Summary The Western District of Arkansas is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Financial Specialist. This position is a shared position with the U.S. District Court and U.S. Probation Office and reports directly to the Financial Administrator. Responsibilities The Financial Specialist assists in performing and coordinating administrative, technical, and professional work related to financial and accounting activities of the court, including compliance with appropriate guidelines, policies, and internal controls. Financial Specialists perform advanced procurement activities requiring advanced knowledge of procurement policies and practices. Advanced procurement activities include preparing complicated specifications, negotiating service contracts, and preparing significant and large purchase orders. Responsibilities Procure supplies, equipment, services, and furnishings from government and non-government sources through new contracts, competitive bids, or existing government contracts. Plan and coordinate time and delivery of purchases. Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities as well as the reputation and history. Prepare specifications, solicitations, and requests for qualifications/proposals; research products and equipment; prepare product/equipment specifications. Obtain and review competitive bids, quotes, and proposals from vendors and contractors; discuss evaluations and review with requesters and subject matter experts. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contracted obligations; assist with clarifying contract requirements and resolving any conflicts. Skill in negotiating terms and conditions of services and contracts with vendors and in preparing and maintaining purchase orders and other similar documents. Maintain detailed procurement files which are subject to cyclical financial audits. Review invoices from suppliers and prepare payment vouchers for approval, including supporting documentation. Execute and maintain Court Reporter and Interpreter contracts and invoices. Review and process travel vouchers. Assist employees with questions, problems, or insufficiencies with travel voucher submissions. Assist with oversight of financial operations to ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures. Assist with internal control annual self-assessments and cyclical audits, including auditor document requests and submissions. Prepare spreadsheets and maintain databases to track expenditures. Answer policy and procedure questions for judges and court staff. Provide customer service and resolve difficulties while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Procure supplies, equipment, services, and furnishings from government and non-government sources through new contracts, competitive bids, or existing government contracts. Plan and coordinate time and delivery of purchases. Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities as well as the reputation and history. Prepare specifications, solicitations, and requests for qualifications/proposals; research products and equipment; prepare product/equipment specifications. Obtain and review competitive bids, quotes, and proposals from vendors and contractors; discuss evaluations and review with requesters and subject matter experts. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contracted obligations; assist with clarifying contract requirements and resolving any conflicts. Skill in negotiating terms and conditions of services and contracts with vendors and in preparing and maintaining purchase orders and other similar documents. Maintain detailed procurement files which are subject to cyclical financial audits. Review invoices from suppliers and prepare payment vouchers for approval, including supporting documentation. Execute and maintain Court Reporter and Interpreter contracts and invoices. Review and process travel vouchers. Assist employees with questions, problems, or insufficiencies with travel voucher submissions. Assist with oversight of financial operations to ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures. Assist with internal control annual self-assessments and cyclical audits, including auditor document requests and submissions. Prepare spreadsheets and maintain databases to track expenditures. Answer policy and procedure questions for judges and court staff. Provide customer service and resolve difficulties while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Requirements Conditions of Employment Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or be eligible to work in the United States. The applicant selected will be subject to an FBI fingerprint check and background investigation and will be subject to periodic updates. An individual may be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the necessary records checks. The position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) for salary payment (bi-weekly). Employees of the United States District Court are appointed in the excepted service, are considered "At-Will" employees, and serve at the pleasure of the Court. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which can be found at https://www.uscourts.gov/. Qualifications Two years of specialized experience in the financial or business field that provided a knowledge of the rules, regulations, practices, and principles of financial administration and/or accounting, and involved the routine use of automated financial and accounting systems or other computer-based systems and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, or databases. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written. Possess the ability to initiate, manage, prioritize, and follow through on multiple high impact projects and priorities within strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Self-starter with demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgment. Must possess outstanding attention to detail and accuracy. Be innovative and creative and contribute to a positive work environment. Candidates must be highly organized, possess tact, good judgement, a strong work ethic, and always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. This position requires exceptional ability to communicate, articulate, and relate to coworkers and others with professionalism and integrity, Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving, troubleshooting, and identifying alternative solutions. Demonstrated ability to make timely and effective decisions. Possess excellent project management skills with a track record of delivering successful projects, proven experience in project management. The successful candidate must be a team player and exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity, and display always and to all persons, a courteous, professional, and cooperative attitude. Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat. Education High school graduate or equivalent. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field is preferred. Additional Information Benefits A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Federal benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include health and life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, and participation in the court's flexible benefits program. Other Information The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or withdraw the announcement, which may occur without prior written or other notice. If a subsequent vacancy of the same position becomes available within a reasonable timeframe of the original announcement, the Clerk of Court may elect to select a candidate from the original qualified applicant pool. The United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.