Section Manager

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Accounting Administrator III, the Accounting Administrator II in this position provides leadership, plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of professional staff through two Accounting Administrator I – Supervisors who are responsible for the Local Government Policy Unit and County Cost Plans Unit. The incumbent, while exercising a high level of independence, and in collaboration with the bureau chief, performs the full range of duties including, but not limited to, the following:

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

• Understand, promote and assist in setting and achieving Division, Bureau and Section long-term and short-term goals together with strategic and succession plans.

• Function as key policy advisor for program status and updates.

• Manage change, plan strategically, solve problems and make sound decisions through analysis and research.

• Evaluate staff performance, provide guidance and motivation to solve performance and other issues.

• Perform, review and ensure administrative tasks are completed timely and adhere to policies and procedures.

• Conduct presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

• In consultation with bureau chief, represent the State Controller at various work group meetings with local government officials and staff using diplomacy and appropriate communication techniques.

• Oversee the work of the unit responsible for planning and facilitating the State Controller’s Annual County Auditors Conference.

• Oversees the work of professional staff responsible for assisting various commissions and committees.

• Oversees the work of the unit performing desk and field reviews of county cost allocation plans submitted by 58 California counties.

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: Accounting Administrator II 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:

• Strong working knowledge of accounting principles and practices, policy and procedures.

• Ability to read, understand, and interpret and apply legislation, accounting pronouncements, rules, standards, and procedures.

• Experience analyzing data and providing effective executive summaries.

• Demonstrated communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to encourage open communication across all levels of the organization.

• Work collaboratively with other sections, other divisions and with local governments.

• Strong administrative and organizational abilities.

• Strong personnel management including the ability to develop and mentor staff.

• Ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively with a variety of individuals (e.g., managers, staff, internal and external stakeholders, local governments, Executive Office), conversing and questioning as dictated by the situation at hand.

• Effective presentation skills.

• Ability to perform well under pressure while working in a fast-paced and multitasking environment.

• Ability to follow directions while demonstrating a high degree of initiative, independence, and responsibility in successfully performing the assigned job duties.

• Good work habits, self-motivated, dependable and a positive attitude.

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