ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE

About the role

The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is California’s chief fiscal officer, ensuring accountability and transparency of the state’s financial practices. The State Accounting and Reporting Division (SARD) prepares and publishes essential financial statements, oversees budgetary control, and provides fiscal information to decision‑makers and the public. This position is located in Sacramento County with a hybrid telework arrangement and is a permanent, full‑time role.

Responsibilities

• 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$Cal utilized by the State Controller’s Office.
• Establish and maintain accounting control records relating to the FI$Cal 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 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.

Requirements

• A current resume is required.
• A copy of your degree, transcripts, or degree evaluation is required.
• Successful completion of the Accountant Trainee Examination is required.
• Eligibility categories: individuals 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 (SROA/Surplus candidates receive priority).
• Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications for the Accountant Trainee classification as specified in the official classification specification.

Pay

The salary range for this Accountant Trainee position is $4,442.00 – $5,296.00 per month. New‑to‑State candidates are hired at the minimum of the range (or alternate range minimum when applicable).