Loading...
Loading...
Performs professional accounting work including financial reporting, auditing, and accounting systems management.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0510
Degree: accounting; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, or public administration that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in accounting. The 24 hours may include up to 6 hours of credit in business law. (The term "accounting" means "accounting and/or auditing" in this standard. Similarly, "accountant" should be interpreted, generally, as "accountant and/or auditor.")
OR
Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in accounting, or an equivalent combination of accounting experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional accounting knowledge. The applicant's background must also include _one_of the following:
• Twenty-four semester hours in accounting or auditing courses of appropriate type and quality. This can include up to 6 hours of business law;
• A certificate as Certified Public Accountant or a Certified Internal Auditor, obtained through written examination; or
• Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in accounting or auditing, e.g., 15 semester hours, but that does not fully satisfy the 24-semester-hour requirement of paragraph A, provided that (a) the applicant has successfully worked at the full-performance level in accounting, auditing, or a related field, e.g., valuation engineering or financial institution examining; (b) a panel of at least two higher level professional accountants or auditors has determined that the applicant has demonstrated a good knowledge of accounting and of related and underlying fields that equals in breadth, depth, currency, and level of advancement that which is normally associated with successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in paragraph A; and (c) except for literal nonconformance to the requirement of 24 semester hours in accounting, the applicant's education, training, and experience fully meet the specified requirements.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal accounting position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0510
Tangential. GS-0510 Accounting requires bachelor degree in accounting. 36B technician experience valuable but education is primary qualifier. Path exists for soldiers pursuing accounting degree.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of GAAP and government accounting standards.
Ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
Accuracy in financial record-keeping.
Proficiency with accounting software.
Ability to resolve accounting discrepancies.
Skill in explaining accounting matters.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0510 Accountant performs professional accounting work including financial reporting, auditing, cost analysis, and systems management. Federal accountants ensure financial accountability across government agencies, managing billions in taxpayer funds.
Federal Accountants earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually plus locality adjustments.
GS-0510 positions require 24 semester hours in accounting or a combination of accounting and related coursework. CPA or equivalent certification is valued. Higher grades require progressively more specialized accounting experience.
Military experience cannot substitute for required accounting education. However, veterans with accounting degrees who served as finance officers, budget analysts, or in comptroller roles have directly applicable experience combining education with practical skills.
The career ladder follows GS-7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level accountants learn federal accounting systems. GS-11/12 accountants manage accounts independently. Senior accountants direct financial operations and advise leadership on fiscal matters.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Accountant' or '0510' series. Every agency has accounting positions. Your federal resume should detail specific accounting experience, systems used, and CPA status. Transcripts documenting accounting coursework are required.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.