Business Jobs in the Federal Government
Facts about Business in Government
- There are more than 200,000 individuals employed in business careers across the federal government.
- Accounting is one of the top five majors sought by government employers, according to National Association of Colleges and Employers survey.
- The Defense Finance and Accounting Service is the world’s largest finance and accounting organization, with approximately 15,000 civilian employees.
- The median starting salary for Class of 2004 Stanford MBA students working in nonprofits or the government was $80,000.
Job Profiles
Here are examples of recent job openings. Explore more and apply now at USA Jobs.
Contract Specialist (Career Intern) at the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Salary Range: $39,857 - $51,809 per year
- Duty Locations: Brockton, MA
- Job Summary: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a center of excellence in patient care, education and research. We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion and excellence; we value you.
- Major Duties: This position is an advanced developmental position in contracting, which will continually provide experience and on-the-job training to help augment resumes and applicable skills. The employee will be trained in the procedures and techniques of the VA, the art of contracting, and knowledge of procurement and acquisition.
Financial Management Specialist at the Department of Labor
- Salary Range: $43,365 - $56,371 per year
- Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
- Job Summary: Begin a challenging career with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and you will help shape the workforce of tomorrow. DOL offers rewarding opportunities to contribute to a noble mission; to serve and protect American workers, prepare them for new and better jobs, and to ensure the safety and fairness of American workplaces.
- Major Duties: Monitor financial progress of Occupational Safety and Health Administration Purchase Orders related to fixed price items or purchases of similar complexity, and follow their progress from inception to completion.
Prestigious Business Fellowship Opportunities
Presidential Management Fellows
The Presidential Management Fellows program is designed to attract to the federal service outstanding graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths. Any graduate student entering his or her final year of study is eligible to apply for this two-year program, during which successful applicants will experience a variety of postings within a federal agency. To learn more about this competitive program, visit www.pmf.opm.gov.
Department of Labor MBA Fellows Program
The Department of Labor is seeking individuals with a master’s degree and business administration skills interested in exploring a career in public service. During their two-year tenure at the Department of Labor, fellows will create an individual development plan and participate in mentoring, career development, shadowing and networking activities. Rotational assignments in areas such as
budgeting, financial management, human resources, IT and procurement ensure that fellows will gain valuable and diverse experience.
www.jobs.dol.gov/mba
Great Opportunities for HR Generalists at the CIA!
HR generalists provide HR leadership and expertise, develop diverse HR improvement processes, and devise problem-solving programs and strategies on corporate HR issues. You will consult with and educate managers on employee relations issues, organizational development, performance management, and employee development. Qualifications: B.A. in Human Resources or BA/BS in business management with a minor/specialty in HR. A GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 is desirable. Starting salaries are competitive and range from GS 9-10 (year 2003 salary table: $39,597 - $56,689), depending on qualifications and experience. https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/view-all-jobs/human-resource-administrator.html
Training Opportunities with the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has two civilian training programs for business students and recent graduates. Recruiting is ongoing for budget analysts, auditors, accountants, and financial management specialists at Air Force bases around the nation. www.afpc.randolph.af.mil
Federal Jobs by the Numbers
Number of Business Positions by Field
Field |
Full-time and Permanent (FTP) Positions | Projected Hirings for FY 2007-09 |
|---|---|---|
Contracting |
28,576 | 8,311 |
General Business and Industry |
27,288 | 1,043 |
| General Financial Administration | 20,217 | 661 |
Accounting Technician |
15,282 | -- |
| Internal Revenue Agent | 12,920 | 3,350 |
Budget Analysis |
12,784 | 61 |
Accounting |
12,381 | 431 |
Auditing |
10,549 | 163 |
Internal Revenue Officer |
5,637 | -- |
Loan Specialist |
4,946 | 392 |
Production Control |
4,643 | -- |
Source: Fedscope 03/08, Where the Jobs Are 2007
Percentage of Business Positions by Region

Source: Fedscope 3/08
Number of Business Positions by Agency
Agency |
FTP Business Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Defense |
84,982 |
Department of Treasury |
49,835 |
Department of Agriculture |
13,575 |
Department of Veterans Affairs |
8,854 |
General Services Administration |
5,777 |
Department of Interior |
5,731 |
Department of Health and Human Services |
4,719 |
Department of Housing and Urban Development |
4,213 |
Department of Homeland Security |
4,141 |
Small Business Administration |
1,877 |