One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. For entry at the GS-05: Specialized experience is defined as experience processing of financial transactions using standardized procedures to include reviewing documents for accuracy and inputting financial accounting information into an automated system and correcting invalid/incorrect transactions. For entry at the GS-06: Specialized experience is defined as experience applying regulations, policies and procedures governing pay, billing and other types of financial transactions sufficient to convey information to customers and other interested parties, researching customer accounts and financial regulations, policies and procedures to identify discrepancies and suggest solutions, explaining pay, billing and other types of financial procedures, interpreting technical materials, conveying options and resolving problems within automated financial systems. You may qualify for consideration if meeting specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. For positions in a foreign country, that country's laws or international agreements may have a direct impact on the ability of an employee's same sex domestic partner or spouse to accompany the employee and receive certain benefits. If you believe you may be affected by these laws and agreements, please address questions to the Human Resource point of contact listed on this vacancy announcement before applying for or accepting this position. Applicants eligible for appointment under the DoD Office of Personnel Management NonAppropriated Fund (NAF) Interchange Agreement will be required to provide documentation that they are currently serving under a NAF appointment or have been involuntarily separated without personal cause. Applicants must be or have been serving in continuing NAF positions under an appointment without time limits. Applicants must also have served continuously for at least 1 year in a NAF position. If selected, applicants will be required to provide the appropriate documents to support this continuous employment. Eligibility for foreign-area allowances such as Foreign Post Allowance and Living Quarter Allowance will be determined at the time of hire. US. citizens in Germany under ordinary resident status are not eligible to apply for appointment under Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA.) Candidates claiming Military Spouse Preference (MSP) or Family Member Preference (FMP) will be required to submit a copy of sponsor's permanent change of station orders authorizing movement of spouse/family member to the overseas command or other appropriated documentation that support the preference prior to appointment. Current permanent DFAS employees residing in the United States, its Territories or Possessions, who are selected through a formal competitive recruitment process for a lower grade position overseas may be afforded pay retention if their pay would otherwise be reduced. Pay retention may be granted to employees already in the overseas area if the recruitment efforts had been extended outside the overseas command involved and the individual selected will have to PCS. Locality rates of pay will not be used for pay setting. Tour of Duty will be for 3 years with possible extension of 2 years( for a total of 5 years). The DOD policy on overseas employment for civilian employees limits overseas tours to 5 years. Extensions beyond 5 years are designed to provide management flexibility to meet defined mission requirements that otherwise cannot be met. Case by case extensions beyond the 5-year limit may be granted in extremely rare situations. Execution of DD-1617, Transportation Agreement-Overseas Employee is required. Military Spouse Preference candidates selected will be placed on an overseas Excepted Indefinite appointment and will not be required to sign the DD-1617. The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information. This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program as a condition of employment. If you are selected, you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless you are already in a position that requires a Level 1 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required time-frame may be grounds for removal from the position and/or from Federal service. Information about the DoD FM Certification Program is available at: https://www.dfas.mil/onboarding2/certifications/.