Financial management career program

Modern Civilian Personnel Data System (MCPDS)

MCPDS (known as CivMOD) has been fully implemented since September 2002 when the last three bases converted to the new system. Statistics on processing timeliness look better each week. The goal is to be able to produce a certificate in less than thirty days from the time the Request for Personnel Action (RPA) is received in this Directorate. As this goes to press, a certificate containing internal candidates only (those already employed by the Air Force) is being forwarded to the selecting official in approximately 35 days. Certificates including external candidates are taking approximately 55 days.

As mentioned in past articles and discussions, processing internal certificates is a fairly automated process. Generally, these can be done quickly. External certificates are a different matter. They require a manual resume review, and that is a time-consuming process. We are making progress in streamlining the process somewhat by using a key word search. This allows us to screen out those candidates who clearly aren't qualified for the position, but does not totally eliminate the manual review.

The decision regarding requesting external candidates rests with the selecting official or organization. The best advice is to be sure an external list is necessary before requesting one. Using only internal lists will significantly speed the process of filling a position.

Career Broadening

The career broadening program manages 30 positions. Approximately one-third of them turn over each year. The process used to fill them is this: the Career Program sends the MAJCOMs a request for potential host locations in the fall of the year. An open, continuous announcement is posted to the web site and anyone interested in a career broadening opportunity may apply. As vacancies occur, a list of candidates is pulled from the announcement for review. Periodically, the FMCP Education, Training, and Development Panel meets to review applications and make selections.

In March 2003, nine career broadening selections were made. There may be a few more later this fiscal year. Career broadening is an excellent way to add new skills to your resume. If this program is of interest to you, look for the announcement and apply!

PALACE Acquire Intern Program

The process of identifying host locations for interns has begun for FY04. MAJCOMs have been asked to forward their requirements and the Career Program is awaiting the announcement of the number of allocations FM will be allowed. An announcement for outstanding scholar applications by mail will be published later in the summer.

Over the past two years, the Financial Management Career Program has been allocated 47 and 43 intern positions, respectively. We anticipate FY04 will be close to that number. Historically, the FMCP has been allocated fewer funded intern positions than the number of requirements we have.

April 2003 FMCP Policy Council Meeting

The Financial Management Career Program Policy Council met on 23-24 April 2003 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A primary reason for meeting in Oklahoma was to provide an opportunity for career program registrants at installation level to meet and interact with the Policy Council members. This session included a town hall meeting with the career program registrants and other FM personnel from Tinker AFB. Mr James Short, Policy Council Chair, provided some introductory remarks and an overview of the Council responsibilities after which a number of questions were addressed to the Council. It was a great exchange of information and the initial feedback is very positive.

Training Opportunities

Each year the FMCP purchases quotas for classes at the Office of Personnel Management, Management Development Centers (58 in FY03, 71 in FY02). Registrants' Career Enhancement Plans are used to determine which quotas are obtained, and are also used to solicit nominations. If there are last minute cancellations or if a large number of registrants have identified a requirement for a specific course, the List Server (FMCP mailing list) is used to publish the availability of quotas. Registrants can subscribe to the List Server through the AFPC web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/lists.htm.

FMCP also purchases short-term on-site training classes at various locations throughout the year. The class size is typically 30 students and each class is open to career program registrants and Palace Acquire interns in the local area, as there are insufficient funds in the training budget to fund TDY costs. Appropriations Law, Anti-Deficiency Act, Federal Contract Law, and The Federal Budget Process are examples of courses offered. Career Enhancement Plans are used to help identify specific courses and locations in addition to the annual call sent to all of the MAJCOMs. Registrant and local management support is critical to ensure maximum participation in these classes.

FMCP Web Site

The web site has been updated with several changes that have occurred over the past six months. If you haven't visited it in a while, you may want to take a look.

COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Air Force, Financial Management and Comptroller
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group