Career Profiles

Government Career Holds Enduring Appeal for Cleveland Chapter President

 

Jason Denmeade knew he wanted to serve his country by his junior year in high school.

Denmeade's grandfather, who served in the Navy, was an early influence, and by 17 Denmeade had signed up in the Navy's delayed entry program. Few teenagers are that focused and sure of themselves, but he never wavered. After seven years as a Naval shipboard accountant and military police officer, he wanted to continue his commitment.

"I've always been a big proponent for working for the government, and after active duty I still wanted to serve my country but in a different capacity," Denmeade said. "Now I support those that are the warfighters, making sure they get paid."

 

Denmeade, now 32 and president of AGA's Cleveland Chapter, is a staff accountant at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's (DFAS) Cleveland Center. At the SOT Reconciliation Branch, he manages part of the massive Defense Cash Accountability System, working toward reducing accounting errors and increasing efficiency.
 

"It's a good mix of customer service, and systems and analysis, so I'm never bored," he said. But he also sees a much larger purpose to his work. "It's very rewarding work, because you know who you're supporting. We do everything possible to be the best accountants, and to be transparent with our spending, but it's ultimately for the warfighters and their families-that's what we live for.
 

Denmeade is also a big proponent of personal development, volunteerism, continuing education and active participation in professional associations. He joined AGA in 2002, and served as program chair and chapter president-elect. He was recently elected to serve a second term as chapter president.

 

This year has been a busy one at the chapter. Denmeade said his goal was to work on activities outlined in AGA's Chapter Recognition Program, not necessarily to accumulate points, but to strengthen the chapter so that it best serves its members. Cleveland is aiming for "platinum" status this year. The chapter also rates high in recruitment of new members, its board is expanded, the newsletter is redesigned and Cleveland is benefiting from corporate sponsorship for the first time. And for the first time in many years, the chapter will offer a scholarship to an accounting student at Cleveland State University.

 

Denmeade is convinced that his AGA membership has helped his career at DFAS. Involvement in AGA put him in contact with leaders at DFAS, and he's sure it played a part in his selection for an internship program early on. Participation in AGA has also helped him develop his communication and leadership skills, he said. 

 

Denmeade is enrolled in the MBA program at Myers University, specializing in Corporate Management, and is working toward his CGFM credential. 

 

Outside work, he is a Certified Personal Trainer and is active in his church. Last summer, he married Frankie Brooks, an executive assistant with DFAS Garnishment Operations, and now she is an AGA member as well.

 

Denmeade is able to take part in so many activities because DFAS promotes work-life balance through flex time and other programs, rather than merely giving it lip service. Contrary to popular belief among many college students, the pay and benefits of a federal career are comparable, or even better, than that of the private sector, with no expectation to work 70-hour weeks.

 

"You're able to maintain a pretty healthy family lifestyle and earn a good wage," he said.
 

But as always, the bigger picture is paramount. Denmeade said: "It gives you a great sense of duty and accomplishment that you're actually doing something to support your country."