Business Jobs in the Federal Government
Across the federal government, there are more than 200,000 individuals employeed in business careers. Accounting is one of the top five majors sought by government employers, according to National Association of Colleges and Employers survey. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service is the world’s largest finance and accounting organization, with approximately 15,000 civilian employees. The median starting salary for Class of 2004 Stanford MBA students working in nonprofits or the government was $80,000.
Job Profiles
Here are examples of recent job openings. Explore more and apply now at USA Jobs.
Accountant at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service
- Salary Range: $37,390 - $70,484 per year
- Duty Locations: multiple duty locations
- Job Summary: Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is the world’s largest finance and accounting organization with over a billion dollars in disbursements a day. DFAS provides the financial and accounting services for the Department of Defense. Career opportunities are also available in information systems, computer technology, human resources, clerical work and other areas. Join the Department of Defense’s financial partner at work!
- Major Duties: Provide professional accounting advice and assistance to their supported organizations. Prepare, examine, analyze, present, and interpret accounting data, records, and reports pertaining to multiple appropriation accounts.
Financial Management Specialist at the Department of Labor
- Salary Range: $43,365 - $56,371 per year
- Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
- Job Summary: Begin a challenging career with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and you will help shape the workforce of tomorrow. DOL offers rewarding opportunities to contribute to a noble mission; to serve and protect American workers, prepare them for new and better jobs, and to ensure the safety and fairness of American workplaces.
- Major Duties: Monitor financial progress of Occupational Safety and Health Administration Purchase Orders related to fixed price items or purchases of similar complexity, and follow their progress from inception to completion.
Prestigious Business Fellowship Opportunities
Presidential Management Fellows
The Presidential Management Fellows program is designed to attract to the federal service outstanding men and women from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths. Any graduate student entering his or her final year of study is eligible to apply for this two-year program, during which successful applicants will experience a variety of postings within a federal agency. To learn more about this competitive program, visit www.pmf.opm.gov.
Department of Labor MBA Fellows Program
The Department of Labor is seeking individuals with a master’s degree and business administration skills interested in exploring a career in public service. During their two-year tenure at the Department of Labor, fellows will create an individual development plan and participate in mentoring, career development, shadowing and networking activities. Rotational assignments in areas such as
budgeting, financial management, human resources, IT and procurement ensure that fellows will gain valuable and diverse experience.
www.jobs.dol.gov/mba
Great Opportunities for HR Generalists at the CIA!
HR generalists provide HR leadership and expertise, develop diverse HR improvement processes, and devise problem-solving programs and strategies on corporate HR issues. You will consult with and educate managers on employee relations issues, organizational development, performance management, and employee development. Qualifications: B.A. in Human Resources or BA/BS in business management with a minor/specialty in HR. A GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 is desirable. Starting salaries are competitive and range from GS 9-10 (year 2003 salary table: $39,597 - $56,689), depending on qualifications and experience.
www.cia.gov/employment/professional.html
Training Opportunities with the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has two civilian training programs for business students and recent graduates. Recruiting is ongoing for budget analysts, auditors, accountants, and financial management specialists at Air Force bases around the nation. www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/cp/fmcp/paqweb.htm
Federal Jobs by the Numbers
Number of Business Positions by Field
Field |
Full-time and Permanent (FTP) Positions |
|---|---|
Contracting |
28,687 |
General Business and Industry |
24,687 |
Human Resources Management |
21,354 |
Financial Administration and Program |
16,720 |
Tax Examining |
15,342 |
Budget Analysis |
13,444 |
Internal Revenue Agent |
13,053 |
Accounting |
12,578 |
Auditing |
10,572 |
Loan Specialist |
5,066 |
Source: Fedscope 03/07
Percentage of Business Positions by Region
Source: Fedscope 3/07
Number of Business Positions by Agency
Agency |
FTP Business Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Defense |
81,312 |
Department of Treasury |
50,422 |
Department of Agriculture |
14,083 |
Department of Veterans Affairs |
8,258 |
Department of Interior |
5,780 |
General Services Administration |
5,398 |
Department of Health and Human Services |
4,561 |
Department of Housing and Urban Development |
4,294 |
Department of Justice |
4,205 |
Department of Transportation |
1,455 |
Department of Commerce |
2,672 |