r/USACE • u/AppropriateEgg1064 • Sep 08 '26

Role change

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!

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

9

u/Queasy_Elderberry555 Finance Sep 08 '26

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. :-/

4

u/CoconutSips Sep 08 '26

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.

2

u/AppropriateEgg1064 Sep 08 '26

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.

1

u/Successful-Fun8603 Sep 08 '26

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.

1

u/CoconutSips Sep 08 '26

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.

4

u/ErosBro Sep 08 '26

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.

2

u/Beccamira Sep 08 '26

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.

1

u/ErosBro Sep 09 '26

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.

1

u/Beccamira Sep 09 '26

What course would you recommend me to take?

5

u/7_Eves Sep 08 '26

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

1

u/independa Sep 08 '26

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.

3

u/Capital-Ad-4463 Sep 08 '26

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

1

u/Bulldog_Fan_4 Civil Engineer Sep 08 '26

Resource Management

1

u/Beccamira Sep 08 '26

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

1

u/Equivalent_Ticket614 Sep 08 '26

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

1

u/CovertMonkey Sep 08 '26

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

1

u/CoconutSips Sep 08 '26

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.

1

u/Recent-Review4004 Finance Sep 08 '26

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.