Accountant Trainee

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction provided by the Bureau of Fiscal Systems and Transactions (Bureau) Financial Accountant II (Supervisor) and higher level professional accountants the incumbent will perform professional accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of accounts and records while receiving training; learning agency activities, departmental systems, and central fiscal control activities; and developing interpersonal skills by contact with program personnel and control agencies in fiscal control activities. The incumbent is expected to utilize knowledge of the laws of the State of California, fiscal accounting rules and regulations contained in the State Administrative Manual, governmental accounting principles, and procedures prescribed by the department, to carry out the control functions of the State Controller’s Office.

Duties Performed:

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

• 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 to procedures and processes 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.

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. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment. 

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: Accountant Trainee 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:

• Excellent attendance and dependability.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Attention to detail and great team-building skills.

• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative and ability to research and analyze data.

• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships and professionalism with those contacted in the work place internally and externally, and be courteous and respectful.

• Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

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