Financial Analysis
Positions that involve analyzing financial data, developing financial plans, and providing financial advice to support organizational decision making.
💰GS-1160 Salary Information
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 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1160
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, or related field with coursework in financial analysis
OR
Experience: Professional experience in financial analysis, investment analysis, or related financial work.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1160
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal financial analysis position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1160
Contracting
Financial analysis roles value cost-benefit analysis and financial reporting from contracting experience.
NAF Audit Technician
GS-1160 Financial Analysis opens up for auditors who add modeling and quantitative analysis to their controls background.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Analyze financial data and trends
- •Develop financial forecasts and projections
- •Prepare financial reports and presentations
- •Conduct cost-benefit analyses
- •Review and evaluate financial proposals
- •Monitor financial performance metrics
- •Provide financial recommendations
- •Support budget formulation
- •Analyze investment opportunities
- •Ensure financial regulatory compliance
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to analyze financial data and prepare reports.
Skill in creating financial models and projections.
Knowledge of investment evaluation techniques.
Ability to identify and assess financial risks.
Understanding of financial regulations and requirements.
Skill in analyzing large financial datasets.
Ability to prepare clear financial reports and presentations.
Expertise in financial analysis tools and spreadsheets.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1160
What is a Financial Analyst in federal service?
A GS-1160 Financial Analyst examines financial data to support federal agency decision-making. These specialists develop financial forecasts and projections, conduct cost-benefit analyses, evaluate investment opportunities, monitor performance metrics, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare reports for leadership. They translate complex financial data into actionable recommendations.
How much does a federal Financial Analyst make?
Federal Financial Analysts earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 base pay scale, with most positions at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Financial Analyst earns $75,706-$98,422, while GS-13 positions pay $90,025-$117,034. Locality adjustments in financial hubs like DC or New York add 25-40% to base pay.
What are the requirements for GS-1160 positions?
GS-1160 follows the two-grade interval professional series standard. Entry typically requires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business with coursework in financial analysis. Higher grades require specialized experience in financial modeling, investment analysis, or budget forecasting. Strong analytical skills and proficiency with financial software are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1160?
Yes, veterans with financial management experience qualify. Military experience in budget execution, financial reporting, cost analysis, or comptroller functions translates directly to GS-1160 positions. Document specific examples: preparing budget justifications, analyzing expenditure trends, conducting cost comparisons, or managing financial systems like GFEBS or similar.
What is the career progression for Financial Analyst?
Financial Analysts follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior analysts and supervisors reach GS-13. Career advancement involves specializing in areas like capital investment analysis, program evaluation, or agency-wide financial planning. Some analysts transition to GS-0501 Financial Administration or GS-0510 Accounting for broader opportunities.
How do I apply for GS-1160 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Financial Analyst" and filter for series 1160. Treasury, DOD, and OMB are major employers. Emphasize quantitative analysis skills, financial modeling experience, and proficiency with Excel, financial databases, and visualization tools. Include specific metrics: portfolio sizes analyzed, budget amounts managed, or savings identified through your analysis.
Ready to Apply for GS-1160?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.