Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer

About the Organization

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency offering a challenging and rewarding job opportunity. It is leading one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history, providing a fast-paced and fluid work environment.

About the Role

Accountant Trainee

Under close supervision, the Accountant Trainee performs entry-level duties in the professional accounting series, requiring an understanding of the entire accounting process. Responsibilities include cashiering, disbursement functions, safeguarding assets, and ensuring compliance with the Financial Information System of California (FI$Cal) and applicable accounting policies. Work is guided by the State Administrative Manual (SAM), California Government Code (GC), Statutes, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), internal operation manuals, FI$Cal job aids, and desk procedures.

Accounting Officer (Specialist)

Under general supervision, the Accounting Officer (Specialist) performs journey-level duties in the professional accounting series of average difficulty, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the accounting process. Responsibilities include reconciliation, cashiering, disbursement functions, safeguarding assets, and ensuring compliance with FI$Cal and applicable accounting policies. Work is guided by the State Administration Manual (SAM), State Government Codes, Statutes, Federal Railroad Administration, internal operations manuals, FI$Cal job aids, and desk procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform cashiering and disbursement functions.
• Ensure safeguarding of assets and compliance with FI$Cal and accounting policies.
• Utilize the State Administrative Manual (SAM), California Government Code (GC), Statutes, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), internal operation manuals, and FI$Cal job aids.
• Perform reconciliation efforts (Accounting Officer/Specialist).
• Update and/or develop policies and procedures.
• Analyze data and draw sound conclusions to adopt effective courses of action.

Desirable Skills

• Ability to interpret state and federal guidelines on accounting principles and procedures referencing SAM, Uniform Code Manual, CalHR, and Government Code guidelines.
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the state accounting process, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and FI$Cal.
• Knowledge of revolving funds reconciliation.
• Knowledge of the Year-End process (accruals), GAAP requirements, and reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with payroll accounts receivable, collection processes, and accruals.
• Experience with accounts receivable, deposits, disbursements, and fiscal adjustments.
• Experience with reconciliation efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

For details on minimum qualifications, refer to the following links:

• Accountant Trainee Minimum Qualifications
• Accounting Officer Minimum Qualifications

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters is located in downtown Sacramento at 8th and L Street. It is near the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, the 7th and Capitol light rail stop, DOCO, California State Capitol Park, a summer farmer’s market, and Old Sacramento.

Benefits

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