Accountant Trainee

Job Description and Duties

The Fiscal Services Division’s (FSD) Accounting Branch manages and oversees accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal control activities for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). The branch supports programs by ensuring accurate and timely recordings of financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports. It provides clear guidance and training on accounting policies and procedures, strengthens internal controls, supports continuous process improvements, and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal accounting and financial reporting requirements.

Under close supervision of the Accounting Administrator I (Supervisor), the Accountant Trainee performs entry-level accounting duties supporting invoice processing and disbursement activities. The incumbent assists with reviewing vendor invoices, preparing FI$Cal vouchers, and maintaining supporting documentation while receiving training in state fiscal procedures. The position performs basic reconciliations and supports workflow under guidance. The incumbent develops knowledge of accounts payable operations while contributing to the Accounts Payable Unit’s productivity.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resources Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

The p ositions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.

PLP Language:

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)  
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
  
• May require occasional of lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• May involve occasional travel to attend meetings or trainings. 

Special Requirements

Applicants must include a Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) for this recruitment. Applications without an SQ or include an SQ that does not directly answer all the items below will not be considered. Resumes do not take the place of the SQ.

• Require Name on SQ
• Require Job Control Number on SQ
• Maximum number of pages: 1

Describe your education, training, and/or work experience that makes you a good fit for the Accountant Trainee position.

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 analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Exceptional follow-through and customer service skills.

• The ability to work well under pressure.

• An attention to detail.

• The ability to use sound judgment and flexibility to adjust workload when necessary.

• Dependability

• An ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• A working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Benefits

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

• Gym
• Daycare facility
• Nearby (third-party) parking
• Convenient to public transportation

Experience and Education

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times, and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma.  Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of the United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.

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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Other -
  • Supplemental Questionnaire (See Special Requirements section for further information)