The Senior Accounting and Audit SME provides executive-level guidance, expert advisory services, and technical support to accounting, finance, and audit teams within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This position serves as a trusted resource for interpreting and applying Government regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and agency-specific financial guidelines. The SME will also leverage in-depth expertise in Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) and Managing for Results (MFR) to advise on complex financial management issues, ensure compliance, and support organizational decision-making.

• Provide executive-level guidance and technical expertise to accounting, audit, and financial management teams.
• Serve as the authoritative advisor to accountants, auditors, and financial professionals on accounting principles, audit standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Interpret and apply Government regulations, GAAP, and organization-specific financial guidelines to complex financial issues.
• Offer expert insight on PPBE and MFR processes, ensuring integration into financial planning, execution, and reporting activities.
• Review and advise on accounting policies, procedures, and documentation to strengthen internal controls and audit readiness.
• Support audit preparation and response activities, including the resolution of findings and recommendations.
• Mentor and guide financial management personnel to enhance organizational capability and compliance posture.
• Develop recommendations to improve financial reporting accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Maintain awareness of changes in Federal accounting standards, audit requirements, and relevant regulatory updates.

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum ten (10) years of executive-level experience in accounting, financial management, and audit advisory roles.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with PPBE and MFR processes in a Federal or large-scale organizational environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, Government financial regulations, and internal control frameworks.
• Proven experience advising leadership on complex accounting and audit issues.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• CPA, CGFM, CFE, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience supporting accounting and audit activities in Federal healthcare organizations, preferably within the VHA.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in addressing audit and financial compliance challenges.