Accounting Officer (Specialist)

Job Description and Duties

Why join CalHR?
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role

Under the general supervision of the Accounting Administrator I (Supervisor), Accounts Payable Unit, the Accounting Officer (Specialist) independently performs a variety of professional accounting duties of average difficulty for CalHR and the State Personnel Board (SPB).

How to Apply

Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job . If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at View email address on us.fitly.work . We’d love to hear from you!

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year. 
• Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby. 
• Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together. 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration. 
• Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts. 

• Compensation: The advertised salary reflects gross pay before taxes and payroll deductions. Actual take-home pay will vary based on applicable tax withholdings and employee benefit elections, including retirement plan contributions, health insurance, and other voluntary deductions.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs. 

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 3% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: 
Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): Every seven (7) - twelve (12) months depending on the position and based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary of the position.

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

1. Describe your ability to multi-task and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
2. Describe your knowledge and experience with accounts payable and travel reimbursements.

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

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:

• Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting
• Knowledge of the uniform accounting system and financial record keeping
• Knowledge of principles of business management, public finance, and business law
• Knowledge of California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System (CalATERS)
• Knowledge of the Financial Information System for California (Fl$Cal)
• Ability to reconcile complex governmental funds and prepare financial statements
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Ability to prepare clear, complete, and concise reports
• Ability to speak and write effectively
• Strong analytical, decision making, organizational, time management, and planning skills
• Experience developing written procedures

Benefits

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at for more information!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

Additional Application Information

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at for more information!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

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.
• Other - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
• Other - If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications of the classification, please include your unofficial transcripts. If you are not using education, please bypass this requirement.