Financial Systems Manager

Job Description and Duties

The CalSTRS Enterprise Risk & Compliance Services Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as a Financial Accountant III in the Strategic Services Unit.

The Strategic Services Unit supports the Financial Services Branch by providing finance and accounting expertise for both the financial and pension administration systems at CalSTRS. Additionally, they lead efforts related to business readiness, innovation, legislative analysis, and act as the liaison and administrator for various external systems used by CalSTRS to support financial and accounting business processes.

Under the direction of the Strategic Services Assistant Director (SSAD), the Financial Accountant III (FA III) provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the Financial Systems Team within the Strategic Services Unit. The FA III is responsible for governance, oversight and support of changes to systems used across the Financial Services Branch (FSB), including CalSTRS’ Enterprise Resource Planning system, BusinessDirect, and Pension Administration System, BenefitConnect. In partnership with Technology Services, the incumbent ensures strategic oversight and risk management over highly complex system initiatives that impact finance, investment and pension accounting operations. This role champions system changes and initiatives to align with enterprise strategic goals, project management best practices, and regulatory and accounting standards including, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Proven experience in supervising, mentoring, or leading teams in a financial or technical environments.
• Skilled at coordinating cross-functional projects involving financial, accounting or pension administration technology.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytical ability to resolve complex accounting and system issues.
• Ability to clearly present complex or technical information to stakeholders and leadership, adapting communication style for various audiences in both verbal and written formats.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills, with the capacity to independently manage multiple assignments with overlapping deadlines.
• Flexible and resilient, able to adapt to changing priorities and maintain professionalism in a dynamic environment.
• Committed to delivering timely, accurate, and effective support to clients and stakeholders, ensuring high satisfaction and trust. 

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program 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 for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed three pages, single-spaced, 12-point font and address the following questions:

1. Please describe your experience and education as they relate to the desirable qualifications for this position. In your response, highlight specific examples that demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities relevant to the role.
2. Discuss your experience managing, contributing to, or supporting the implementation, upgrade, or enhancement of large-scale financial or accounting systems.
   
3. Describe a situation in which you shaped or influenced decision-making within a financial or system-related project.
   

Exam

This position requires a current Financial Accountant III examination . If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a  Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act , which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) .

Incompatible Activities

This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990 . Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
• More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
• More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
• Health insurance in retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Loan forgiveness under the federal 

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR .

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.  If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-108-4193-003, RPA: 1030, JC-527279.
• If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
• Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
  
• Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
• Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification. 

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section of the job posting for detailed instructions.