COST ANALYST

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to obtain experience and training under the Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program which leads to career development in the field of Financial Management. Position locations may vary from listed positions.

Duties

- Prepares economic analysis of routine portions of operating systems, including conducting research of historical cost data of analogous weapon; use of a variety of cost factors for contracting studies, flying hours, reimbursable programs and/or other major missions assigned to the installation; analysis of current resources utilization and projection of future resource requirements for segments of the activity; and research and completion of routine and/or continuing cost studies. Reviews data for consistency, accuracy, validity, and relevance to the situation being studied. Evaluates objectivity in selection of alternatives to be costed and analyzed. - Performs routine and/or continuing statistical and quantitative analysis of program trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies. - Assists in the evaluation of cost estimates prepared by industry to support selection of the industry sources(s), as well as selection of the configuration and program plan to be committed to development and/or other management decision. Performs continuing assignments involving the review of contractor cost performance reports. Develops knowledge of contractor cost estimating and accounting systems, management aspects of system programs and their relation to procurement, budget and planning. Performs basic evaluation tasks using checklists, equations and factors. Describes and presents the results of the routine, recurring cost and economic analysis studies both in written form and in formal and informal briefings. Identifies and describes critical assumptions and decision points for decision-makers. Prepares and presents statistical and narrative reports and briefings. - Performs routine and recurring assignments in the formulation, development, and, execution of budgets, financial plans, and multi-year programs required to properly fund and meet program resource requirements. Participates in the development of system planning objectives by evaluating cost/schedule tradeoffs, budget requirements, etc.; and develops appropriate financial plans in consonance with Program Management Plans. - Prepares segments of action plans for meeting annual call, Program Objectives Memorandum (POM) development, Five-Year Defense Plans (FYDP), and other requirements.- Performs special assignments in keeping with the formal training plan. Includes administrative assignments to develop knowledge of the mission and organization of the financial community.

Qualifications

Air Force Qualification Standards To qualify for a GS-07: Completion of 1 full year of graduate level education, or bachelor's degree with Superior academic Achievement as provided in the "General Policies and Instructions" for Qualifications Standards Operating Manual, or 5 academic years of pre-professional study, or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5. To qualify for a GS-09: Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B or J.D., if related. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of research inquiry and cost. 2. Understanding of management theories, principles, concepts, and practices. 3. Knowledge of cost, budget and program analysis. 4. Knowledge of statistical techniques, applied mathematics and economics. 5. Skill in using computer software and hardware to accomplish assignments. 6. Skill in written and oral communication and in working with others to accomplish objectives. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. PLEASE SUBMIT COPIES OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS TO INCLUDE TRANSFERRED HOURS - OFFICIAL COPIES ARE NOT REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION. IF SELECTED, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL COPIES OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS. ***NOTE*** Degree Audits are not accepted. IF YOU QUALIFY BASED ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND YOU HAVE NOT GRADUATED PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THIS POSITION, YOU MAY BE OFFERED A POSITION CONTINGENT UPON YOUR FINAL GRADE POINT AVERAGE OR CLASS RANKING. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.