SENIOR ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST)

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Accounting Administrator I (Supervisor), the Senior Accounting Officer (Specialist) independently performs difficult accounting duties which require an understanding of the entire accounting process. This includes coordinating the implementation of accounting for new programs/functions, developing accounting procedures, preparing cash analysis reports, and completing the annual year-end financial reports. The incumbent ensures the safeguarding of assets and the compliance of fiscal accounting policies applicable to the job. All work is completed by utilizing the California Department of Human Resources laws and rules, Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board rules, General Accounting Accepted Principles (GAAP), State Controller’s Office (SCO) rules and regulations, State Administration Manual (SAM), State Government Code (GC) and Statutes, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and internal operations manuals utilizing the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal), Microsoft Office, group meetings and one-on-ones, Teams, and emails. 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than one (1) page, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1. When managing a heavy, fast-moving workload, how do you quickly learn new tasks without missing deadlines? Include your accounting education and work experience and examples that demonstrate your ability to learn quickly.

Applications received without the SOQ may be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

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:

• Ability to interpret guidelines on cost accounting principles and procedures

related to full cost recovery of expenditures.

• Possess strong analytical, critical thinking, verbal communication, and written

communication skills.

• Experience with government accounting processes and strong FI$Cal or

accounting software knowledge and skills.

• Experience with and knowledge of the Year-End process (accruals and

statements), the Month-End process, GAAP reporting, and other reporting requirements.

• Proficient with computer, database, and software applications including

Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Ability to analyze data, draw sound conclusions, adopt an effective course of

action and handle multiple tasks.

• Experience with reconciliations (Appropriation and Cash In State Treasury) and resolving discrepancies independently.

• Experience with Federal Trust Fund, Bond Funds, and the clearing account.

• Experience in multiple fund accounting.

• Experience in dealing with external fiscal control agencies or customers.

• Customer service experience.

• Experience in analyzing resources to develop procedures or solutions.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

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

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-535564 and Senior Accounting Officer (Specialist), 311-380-4567-004/011 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.