Accounting Officer - Collections

Job Description and Duties

Are you good with numbers and passionate about using your accounting education in a meaningful way? Consider serving the students of California by joining the California Department of Education (CDE) Accounting Team. We manage a large number and variety of funding types which can provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, expand your knowledge and grow in your state accounting career.

This position functions as a collections assistant processing accounts receivables information in the Financial Information System for California's (FI$CAL) Accounts Receivable (AR) module. This position is also responsible for approving and correcting Direct Journal entries in FI$Cal's AR module and for reviewing refund requests. Comprehensive knowledge of FI$CAL’s Accounts Receivable (AR) module, effective communication and knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel are important facets of the position.

CDE is located at 15th and N Street in downtown Sacramento. We are conveniently located near the State Capitol and Capitol park, as well as to many restaurants and Light Rail.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. 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 range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

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:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of financial record keeping

• General knowledge of principles of accounting

• General knowledge of governmental accounting principles and procedures

• General knowledge of FI$Cal

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Benefits

The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days

• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Commute Program

More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Examination Information

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.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: or at the link below:

Accounting Officer (Specialist):

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 -

  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ,” be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:
  

  • Describe how your accounting background makes you a good fit for this position

  • Describe (3) strengths that make you the best candidate for this position

  • Describe your career goals and where you see yourself in the next five (5) years