Accountant Trainee

Job Description and Duties

Under close supervision provided by a Financial Accountant II, the Accountant Trainee utilizes knowledge of Government Codes, fiscal accounting rules and regulations contained in the State Administrative Manual, the Uniform Codes Manual, FI$Cal Chart of Accounts, governmental accounting principles and procedures, and procedures prescribed by the State Controller's Office (SCO) or as required by law. The incumbent, operating at the entry and trainee level, performs professional accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of accounts and records of the State’s Central Control Accounting System, the SCO Fiscal System (Legacy) and/or the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) while receiving training and develops interpersonal skills by contact with internal and external business partners.

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

• Read, review, and interpret less complex law and legislation and provide recommendations to implement the provisions.

• Assist with the operational accounting functions of the central fiscal control system and FI$Cal utilized by the State Controller’s Office.

• Research and respond to Department of Finance and state agencies regarding journal entry postings.

• Communicate effectively with internal and external business partners to resolve posting errors and non-sufficient funds in a timely matter and provide follow-up when needed.

• Research and provide recommendations to resolve exceptions in FI$Cal modules and ledgers.

• Perform analyses of accounting transactions for compliance with fiscal accounting rules and regulations contained in the State Administrative Manual, the Uniform Codes Manual, FI$Cal Chart of Accounts, governmental accounting principles, and procedures prescribed by the SCO.

• Review and maintain budget attributes in FI$Cal to ensure accuracy. Assist in the preparation of FI$Cal reconciliations and provide recommendations to resolve any differences identified.

• Assist in the preparation of detailed accounting reports and presentation materials for analysis of program and financial performance.

• With supervision, create, update, and maintain procedures and documents. Participate in year-end close out and new year set-up activities.

• Assist with presentations and participate in meetings to represent the section and its functions.

• Ensure internal controls and statutory requirements are followed.

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.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

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

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:

• Excellent attendance and dependability.

• Ability to apply accounting principles and procedures, analyze data and draw sound conclusions, develop an effective course of action, prepare complete and concise reports and communications in regards to problems and issues.

• Strong written communication skills and ability to communicate complex information in a correct, clear, and concise manner.

• Communicate effectively with internal and external parties at all levels, establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, and local, state, and federal officials.

• Good attention to details with ability to follow instructions and directions without error.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, set priorities, and meet deadlines with overlapping timeframes.

• Ability to work under pressure and time constraints.

• Ability to be flexible in response to changing workload, consider creative approaches, and apply novel solutions.

• Ability to handle multiple assignments, changing priorities, and coordinate concurrent assignments efficiently.

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 required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts