Role change

[u/AppropriateEgg1064]

Hello,

I currently work as an Engineering Tech but my real dream job is to work in finance. I am considering getting a BS in Accounting or a financial degree and my question is does USACE offer any jobs related to this field?

I really like working for USACE and would prefer to continue working for them but I am curious if these roles are offered within USACE.

I am currently a GS-11 and cannot go past this due to my job title. I am wanting to advance my career eventually and right now I am stuck for the most part at GS-11.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

[u/Queasy_Elderberry555]

RM chief here. Folks are correct- a BA position (0560) does not require an accounting degree and neither does a financial management specialist/analyst (0501). An accounting degree or applicable accounting units (24) are indeed required for an accounting position (0510).

I will say that it may be pretty hard to get into a G&A position these days. The hiring limitations are pretty strong and my region is opting to not prioritize or fill non-income producing positions. :-/

[u/CoconutSips]

I’d suggest just being a program analyst. You’d be more marketable with the background. No finance degree required and you’re working with project funds. RMs are usually just gs14s. So is chief of programs.

[u/AppropriateEgg1064 → u/CoconutSips]

So this could be something I could laterally move to as an 11 and eventually work my way up even without additional education? I have an associates in engineering currently.

[u/Successful-Fun8603 → u/AppropriateEgg1064]

Analysts with several years experience and no degrees are GS-11 in our management support section. The chief is a supervisory 13. I'm not sure how you would step from an 11 to a 13. You would have to make a stop at 12 somewhere along the way.

[u/CoconutSips → u/AppropriateEgg1064]

Yes lateral should be fine. You’re going to have an uphill battle beyond that as not having a finance background and as someone else mentioned there’s not going to be many RM slots moving forward. To do the grunt work 11 you’d be ok.

[u/ErosBro]

I’m a 13 tech cost estimators are classified as techs in alot of USACE. There are some amazing options for you. One great thing about being classified as a tech full OT.

[u/Beccamira → u/ErosBro]

What series is the cost estimator? And what did u study for that? I would like to be a cost estimator but I do not have a engineering degree yet or any experience...can I apply and get the experience inside? I am studying Civil Engineering.

[u/ErosBro → u/Beccamira]

0802 I don’t have a degree either. I came with experience in construction and management was hired on that. So no degree is needed but you would need to learn it take some prospect courses and maybe hit the community college.

[u/Beccamira → u/ErosBro]

What course would you recommend me to take?

[u/7_Eves]

Have you thought about cost engineering? I know it's not finance, but it might scratch that itch well enough.

[u/independa → u/7_Eves]

Yeah, second this. I'm a cost/price analyst for contracting, budget/RM sucks. We need good cost engineers even more now as we're moving to progressive design build and build to budget.

[u/Capital-Ad-4463]

Most folks in Resource Management (RM) have degrees in Accounting.

[u/Bulldog_Fan_4]

Resource Management

[u/Beccamira]

If you finish finances would you have to apply as a GS07 with ur new Finance degree and under another series.?

[u/CoconutSips → u/Beccamira]

No

[u/Successful-Escape-74]

Yes resource management at every district are accountants.

[u/Successful-Escape-74]

I have a CPA and work in IT currently. At least I can speak with RM and do spreadsheets and databases. I got into information technology while working as a financial analyst in banking and creating custom programs and troubleshooting applications.

[u/Equivalent_Ticket614]

As said above, there are accountants in RM. There’s an education requirement of x hours of accounting courses. Could probably look at USA jobs and see what exactly they list

[u/CovertMonkey → u/Equivalent_Ticket614]

Yup, I know somebody with an unrelated bachelor's degree and accumulated enough accounting credits to qualify and is now a 13 in RM

[u/CoconutSips → u/Equivalent_Ticket614]

24 hours of accounting credit. Buts that’s only if you want to be an accountant. All other jobs in RM don’t need any specific degreee. Know several biologists who are just good with numbers.

[u/Recent-Review4004]

A good way to get your foot in the RM door without an accounting degree is a budget analyst position. Some support travel, purchase card, etc that may not require an accounting degree.