Accounting Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Under the general supervision provided by the Financial Accountant II or Financial Accountant III, the Accounting Analyst is responsible for applying governmental budgetary principles, practices, and procedures in public finance for the implementation, administration, and technical oversight of the annual State of California Budget Act and special legislation within the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). The incumbent must possess knowledge of California state laws, fiscal accounting regulations, and procedures outlined in the State Administrative Manual, the Uniform Codes Manual, and Governmental Accounting Principles, as prescribed by the State Controller’s Office.

Duties Performed:

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

• Read, review, and interpret laws and legislation and prepare the necessary accounting transactions to implement the provisions.

• Perform the operational accounting functions of the central fiscal control system and FI$Cal utilized by the State Controller’s Office.

• Maintain accounting control records in FI$Cal by establishing, processing, and maintaining funds, general ledger accounts, accounts receivable and payable records, appropriations, receipts, disbursements, and other financial records.

• Review and analyze complex transaction requests from state agencies requesting transfers between or within agencies’ funds and accounts. Determine the legality of requests and sufficiency of cash and appropriation.

• Provide analytical assistance in state accounting areas within the bureau.

• Communicate with accounting personnel from state agencies and the Department of Finance to resolve specific accounting issues and explain rules and procedures.

• Advise state agencies by providing solutions to specific accounting problems that result when an agency’s request cannot be honored due to existing laws and regulations, accounting rules and procedures, or a deficiency in cash or appropriation balances.

• Ensure that all documents are sent timely to all affected agencies.

• Prepare account and fund reconciliations and provide solutions to resolve any differences identified.

• Perform analyses of the bureau's processes and forms to identify problems.

• Ensure that the existing procedures meet the requirements of FI$Cal and specialized fiscal control accounting records.

• Identify system improvements and errors related to data input.

• Identify discrepancies and/or program deficiencies.

• Meet with bureau management to present findings of analyses and provide recommendations of how specific processes can be improved and operational tasks streamlined.

• Report findings, recommend changes to bureau management, and revise training materials.

• Prepare detailed accounting reports and presentation of materials for analysis of program and financial performance.

• Per division or section management's request, give presentations and perform special projects by applying accounting and auditing principles and SCO procedures.

• Review legislation for impact on accounting transactions and potential workload.

• Participate in fiscal year-end activities.

• As workload permits, participate in discussion and work in other units within the bureau.

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: Accounting Analyst 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:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

• Above average knowledge and experience with Microsoft Excel, other spreadsheet applications, and database training/experience.

• Ability to be flexible in a complex environment with multiple priorities.

• Ability to ensure that all federal and state guidelines and requirements are met.

• Ability to work independently and part of a team.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to always maintain a courteous and professional demeanor.

• The ability to follow instructions and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to research, analyze data and source documents and arrive at sound conclusions and appropriate actions.

• Exceptional work ethic.

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