FMTP Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Financial Management Trainee Program?
2. Who do I contact about a career in the Trainee Program?
3. What are the duties of Financial Management Trainees?
4. What kind of salary and benefits can I expect?
5. Is there any travel involved?
6. Do I have to join the military to qualify?
7. What special skills and talents are required?
8. Where do we see the organization headed in the next 3 years?
9. What other benefits does the Navy and Marine Corps offer?

What is the Navy Financial Management Trainee Program? 

The Trainee Program is a 28-month program of professional development through academic and on-the-job training. Emphasis is placed on practical work experience; rotational work assignments are part of the trainee's professional training. Assignments include all aspects of financial management at Navy and Marine Corps Commands and academic training in a variety of Navy financial management operations.

Over 174,000 civilians are employed at Navy and Marine Corps locations throughout the world. Of these, over 8,000 work in financial management. Through training, education, and career management, the Financial Management Trainee Program (FMTP) is the vehicle through which the Department ensures a continuous, well-trained, motivated and mobile financial management workforce.

• The Financial Management Trainee Program is recruiting individuals with strong analytical skills, financial management expertise, and leadership skills for Navy and Marine Corps commands nationwide. Successful applicants must demonstrate the following characteristics:
  • Teamwork skills and leadership potential
  • Good citizenship and a commitment to a career in public service
  • Solid analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Good communications skills - written and oral
  • Research and evaluation skills
  • Academic accomplishment

Accountant and Auditor positions require 24 credit hours of accounting courses (18 hours accounting; 6 Business Law area).

Candidates may qualify for the program using any one of the following criteria:

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 2.95 or higher (A copy of college/university transcript is required for verification);
• One year of financial experience at the GS-5 level -- knowledge, skills, and abilities indicating performance of duties related to the financial management field;
• Completion of one academic year of graduate coursework;
• Or, any combination of the above

Financial Management Trainees must be U.S. Citizens; must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; and must sign a mobility agreement.

Who do I contact about a career in the Navy Financial Management Trainee Program? 

If you are a looking for pay increases, travel opportunities, and a chance to help the Department of the Navy make a difference, contact the Navy Financial Management Trainee Program recruiter:

(850) 452-3785; Fax: (850) 452-3903 / (850) 452-3821
debbie.startzel@navy.mil

Financial Management Career Program
Attention: Recruiting
520 Turner Street, Suite B
Pensacola, FL 32508-5245

What do Navy Financial Management Trainees do?  

• Formulate budget estimates in support of program objectives; present and justify budget requests; development of plans for allocating resources; monitor program execution; review and analyze funding documents; conduct comparative analyses to examine trends; review budget policy and statutes to ensure compliance.
• Review and interpret accounting and financial management policy, procedures, standards and statutes to ensure compliance; monitor and examine accounts, specific appropriations or financial records for account status and reporting requirements; and verify accounts documentation.
• Plan and conduct performance and financial reviews of major programs and entities to evaluate the reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the organization; make recommendations based on findings that identify cost savings through improved operations; and follow-up on recommendations to ensure implementation.

 What kind of salary and benefits can I expect? 

As members of the Federal Civil Service, entry-level employees begin at approximately $38,000/year; accelerated compensation for developmental position increases can take you to approximately $64,000/year in 28-months with satisfactory performance. Standard Federal Employment Benefits, which include 10 paid Federal holidays, 13 days of vacation per year (more after 3 years), 13 days of sick leave per year, and comprehensive life and health insurance options, are a part of the deal. In many locations, we also offer a flexible work schedule. One example: in a two-week work period, employees can work 8 days for 9 hours, 1 day for 8 hours, and have their tenth day off. The Navy Financial Management Trainee Program values both hard work as well as spending quality time with our families.

Is there any travel involved? 

Navy and Marine Corps activities are located throughout the nation, including Hawaii and Guam. As part of the training, Trainees accomplish 5 rotational assignments in: Auditing, Contracting, Human Resources, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and a higher echelon agency. Other job-training-related travel will be accomplished.

Do I have to join the military to qualify for the Trainee Program? 

No, Financial Management Trainees are civilian employees who support the financial management functions of Navy and Marine Corps personnel.

What special skills and talents are required? 

• The Financial Management Trainee Program is recruiting individuals with strong analytical skills, financial management expertise, and leadership skills for Navy and Marine Corps commands nationwide. Successful applicants must demonstrate the following characteristics:
  • Teamwork skills and leadership potential
  • Good citizenship and a commitment to a career in public service
  • Solid analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Good communications skills - written and oral
  • Research and evaluation skills
  • Academic accomplishment

 Financial Management Trainees must be U.S. Citizens; must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; and must sign a mobility agreement.

Where do we see the organization headed in the next 3 years?   

As the nature of national defense changes, we will continue to provide financial management services to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps to complement their evolving priorities and ensure that our 524,825 Active and 107,400 reserve warfighters have what they need to defend freedom and project sea power.

What other benefits does the Navy and Marine Corps offer?