Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager

Job Description and Duties

Under direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Chief Accounting Officer, the Accounting Administrator III (Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager) serves in a management role in the Authority’s Accounting Branch and will oversee the General Ledger, Capital Assets, Receivables and Cash Management, and Special Project Sections. This position develops policy, establishes objectives, and sets forth guidelines to ensure that the Authority’s fiscal structure adheres to sound management practices and all applicable accounting principles.

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 two (2) pages, 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 . Discuss your leadership experience which demonstrates your ability to plan, organize, and direct multiple levels of staff across various accounting sections.

2 . Describe your knowledge and experience with fund accounting, general ledger, capital assets, cash flow management, and communicating with internal and external auditors.

3 . Describe your knowledge and experience with the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) and/or other accounting systems.

4 . Provide examples of your knowledge and experience with year-end reporting, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) reporting, that demonstrates your ability to plan, prioritize, and complete multiple products in a timely manner.

Applications received without the SOQ may not 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:

• Accounting Frameworks: Core accounting mastery in GL, Capital Assets, and AR utilizing California frameworks (or out-of-state equivalents) and GAAP.

• State Compliance: Deep knowledge of state accounting systems, the State Administrative Manual (SAM), Government Code, and relevant statutes.

• System Transitions & Software: Proficient in FI$Cal, CalSTARS, Microsoft Excel, and Word, with experience navigating and managing system transitions.

• Year-End Reporting: Experience managing year-end financial reporting across Budgetary Legal, GAAP, and lookback processes.

• Agency Reconciliations: Expertise performing and reviewing complex agency reconciliations, including SCO and State Treasurer’s Office processes.

• External Communication: Proven ability to communicate effectively with external fiscal oversight bodies such as the Department of Finance and SCO.

• Staff Leadership: Experience managing, leading, and developing technical accounting staff within state agencies or equivalent organizations.

• Team Management: Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary professional teams and making strategic decisions for large groups.

• Project & Policy Management: Experience leading complex projects and developing or updating formal accounting policies.

• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Strong analytical, research, and organizational skills with a flexible, creative approach to solving issues in fast-paced environments.

• Interpersonal Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate effectively and positively to all staff levels.

• Process Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with specialized experience preparing and presenting complex accounting processes.

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-525641 and Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager, 311-380-4545-001 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.