Service Credit Purchase Accountant

Job Description and Duties

Please note that this is a limited-term position with the possibility of being extended up to 24 months or becoming permanent.

The CalSTRS Accounting Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Accounting Officer (Specialist) in the Service Credit Purchase Unit.

The Operational Accounting Division is comprised of three units: Billings and Collections, Disbursements and Taxes, and Contributions. These areas focus on accounting for CalSTRS “cash collection” cycle; “procure to pay” cycle, “disbursement” cycle (specifically timely distribution of retirement checks as well as issuing member refunds), as well as, accounting for contribution activities.

The Service Credit Purchase (SCP) Unit processes service credit purchase requests and receivables from members.

Under the general supervision of the Accounting Administrator I (Supervisor), the Accounting Officer (AO) (Specialist) will act as the Service Credit Purchase (SCP) Accountant and must understand the Teachers’ Retirement Law (TRL) relating to SCP and redeposits of previously withdraw contributions and interest. The incumbent independently performs professional accounting duties that are considered average in difficulty within the SCP unit, including billing requests for service credit purchase and redeposit of contributions to completion of the purchase & redeposit. The AO will participate in system projects and tasks that impact the unit, which will include the Pension Solution (PS) Project. In addition, the incumbent serves as a liaison between CalSTRS and its members, beneficiaries, county/district personnel, other agencies and the general public.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or another similar technical field
• Experience using Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Familiarity with CalSTRS pension or similar public pension funds
• Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Ability to provide high quality customer service while navigating complex problems, competing demands, and operational obstacles.

Duties will be adjusted at the Accountant Trainee level.

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

Exam

This position requires either a current Accounting Officer (Specialist) or Accountant Trainee examination

If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility for the Accounting Officer (Specialist).

If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired,  click here to gain list eligibility for the Accountant Trainee.

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: 815-280-4546-030 / Show phone number-XXX , RPA: 0655, JC-520824 .
• 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.