Trainee Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Accounting and Reporting Bureau is recruiting for a motivated self-starter seeking a challenging, exciting, and friendly working environment with a variety of work assignments at the Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist level within the General Ledger Unit.
Accountant Trainee (AT)
The AT is an entry level position in which you will learn how to perform various accounting functions such as post journal entries, reconcile appropriations and general ledger accounts, and prepare financial statements. These tasks include, but are not limited to, maintaining accounting records, preparing all types of accounts and records of financial transactions, and the preparation of year-end financial statements. Participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) projects to meet daily operational needs
Accounting Officer, Specialist (AO-Spec)
The AO-Spec is responsible for accounting duties of average difficulty as they relate to the accounting functions and tasks mentioned above. The AO-Spec utilizes accounting knowledge and analytical skills, perform maintenance and uniformity of financial reporting for revenues, expenditures, reimbursements, fund transfers, encumbrances, and appropriations in accordance with federal and state rules and regulations.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer's markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE
• ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522275
Position #(s):
800-623-4179-480
Working Title:
Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist
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.
Shall Consider:
ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST)
$5,266.00 - $6,591.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
The mission of the Accounting and Reporting Bureau is to ensure the financial records and automated accounting systems of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) maintain fiscal integrity in accordance with sound accounting principles, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, State Uniform Accounting System, and State and Federal regulations. Record and reconcile all transactions posted to the Department's financial book of record, the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). Maintain the fiscal integrity of FI$Cal, the County Expense Claim (CEC) system, and other ad hoc systems to provide accurate and timely financial reporting to federal and state compliance agencies, as well as internal and external end users. Provide cash management oversight and projections in accordance with the Budget Act to meet the needs of CDSS.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a standard application (STD. 678). In the 'Examinations' section of the STD. 678, you must indicate your appointment eligibility (list, transfer, permissive reinstatement, etc.) and reference the Position number and Job Control (JC) number. A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ) IS REQUIRED. The SOQ must: be in 12 pt. Arial font; have 1" margins; be limited to no more than two (2) single-sided pages; be in narrative form (no bullet points); and detail your interest in the Department of Social Services and how your education and experience qualifies you for the position. Applicants are encouraged to provide unofficial transcripts. Only complete applications that include an SOQ will be reviewed and only the most qualified candidates will be interviewed.
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
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: 7/2/2026
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:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 94244-2430
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 95814
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

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:
Successful candidates will possess:
• Good interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure.
• Flexibility to adjust workload to meet deadlines.
• An attention to detail.
• Dependability.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
  • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
  • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!
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:
Rica Dagdagan
(916) 651-5098
Rica.Dagdagan@dss.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Rea