1. Entry-Level Professional Accountant Program (ELPA)
Entry-Level Financial Analyst Program (ELFA)
Mike Anderson (ELPA)
Sean Wuethrich (ELFA)
September 18, 2018

2. DFAS Mission
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3. World-class Provider of Finance and Accounting Services
Our Vision
World-class Provider of Finance and Accounting Services
Trusted and Innovative Financial Partner
Employer of Choice, Providing a Progressive and Professional Work Environment
One Organization, One Identity
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4. DFAS was created in 1991 by the Secretary of Defense to
Some History on DFAS
DFAS was created in 1991 by the Secretary of Defense to
aid the Department of Defense in:
Reducing Finance & Accounting Operating Costs
Strengthening Financial Management
Consolidating Finance & Accounting Services.
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5. World’s Largest Finance and Accounting Operation - 16,000 employees
DFAS is Big Business
World’s Largest Finance and Accounting Operation ,000 employees
Service 5.7 Million Military Members, Military Retirees and Annuitants, and DoD civilians
Manage 267 Active DoD Appropriations Worth $517Billion
Manage a $176 Billion Retirement Trust Fund
Disburse $346.6 Billion Annually
Process 11.2 Million Commercial Invoices
Administer 7.3 Million Travel Payments and Settlements
Oversee 124 Million Accounting Transactions Annually
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6. Direct Effect on our Military Forces
If We Take Early Payment Discounts...
…They Can Buy
a Bradley Fighting Vehicle
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7. Direct Effect on our Military Forces
If We Eliminate Prompt Payment
Interest Penalties…
…They Can Buy a Blackhawk Helicopter.
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8. ELPA/FA Program DFAS Entry Entry Level Level Professional Financial
Accountant Analyst
ELPA/FA Program
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9. Entry-Level Professionals
ELPA/FA is….
Professional Development
Individual Development
Earned Benefits
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10. Professional Development
Entry Level Professional Accounting (ELPA/FA) Program
Three-Year Professional Development Program
Advancement to Target Position
Developmental Assignments
Coaching and Mentoring
Formal and Informal Training Courses
Support & Career Incentives in Obtaining Professional Certifications (CPA, CDFM, CGFM, etc.)
Membership Eligibility in Professional Organizations
Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC)
Blacks in Government (BIG)
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11. Career Path Comparison
Organizational Hierarchy
Public Accounting Firm
DFAS
Executive
Partner
Approximately 80% of the workforce are at the professional or journey levels.
Employees advanced through a combination of education, training, and experience.
Management
Senior Manager
Professional
Manager
Journey
Senior Staff
Entry
Staff
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12. Three Year Professional Development
Developmental Assignments
Areas of Opportunity
Other Assignments
On-the-job training
Two (or more) short rotations with other business lines (vendor, travel, or military pay)
Graduate into Permanent Placement
Disbursing
Systems
Accounting
Internal Review
Financial Reporting
Operations
E-commerce
Military Pay
Travel Pay
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13. Individual Development
Network & Communicate within a Diverse Organization
Staff, Management, Executives
Military Personnel
Contractors
Private Sector Employees
Individual Development Plan
Map your way to success
Core ELPA/ELFA Development
Individual Elective Training
Build Your Own Skills
Travel Opportunities
Mentoring Social Events
Informal Gatherings and Events
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14. Individual and Professional Development
Tuition Assistance
Generous Continuing Education Tuition Reimbursement
Books Expenses Covered
Lab Fees Reimbursed
Review Courses and Certification Prep
CPA Certification
Becker Review Course
Successful Completion of Modules Covered
Professional Association Certifications
Fully Funded Review Course
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15. Benefits of DFAS “Truly” Compensated for Work Performed
Work Schedule & Work-Life Balance
Leave Accumulation
Annual Leave
Sick Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs
Fitness Membership Discounts
On-site Fitness Facilities
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16. Other Employment Benefits
Benefits of DFAS
Other Employment Benefits
Health and Life Insurance
401K and Matching Funds
10 Paid Holidays
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17. Mike Anderson’s Typical Day (1st Year ELPA)
7:30 Arrive at the Office and Get “Settled In”
7:45 Check
8:00 Prepare for Team Meeting
9:00 Meeting With Financial Systems Team
10:15 Conference Call with Team at DFAS-Denver
10:45 Work on and Evaluate Customer Bill Analysis
12:00 Lunch with a Senior Manager
12:30 Answer Afternoon s and Work on Catch-up Projects
1:00 New Financial Systems and Processes Presentation to Customers
2:30 ELPA Meeting with DFAS-Indy Director, Steve Bonta, to Discuss
Organizational Goals
3:30 Take Feedback to Systems Analysts and Discuss New Requirements
4:00 Leave for Home
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18. Candidate Requirements
An ELFA Candidate Needs to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in any Business-Related Field
An ELPA Candidate Needs to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business-Related Degree with 24 Semester Credit Hours of Accounting Coursework
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19. Key Attributes
Targeting Candidates with Evidence of Strong Academic Achievement
Demonstrated Record of Success
Strong Leadership Potential
Professional Demeanor
Interpersonal Skills
Match Our Core Values
Integrity, Innovation, Service
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20. Internship Opportunities
DFAS
Internship Opportunities
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21. Developmental Programs - Internships
Program consists of:
70% OJT with seasoned accountant
20% corporate, group research project with final presentation
10% topical briefings, networking (lunches, field trip, manager meetings), and other assignments (BSC)
27 interns DFAS-Indianapolis in Summer, 2005; at least 30 planned for 2006
Indiana University Summer Finance and Accounting Interns 2005
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22. Maybe we don’t get thanked everyday, but . . .
…but we are committed to providing world-class service at a reduced cost to the military members and their families.
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23. Your Financial Partner @ Work
Hope to see you at
DFAS
Your Financial Work

24. Interning at DFAS Areas to Work Orientation-Based Training Disbursing
Systems
Accounting
Operations
Military Pay
Travel Pay
E-Commerce
Financial Reporting
Orientation-Based Training
Become Familiar with DoD Operations and Personnel
Government Systems
Government Hierarchy
Military Ranks
Work Environment
Major Processes
Encouraged to Take Initiative and Learn
Unlimited Learning and Personal Development Opportunities
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25. The DFAS Difference Assigned a Sponsor and Peer Advisor
Teamwork Based Environment
Treated as a Full-time Employee
Encourage to Provide “Fresh” Perspective &
“Out of the Box Thinking”
Challenged to Produce Results
Individual and Intern Group Summer Projects
Pushed to be Innovative and Challenged to Succeed
Won the Indiana Award of Excellence in 2002 by the Indiana INTERNnet Awards
Won the Indiana Best of the Best Award in 2003 by the Indiana Intern Awards (Lilly Endowment)
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26. The DFAS Difference Access To Key Leaders in the Organization
Formal Gatherings
Informal “Open Door Policy” to All Employees
Intern Trips to Military Installations
Experience First Hand Who the Customers Are
View DoD and Military Operations
Network with Military Personnel
Intern Social Events
Indianapolis Indians Game
Miniature Golf
Golf Outing
Cookouts
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27. Three-Year Professional Development Program
Development Ongoing Throughout Program
Comprehensive Training
Special Projects
Site/Customer Visits
Leadership/Networking Conferences
Meetings with Senior Managers
Professional Association Luncheons
Topical Briefings
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