Under the general direction provided by the Bureau of Fiscal Systems and Transactions (Bureau) Financial Accountant II (Supervisor) and higher level professional accountants the incumbent will perform professional accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of accounts and records while receiving training; learning agency activities, departmental systems, and central fiscal control activities; and developing interpersonal skills by contact with program personnel and control agencies in fiscal control activities. The incumbent is expected to utilize knowledge of the laws of the State of California, fiscal accounting rules and regulations contained in the State Administrative Manual, governmental accounting principles, and procedures prescribed by the department, to carry out the control functions of the State Controller's Office.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
- Review accounting control documents to determine proper accounting treatment, legality, sufficiency of cash and appropriation availability.
- Perform the operational accounting functions of the central fiscal control system and FI$Cal utilized by the State Controller's Office.
- Establish and maintain accounting control records relating to the FI$Cal system and specialized fiscal control accounting records.
- Set-up control accounts as required by established guidelines.
- Prepare and process journal entries in response to transaction requests.
- Update, review and verify historical accounting data in automated spreadsheets and databases.
- Prepare account and fund reconciliations and provide solutions to resolve any differences identified.
- Assist with forecasts and stress-testing, review, evaluate, reconcile and monitor accounting transactions.
- Prepare detailed accounting reports and presentation of materials for analysis of program and financial performance.
- Review current procedures and processes to determine the need for changes. Make recommendations, develop and implement changes to procedures and processes as requested.
- Effectively communicate with accounting personnel from state agencies to resolve general accounting problems.
- Review legislation for impact on accounting transactions and potential workload.
- Prepare analyses of findings and recommendations.
- Participate in fiscal year-end activities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
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.
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.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525694
Position #(s):
051-420-4179-192
Working Title:
Accountant Trainee
Classification:
ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE $4,442.00 - $5,296.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Accounting and Reporting Division
Department Information
The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future.
T he State Accounting and Reporting Division (SARD) of the California State Controller's Office plays a crucial role in ensuring the transparency, accuracy, and efficiency of the state's financial operations. As the backbone of California's financial reporting, SARD is responsible for preparing and publishing essential financial statements, overseeing the state's budgetary control, and providing vital fiscal information to policy decision-makers and the public. Working in this division means contributing to the financial stability and integrity of the fifth-largest economy in the world with opportunities to engage in meaningful work, learn from seasoned experts, and grow your career in public finance.
Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!
Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office.
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Special Requirements A resume is required.
A copy of your degree, transcripts, or degree evaluation is required.
Take the required examination here: Accountant Trainee Examination
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/4/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, C.B.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, C.B.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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:
- Excellent attendance and dependability.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Attention to detail and great team-building skills.
- Demonstrate a high degree of initiative and ability to research and analyze data.
- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships and professionalism with those contacted in the work place internally and externally, and be courteous and respectful.
- Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lucy Xiong
(916) 323-6455
LXiong@sco.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
SCO EEO Officer
(916) 324-2223
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.