ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-482272

Position #(s):

051-420-4179-XXX

Working Title:

Accountant Trainee

Classification:

ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE

$4,313.00 - $5,142.00 A

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

State Accounting and Reporting Division

Department Information

The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California’s chief fiscal officer, the Controller’s Office ensures accountability and transparency of California’s financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you’ll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state’s future.

The State Accounting and Reporting Division (SARD) of the California State Controller’s Office plays a crucial role in ensuring the transparency, accuracy, and efficiency of the state’s financial operations. As the backbone of California’s financial reporting, SARD is responsible for preparing and publishing essential financial statements, overseeing the state’s budgetary control, and providing vital fiscal information to policy decision-makers and the public. Working in this division means contributing to the financial stability and integrity of the fifth-largest economy in the world with opportunities to engage in meaningful work, learn from seasoned experts, and grow your career in public finance.

Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!

Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller’s Office.

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Job Description And Duties

Under the general supervision provided by the Financial Accountant II or Financial Accountant III, in a learning capacity, the incumbent will perform professional accounting and analytical duties in the establishment and maintenance of accounts and records. The incumbent will learn agency activities, departmental systems and central fiscal control activities. The incumbent is expected to utilize knowledge of the laws of the State of California, fiscal accounting rules and regulations contained in the State Administrative Manual, governmental accounting principles, and procedures prescribed by the department to carry out the control functions of the State Controller's Office.

Duties Performed:

(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Review accounting control documents to determine proper accounting treatment, legality, sufficiency of cash and appropriation availability.
• Perform the operational accounting functions of the central fiscal control system and FI$Cal utilized by the State Controller’s Office.
• Establish and maintain accounting control records relating to the State’s Central Accounting System and specialized fiscal control accounting records.
• Set-up control accounts as required by established guidelines.
• Prepare and process journal entries in response to transaction requests.
• Update, review and verify historical accounting data in automated spreadsheets and databases.
• Prepare account and fund reconciliations and provide solutions to resolve any differences identified.
• Assist with forecasts and stress-testing, review, evaluate, reconcile and monitor accounting transactions.
• Prepare detailed accounting reports and presentation of materials for analysis of program and financial performance.
• Review current procedures and processes to determine the need for changes. Make recommendations, develop and implement changes to procedures and processes as requested.
• Effectively communicate with accounting personnel from state agencies to resolve general accounting problems.
• Review legislation for impact on accounting transactions and potential workload.
• Prepare analyses of findings and recommendations.
• Participate in fiscal year-end activities.
  
  
  

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Special Requirements

A resume is required.

A copy of your degree, transcripts, or degree evaluation is required.

Take the required examination here: Accountant Trainee Examination

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 7/3/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Controller's Office

Human Resources

Attn: Human Resources Office, A.M.

300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Controller's Office

Human Resources

Attn: Human Resources Office, A.M.

300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento , CA 95814

Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
  
  
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.