Operating ForcesOperating Forces

Basic Careers in the Federal GovernmentBasic Careers in the Federal GovernmentDepartment of DefenseDepartment of Defense

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

January 22, 2002

IU POOPs ProgramIU POOPs Program

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Federal Government AccountingFederal Government Accounting

Provide responsive, professional finance and accounting services for the people who defend America

World’s Largest Finance and World’s Largest Finance and Accounting Operation!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 When we reduce finance and accounting support costs by $5.3 million . . .support costs by $5.3 million . . .

…the Army can buy a Bradley fighting vehicle

Types of Financial Management Types of Financial Management Positions and RequirementsPositions 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 AdvancementSalary 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- Two-Year Training Program for Entry- Level Professional Accountants (ELPA)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

mentorNetworking/social activities with fellow ELPAsProviding meaningful work assignments Involvement by senior managers

Two-Year ELPA Program SpecificsTwo-Year ELPA Program Specifics

Developed program to master 8 competenciesCoursework (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 BenefitsTangible 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 BenefitsIntangible 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).

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DFAS Centers and Field SitesDFAS Centers and Field Sites

ColumbusAccounting

Services

DFAS ArlingtonArlington, VA

Sustaining ForcesIndianapolis

Denver Center

Dayton, OHLimestone, MEOmaha, NESan Antonio, TX *San Bernardino, CA

Cleveland Center

Charleston, SCJapan *Norfolk, VA *Oakland, CAPacific (HI) *Pensacola, FLSan Diego, CA

Europe (GE)Lawton, OKLexington, KYOrlando, FLRome, NYSeaside, CA

Operating ForcesIndianapolis

St. Louis, MORock Island, IL

ColumbusCommercial 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 Maybe we don’t get thanked everyday...everyday...

…but we owe it to the military members and their familiesto continue to provide world-class service at reduced cost.