Contents Benefits Salary SEC salaries are based on the general federal pay scale. A slightly higher pay rate is sometimes available to accountants with experience in public accounting or a public company. Promotion and Performance Appraisals SEC accountants receive a formal, written performance appraisal once a year and may also receive an informal mid-year review. The agency rewards superior performance with promotion to a higher step within a pay grade, cash bonuses, or awards. After one year, managers may recommend an accountant for promotion to the next grade level.
Salaries vary by region to accommodate the cost of living in different cities.
All of the divisions and offices are represented at SEC headquarters. In the regional and district offices, accountants primarily work either on enforcement matters or on SEC's inspection programs. Application materials must be sent by the deadline to the address listed in the vacancy announcement. Your appointment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. Because they have access to highly sensitive securities information, SEC employees are subject to some restrictions on their personal securities trading that are designed to ensure public confidence in their impartiality.