * Pensacola, FL San Diego, CA Europe (GE) Lawton, OK Lexington, KY Orlando, FL Rome, NY Seaside, CA Operating Forces Indianapolis St. Louis, MO Rock Island, IL Columbus Commercial Pay Services Kansas City Center Client: DLA Client: Air Force Client: Navy Client: Army Client: Marine Corps * Supports Army Customers Clients: Army / Defense TI 97

Maybe we don’t get thanked everyday... …but we owe it to the military members and their families to continue to provide world-class service at reduced cost.