Accountant Trainee

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.


Under the close supervision of the Senior Accounting Officer (Supervisor), the Accountant Trainee is responsible for performing professional accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of accounts and records for the Department.


The incumbent must ensure work assignments are complete within assigned deadlines, develop and maintain working relationships, treat others with respect, remain objective and open-minded while dealing with individuals or groups, participate in meetings, share ideas and information for a well-organized environment, work as a team and participate effectively towards Unit goals, work independently and show initiative in process improvement, and follow verbal and/or written instructions.


As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the "essential functions" of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!


This CDFA work location is near restaurants, coffee shops, and a farmer's market. We are within walking distance to light rail/public transportation, across the street from beautiful Capitol Park, and two miles from Downtown Commons (DOCO). Office location has multiple parking garages in surrounding area


This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.


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

Working Conditions


The incumbent works in an office setting with workstations that are in close proximity to other FSB staff. The station is equipped with modular furniture, a phone, and a computer with various desktop programs. A printer is located outside of the immediate workstation area. The workstation is also equipped with an adjustable roller chair, file drawer cabinets, and a desktop of standard height. The office is equipped with three photocopying machines and a fax machine. Files with shelves are located throughout the office. The maximum height of the files is approximately six feet.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy. Specific telework schedules may be discussed further during the interview process. Staff will be assigned either a mini desktop or a laptop computer with email and various software and a cell phone to conduct the required duties. Once teleworking is assigned, staff will be assigned equipment needed for telework (monitor(s), keyboard and mouse).


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522153


Position #(s):
014-024-4179-002

Working Title:
Accountant Trainee


Classification:
ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE $4,442.00 - $5,296.00 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


Department Information
The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability.


The Financial Services Branch (FSB) is responsible for all facets of the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) financial services branch management including accounts payable and receivable, travel, revolving funds, cashiers, financial reports, and fiscal systems analysis.


Department Website:


Special Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below may be disqualified from this recruitment. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ instructions and questions are below:


•Restate Questions prior to response

•Include your name and job control number in the top right-hand corner of each page

•Must be single-spaced, no more than two (2) pages, and Arial size 11 font


1) Describe how your education, training, and/or experience have prepared you for the Account Trainee position. Include examples demonstrating your knowledge of accounting principles, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other financial systems.

2) Describe any experience you have processing payments against contracts and/or purchase orders.


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: 7/7/2026
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 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:


Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-522153
1220 N Street, Room 242


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


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


Department of Food & Agriculture


Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-522153
1220 N Street, Room 242


Sacramento , CA 95814


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 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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required with your State application (STD 678). Please see the Special Requirements section for the SOQ details.
  

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.


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



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Hiring Unit Contact:
Sarah Zenti
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Information


Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 may be disqualified.


Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.


Hard Copy Applications
If you are dropping off or mailing in your application, please use the Examination/Employment Application, STD 678 Revised 06/2024 version.



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.