What are the responsibilities and job description for the ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE position at Department of Social Services?
The Accounting and Automation Support Bureau is recruiting one motivated self-starter seeking a challenging, exciting, and friendly working environment with a variety of work assignments at the Accountant Trainee/Accounting Officer, Specialist (AT/AO Spec) level in the Travel and Payroll Unit.
Accountant Trainee (AT)
The AT, in a training environment, will learn to be responsible for utilizing accounting expertise and analytical skills to complete assignments in the Travel and Payroll Unit. The AT learns to perform various accounting functions as they relate to the maintenance of CDSS' fiscal integrity by ensuring timely issuance and clearance of employee accounts and the policies and payment processes related to payroll and travel expense claim reimbursement. The AT will participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) to meet daily operational needs.
Accounting Officer, Specialist (AO-Spec)
This position performs various accounting functions as it relates to the maintenance of CDSS' fiscal integrity by ensuring timely issuance and clearance of employee accounts and the policies and payment processes related to payroll and travel expense claim reimbursement. The AO-Spec will work with Personnel Bureau analysts to ensure accurate and timely processing and distribution of all payroll related documents within the guidelines set forth in the Payroll Procedures Manual. The AO-Spec will participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of FI$Cal to meet daily operational needs.
Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows: Recruitment Survey.
Would you like more information regarding career opportunities with the CDSS? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov and include the job classification and job control number in the subject line. Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
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
Shall Consider:
ACCOUNTING OFFICER (SPECIALIST)
Department Information
The Accounting and Automation Support Bureau actively participates in the County Expense Claim Reporting Information System (CECRIS) Project from start to finish following the Agile-SCRUM methodology; contributes in the procurement process and monitors contract obligations and deliverables to ensure efficient compliance with all guidelines, rules, and regulations. Utilizes the newly automated time reporting system, Employee Service Center, to streamline the labor distribution process which ensures the fiscal integrity of the cost allocation and FI$Cal month end/year end processes; ensures cost allocation processes adhere to federally approved methodology for the State’s Cost Allocation Plan and remains in line with the Budget Act on behalf of the Department. Provides financial reports and analysis to stakeholders and Department end users to support the Accounting and Fiscal System Branch's mission.
Special Requirements
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 details your interest in the Department of Social Services and how your education and experience qualifies you for the position.
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.
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: 3/14/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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.
- School Transcripts
- Statement of Qualifications -
(SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Desirable Qualifications
- Outstanding analytical skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Exceptional follow-through and customer service skills.
- An ability to work well under pressure.
- Attention to detail.
- The ability to use sound judgement and flexibility to adjust workload when necessary.
- Dependability.
- The ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- A working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- FI$Cal knowledge beneficial.
Benefits
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.
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:
Supriya Nair
(916) 654-1912
supriya.nair@dss.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:EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
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.
Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:
CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.
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.
