Financial Accountant I, State Reporting Policy Section

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of a Financial Accountant II or III, the Financial Accountant I will act as a staff specialist performing technical and professional financial accounting activities, perform analyses of new financial accounting and reporting mandates and pronouncements, and develop training curriculum and guidelines for a variety of statewide financial accounting and reporting activities. The State Reporting Policy Section is responsible for analyzing new accounting and financial reporting requirements and determining the proper application of the new requirements with respect to the underlying systems, transactions, financial statement elements, agreements, and processes that comprise a complex financial reporting structure. The Policy Section also establishes guidelines to assist in implementing new and ongoing policies and procedures that provide for adequate controls that will assure the accuracy and integrity of the statewide financial accounting records and financial statements published by the State Controller’s Office (SCO). The Financial Accountant I, Staff Specialist, also contributes to the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other required financial reporting publications that must comply with the requirements of all statutes, legislation, rules, provisions, and standards relative to financial accounting and reporting. The Financial Accountant I may also have direct contact with agencies/departments regarding new accounting and reporting treatments of financial data, and may respond to various internal and external parties or inquiries.

Duties Performed:

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

• Analyze, interpret, and implement new financial accounting and reporting requirements, standards, and pronouncements affecting the State of California’s generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis and budgetary/legal basis financial statements, actuarial valuations, pension and other postemployment benefits data, financial information provided by external service providers, and other financial accounting treatments that affect the State’s financial statements or other financial reporting related publications.

• Actively monitor developments in financial accounting and reporting requirements from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, legislation, and other authoritative sources.

• Research issues, perform analyses, and write issue papers and reports.

• Collaborate with other sections and staff to support the SCO’s reporting mandates and ensure conformity to GAAP, government code, or other legal authority.

• Prepare and comment on written analyses, work plans, and schedules to implement new financial accounting and reporting standards affecting the state’s financial records, financial statements, and annual reports.

• Analyze and prepare written analyses of legislative proposals and budget change proposals.

• Analyze and evaluate newly created funds, and prepare written reports which are utilized in the setup of the fund in the fiscal and financial reporting systems. When identified, re-evaluate specific funds for accounting treatment changes, and provide a written analysis.

• Assist with the development of training materials and instructions for staff on statewide accounting policies and procedures, and assist with peer reviews of staff work.

• Consult with management, other organizations, or third parties as necessary to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of implementing new financial accounting and reporting requirements.

• Evaluate current procedures and policies for business improvement opportunities and coordinate with other SCO divisions to effect changes to business processes.

• Provide guidance and serve as a subject matter expert on statewide accounting and reporting activities and projects.

• Collaborate with other section’s staff to evaluate program changes and troubleshoot operational problems that occur in FI$Cal, or the Budgetary/Legal, and GAAP Reporting systems. Assist in the development of recommendations to create suitable solutions.

• Work with other sections to coordinate workload issues and special requests relating to statewide financial reporting and actuary-related activities. Help identify and assist with financial accounting issues that may affect statewide financial reporting.

• Provide state financial accounting and fiscal policy expertise to Department of FI$Cal staff in the design, development, and workflow processes necessary to prepare statewide financial statements and reports.

• Assist in the development of financial-related training curriculum on financial accounting and reporting for division staff and state agencies.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located at The Park, a quaint and historical campus environment two blocks from McKinley Park, in the heart of residential East Sacramento. Easily accessible from US 50 and I-80, The Park offers free parking, quick walks to local restaurant favorites, and countless lunchtime strolling opportunities through the quiet East Sacramento neighborhood.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.

Special Requirements

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

A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see ‘Required Application Package Documents’ for instructions.

Take the required examination here: Financial Accountant I Examination

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience in implementing GASB pronouncements.

• Ability to read, understand and interpret legislation, and GASB pronouncements in relation to GAAP.

• Solid knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement preparation.

• Ability to train staff on GASB pronouncements and other accounting matters.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, initiative, dependability, and ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively.

• Ability to work under pressure.

• Expertise in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to work in a team environment.

• Ability to multi-task and lead others effectively.

• Degree in Accountancy or Business Administration.

• Certified Public Accountant.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

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 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in Arial font,12-point size, single-spaced, on 8.5” x 11” paper, one-inch margins, no more than two pages in length, indicate “Statement of Qualifications” at the top of the page, identify candidate’s name on each page, and answer the following questions listed below. Resumes are not an acceptable substitute for the SOQ.

  1. Please describe your experience preparing or leading the preparation of complex financial statements. Describe your experience researching accounting guidance of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and/or the Financial Accounting Standards Board.