JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – It’s Mission Monday! Meet Cecilia Farias, an accountant dedicated to keeping the Air Force financially fit. She is a key member of the Financial Management and Comptroller team, Policy and Training Branch for the Air Force Services Center here.
Cecilia and her colleagues provide essential support to resolving accounting questions for the center and installations across the globe. They dig into laws and policies to help shape guidance that ensures financial operations run smoothly and in line with regulations.
“I joined civil service because I wanted to give back by supporting Airmen and their families,” Farias, a San Antonio native, explained. “It’s meaningful to be part of something bigger than myself.”
We asked Farias to tell us more about herself and the work she does for the DAF.
Briefly tell us why you joined civil service:
I wanted to contribute to something meaningful and support the Air Force mission. Being able to directly impact the lives of Airmen and their families is incredibly rewarding.
What do you love about your job?
I love the problem-solving aspect of working in policy and training. We help people who help others, and our efforts ensure that vital non-appropriated funds, or NAF, programs and services reach Airmen worldwide. The team environment is also fantastic – we truly support each other and share a strong sense of purpose.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
My team! We lift each other up every day and share a real passion for our work. Knowing that our efforts contribute to the well-being of Airmen and their families is a constant source of motivation.
Why are you and your team important to the Department of the Air Force?
We provide essential financial guidance and support to installations worldwide. By ensuring financial operations are aligned with policy, we enable installations to confidently deliver programs and services without delay, contributing directly to mission success.
Describe a project/event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
We recently hosted our biannual NAF Financial Management Budget and Analysis Course. It’s incredibly rewarding to see new financial professionals gain confidence and leave the course better prepared to support their installations. We’re also proud of the work we do to develop and refine financial policy, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the Air Force.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
Our work supports the backbone of installation readiness. By helping installations manage their resources effectively, we strengthen support for Airmen, Guardians, and their families, contributing to overall organizational excellence. We also empower the next generation of financial professionals through comprehensive training, ensuring the Air Force has the expertise it needs for the future.