Chief Accountant - U.S. Department of Labor

Chief Accountant

Duties

• Serve as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary and other EBSA executives on accounting and auditing issues, and act as the primary liaison with outside accounting organizations such as AICPA and FASB, as well as other federal and state agencies including the OIG, GAO, and state boards of accountancy.
• Provide executive-level management of two major program components, the Division of Accounting Services and the Division of Reporting and Compliance, ensuring effective implementation of policies, efficient work procedures, and coordination across the office.
• Direct substantive reviews of independent accountants’ opinions submitted with ERISA annual financial reports (Form 5500 series), administer a quality control program for audit work performed by independent public accountants, and oversee a reporting compliance program that includes rejecting deficient filings and assessing civil penalties under ERISA Section 502(c)(2).
• Formulate and present specific program plans, such as the FERSA strategic compliance audit plan, to administer the provisions of law governing fiduciary conduct for the Thrift Savings Plan.
• Direct a staff of auditors and reporting compliance specialists, determining staffing and resource allocation, defining budget requirements, and selecting or approving office personnel.
• Coordinate inter-office and inter-agency studies, policy proposals, and task forces, and personally respond to inquiries from Congress, special interest groups, and employee benefit plan industry representatives.